Plug’n Drive’s Western Mobile EV Education Trailer brings hands-on EV education to Kal Tire Place in Vernon, BC
Vernon, BC – August 27, 2026 – Vernon residents and visitors will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle (EV) this fall when Plug’n Drive brings its Western Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) to Kal Tire Place from September 3 – October 4, 2026.
Part of the nationwide EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour, MEET Vernon will offer free test drives and expert guidance every Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Tour is partially funded by Natural Resources Canada and championed by RBC, with support from the Local Presenting Sponsor, the City of Vernon.
Designed as a sales-free interactive event, MEET Vernon will give the community hands-on education to electric mobility. Attendees can test drive a variety of EV models alongside Plug’n Drive EV Ambassadors while getting expert insights into charging options, operating costs, winter performance and government incentives.
“MEET Vernon will offer drivers a practical, sales-free way to explore electric mobility,” said Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive. “Our EV Ambassadors will be on-site to provide clear, unbiased answers on everything from charging and range to seasonal driving, empowering people to choose what works best for them.”
MEET Vernon Details
- Dates: September 3 – October 4, 2026
- Hours: Thursdays through Sundays, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Location: Kal Tire Place, 3445 43rd Ave., Vernon, BC | Map to MEET Vernon at Kal Tire Place
What to Expect
Visitors to MEET Vernon can:
- Test drive a range of electric vehicles in a relaxed, sales-free environment
- Learn about charging, range, costs, and incentives through educational displays
- Speak with EV experts to get unbiased answers to their questions
- Compare EV models and learn which options may fit their lifestyle, budget, and driving needs
- Explore how EVs perform for city driving, commuting, longer trips, and Alberta road conditions
Vehicles available for test drives (subject to change):
- Cadillac OPTIQ
- Chevrolet Silverado EV
- Hyundai IONIQ 5
- Hyundai IONIQ 9
- Nissan LEAF
- Toyota bZ
- Toyota Prius PHEV
- Volvo EX60 PHEV
Win 250,000 RBC Avion Points
Enter for a chance to Win 250,000 RBC Avion Points
When you visit a MEET event and test drive an electric vehicle, you can enter the EVs are for EVeryone Tour Contest, presented by RBC, our National Champion Sponsor.
Two lucky winners—one from Eastern Canada and one from Western Canada—will each receive 250,000 Avion points, enough to redeem for an electric scooter and more.
How to Enter:
Visit a MEET event and scan the contest QR code to enter, or enter by visiting the western or eastern contest pages.
No purchase necessary. One entry per person. Open to all MEET visitors.
Visit the Tour. Drive electric. You could win big!
“Empowering Canadians with practical EV knowledge is why RBC is excited to support the EVs are for EVeryone Tour,” said Alexander Watson, Regional Head, Retail Markets. “Through MEET Vernon, community members can experience electric vehicles firsthand and access information that helps them make confident, informed choices about their switch to electric vehicles.”
How to Participate in MEET Vernon
- Book ahead: Reserve a test drive online using the booking tool on the MEET Vernon webpage
- Walk-ins welcome: Drop by during event hours
Driver requirements:
- Must be 21+ with a full, unrestricted driver’s license
- Prefer not to drive? An EV Ambassador can drive for you
- Passengers aged 9+ welcome with a parent or guardian
Local Partners Supporting MEET Vernon
MEET Vernon is proudly presented locally by the City of Vernon.
“We are excited to have the Mobile EV Education Trailer stop at Vernon—bringing hands-on EV education to our community” said Kevin McCarty Specialist, Climate Action, City of Vernon. “As interest in real-world EV performance grows across the province, this event offers locals a welcoming space to test drive a variety of EVs and speak directly with Plug’n Drive’s EV Ambassadors to get clear answers.”
Local EV Roadshows
During the period that MEET Vernon will be in the region, two EV Roadshows will branch out from the MEET to bring the EV experience to communities in the region.
“Making the switch to an EV raises real questions about cold-weather range, battery longevity, and ongoing maintenance,” said Yves Racette, Director of Training and Emerging Technologies for NAPA’s NexDrive program. “Through NexDrive, Powered by NAPA, our goal is to ensure drivers feel completely supported on the road ahead. Bringing Plug’n Drive’s EV Roadshows to Vernon gives the community direct access to expert, unbiased answers and the confidence to explore electric mobility firsthand.”
EV Roadshow: Kelowna, Highway 33 NAPA AUTOPRO
Wednesday, 9 September 2026 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
160 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC V1X 2A2
EV Roadshow: Kelowna, NAPA AUTOPRO – A Plus Automotive
Wednesday, 23 September 2026 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
2165 Rutland Ct, Kelowna, BC V1X 8H3
EVs are for EVeryone Tour National and Regional Sponsors
The Tour is made possible through partial funding from Natural Resources Canada and the essential support of sponsors.
National Champion Sponsor – RBC
Discovery Sponsors – Mike Brigham Foundation | Power Workers’ Union
Electrifying Sponsors – Bruce Power | NexDrive powered by NAPA | Ontario Power Generation | Toronto Hydro
Automaker Sponsors – Cadillac | Chevrolet | Hyundai | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Toyota | Volvo
Accelerator Sponsors – CAA Québec | Elocity | Flo
Amplified Sponsors – CAA | Electricity Canada | Electric Mobility Canada | Electrical Safety Authority | Indigenous Clean Energy | Women in Renewable Energy WiRE
EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour events offer EV test drives, expert consultations, and information on charging, the economic and environmental benefits of EVs, and how to choose the right EV for your needs.
To see where else the Tour is heading this season, visit EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour to access the full schedule, or explore Plug’n Drive’s events calendar.
About Plug’n Drive
Plug’n Drive is a not-for-profit organization accelerating EV adoption in Canada by providing brand-neutral education, hands-on experiences, and strategic insights to consumers, communities, businesses and decision-makers. Our vision is a well-informed Canadian public that understands the environmental and economic benefits of driving electric and is inspired to make the switch.
This year, we are proud to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Since 2011, we have made incredible strides in our mission through a variety of consumer education programs, including the launch of the world’s first Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre (EVDC) in Toronto, the Electric Vehicle Roadshow event series as well as the Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET). We also deliver EV test-drive experiences at major auto shows across Canada, helping thousands of drivers get behind the wheel each year.
Our corporate partnerships include EV auto manufacturers, utilities, EV charger manufacturers, and others. For more information about Plug’n Drive’s programs, services, and events, visit plugndrive.ca and sign up for our newsletter. Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
If you are interested in an interview, please reach out via the contact information below.
Nusrat Anjum
Communications Advisor, Plug’n Drive
Email: nusrat@plugndrive.ca
Phone: 416-828-6993