Media Release: Plug’n Drive’s MEET Downsview brings electric vehicle education and test drives to North York, Toronto
April 22, 2024-
April 22, 2024, Toronto, Ontario – In recognition of Earth Day, Plug’n Drive is thrilled to kick off the 2024 Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) season in North York, with MEET Downsview thanks to the generous support of site host Northcrest Developments.
The MEET is a community-hub for electric vehicle (EV) education and awareness. At MEET Downsview, visitors can learn about the environmental and economic benefits of driving electric in Canada through conversations with local EV Ambassadors, learning displays, and test drives in some of the latest EV models from leading manufacturers.
Test drive bookings at MEET Downsview are free and are available Thursday to Sunday beginning on April 20 until May 19, 2024 in the parking area immediately adjacent to 123 Garratt Blvd., North York, Ontario. Drivers must be 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license.
Drop-ins are welcome. Preferred appointment times can be secured by using the MEET Downsview booking calendar.
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“Electric vehicle ownership is surging around the world and Canadian interest in electric vehicles has never been stronger,” said Dav Cvitkovic, Plug’n Drive’s Chief Operating Officer. “The MEET allows us to bring EV education and test drives to communities across Canada with our first stop for 2024 in North Toronto. “Since introducing the MEET in 2020 we have engaged communities across Canada – from British Columbia to New Brunswick. Northcrest Developments is a strategic partner well aligned with our aims of clean transportation future.”
“Northcrest Developments is thrilled to host Plug’n Drive on our site. Sustainability is the cornerstone of our vision to reimagine the Downsview Airport Lands. While that transformation will unfold over the coming decades, we’re excited to embrace sustainable initiatives that can make a difference, today,” said Mitchell Marcus, Executive Director, Site Activation & Programming, Northcrest Developments. “That’s why we’re so glad that our site can be utilized as a launch pad for Torontonians to test electric vehicles, and proud to partner with Plug’n Drive who are championing Canada’s energy transition.”
“The MEET is a perfect way to draw the local community interest around EVs. After they visit with us, they not only buy an EV, but come back to show us,” said Mary Mallin, Manager Events and Logistics, Plug’n Drive.
About the MEET
Plug’n Drive has been pleased to work with our many sponsors to develop, design and deliver the Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET). The MEET was first launched in 2020 and is modeled after our Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre located at 33 Bloor Street East in Toronto. It has interactive tools and high-quality materials to help consumers along the EV discovery journey, including information about the benefits of EVs, all the makes and models available in Canada, available incentives, and more. The MEET is staffed by brand agnostic EV experts providing experiential learning in a no-cost, no-pressure, no-sales environment. It is the perfect complement to any regional EV program or initiative and can remain active in one location for weeks or months at a time.
The MEET is a public/private partnership between government and industry.
Partially Funded By: Natural Resources Canada, Power Workers’ Union
MEET Champions: Bruce Power, Hydro One Networks, Ivy Charging Network, Ontario Power Generation, Scotiabank, Toronto Hydro
MEET Catalysts: Chevrolet, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Polestar, Volvo
MEET Enthusiasts: Flo, PowerON
MEET Site Host: Northcrest Developments
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About Plug’n Drive
Plug’n Drive is a not-for-profit organization accelerating EV adoption in Canada to maximize the environmental and economic benefits of an electrified transportation sector. Our vision is to help Canada achieve its goal of 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035 or earlier. 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). 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 Plug’n Drive’s EV Owners Club. Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For more information, please contact:
Alan Downward
Communications and Project Coordinator
Plug’n Drive
(647) 449-9715
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Photo credit: Garcia Creative
