Ontario’s Plug’n Drive Launches the World’s First Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre

 May 21, 2017

“The EV Discovery Centre will serve as an EV hub for consumers throughout Ontario and for visitors from around the world,” says Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive. “We are providing a one-stop-shop where consumers can explore and test-drive the latest EV models, alongside charging solutions at home and on the road.”

The centre is a public-private partnership between Plug’n Drive, the Province of Ontario, TD Bank Group, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Power Workers’ Union (PWU), Toronto Hydro and Bruce Power.

Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan aims to expand EV sales to 5% of all new vehicles sold by 2020. The EV Discovery Centre is a key component in accomplishing this goal.

“We are investing proceeds from Ontario’s carbon market into Plug’n Drive’s Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre to encourage more Ontarians to make the switch to low-carbon transportation and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,” says Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. “As part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action, we are helping to tackle emissions from the transportation sector, which is the single-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the province.”

The EVDC is a learning centre that provides visitors with the knowledge they need to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase. After visitors have expressed interest, the EVDC will refer them to an EV-certified dealership in their area.

Located in North York, the centre features:

• an indoor showcase of the latest EV models and charging stations from leading manufacturers

• 4 public charging stations in the test drive zone, powered by Toronto Hydro

• PWU sponsored interactive digital displays to engage consumers on EV technology, Ontario’s electricity sector, climate change, and other related topics

• the OPG Power Place: a training facility for corporate and stakeholder engagement events for up to 100 people

• Bruce Power Coffee Bar: complimentary for visitors surrounded by educational exhibits on home charging

• TD Zone, offering information on EV exclusive financing and insurance options

Photo source: Plug’n Drive.