Plug’n Drive and NexDrive Announce Essential Partnership Powering Canada’s EV Transition

4 March 2025

Bringing Electric Vehicle Education and Test Drives to Communities Nationwide

TORONTO, ON –(COMMUNITYWIRE)– From the floor of the 2025 Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS), Plug’n Drive and NexDrive, powered by NAPA, are thrilled to announce their collaboration on the EVs are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour. This groundbreaking initiative, made possible through the critical support of NexDrive, brings electric vehicle (EV) education and test drives directly to Canadians who are curious about EVs or considering making the switch.

Whether exploring EVs as a way to save on fuel, reduce maintenance costs, or contribute to a greener future, the Tour is designed to provide curious visitors with the information and confidence needed to make the switch to electric.

NexDrive Hosts the EV Experience

NexDrive, a pioneer in the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles in Canada, is the Tour’s National Site Sponsor. As such, it will host the majority of Tour events at its state-of-the-art NAPA AUTOPRO centres, transforming these venues into community hubs for EV education and test drives.

“This partnership is a match made in heaven for NexDrive customers, many of whom are deeply interested in transitioning to electric driving,” said Yves Racette, Program Development Director at NAPA Canada. “Hosting the Mobile EV Education Trailers and EV Roadshows aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting the next generation of EV drivers. This partnership allows us to showcase how NexDrive can meet the evolving needs of EV owners across Canada.”

*Cara Clairman, Plug’n Drive President and CEO, and Yves Racette, Program Development Director at NAPA Canada. (Photo credit: Plug’n Drive)*

A Partnership Built for Success

“Plug’n Drive is delighted to have the support of NexDrive on this journey toward Canada’s net-zero future,” said Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive. “NexDrive recognizes the power of connecting Canadians with hands-on experiences like test drives and EV education as a way to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation. Their support helps us drive meaningful change, one community and one driver at a time.”

Tour Highlights – Hands-On EV Education

The EVs are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour is designed to make EV education and experiences accessible to all Canadians. Highlights include:

Mobile EV Education Trailers (MEETs): These fully equipped trailers will be stationed in communities for 2-4 weeks, offering hands-on EV learning opportunities and test drives.
EV Roadshows: Shorter, flexible events that bring EVs and expert advice to rural, remote, and underserved areas, as well as festivals and conferences.
Test Drives and More: Attendees can explore a variety of EV models, get behind the wheel, and learn about charging solutions, costs, and government incentives.

Empowering Canadians to Make Informed Choices

Tour events are staffed by brand-agnostic EV experts who provide insights and advice in a no-cost, no-pressure environment. Visitors can compare models, ask questions, and experience what it’s like to drive electric – all in a relaxed setting.

Join the Movement

Canadians are encouraged to visit Plug’n Drive’s events calendar to find MEETs and EV Roadshows in their area. Communities interested in hosting an event can contact Plug’n Drive to learn more.

Together, Plug’n Drive and NexDrive are helping Canadians take the wheel on the road to a sustainable, electric future.

EVs are for EVeryone Tour Sponsors

The Tour is made possible through partial funding from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI), and the essential support of NexDrive and other sponsors.

National Site Sponsor – NexDrive, powered by NAPA

Anticipated Tour Schedule

MEET Western Canada 2025

April 3-20 MEET Kelowna, BC
Apr 24-May 18 MEET Calgary, AB
May 22 – Jun 8 MEET Saskatoon, SK
Jun 12-29 MEET Winnipeg, MB
Jul 3-20 MEET Regina, MB
Jul 24-Aug 17 MEET Calgary, AB
Aug 21-Sep 7 MEET Edmonton, AB
Sep 11-28 MEET Banff, AB
Oct 2-19 MEET Canmore, AB
Oct 23-Nov 10 MEET Vancouver Island, BC

MEET Eastern Canada 2025

Apr 10-27 MEET St. Thomas, ON
May 1-18 MEET Orangeville, ON
May 22-Jun 8 MEET Sudbury, ON
Jun 12-22 MEET Petawawa, ON
Jun 26-Jul 13 MEET Quebec City, QC
Jul 17-Aug 3 MEET Edmundston, NB
Aug 7-24 MEET Nova Scotia
Aug 28-Sep 14 MEET Moncton, NB
Sep 18-Oct 5 MEET Riviere-du-Loup, QC
Oct 9-26 MEET Quebec City, QC
Oct 30-Nov 16 MEET St-Jérôme, QC

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 our community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About NexDrive, powered by NAPA

Launched in 2022, NexDrive is the leading pan-Canadian banner dedicated to the maintenance and repair of next generation vehicles. The NAPA Canada division consists of over 600 stores that sell automotive parts, accessories, paint and body shop supplies, and mechanical maintenance and repair service centres. It includes NAPA Auto Parts, NAPA/CMAX, NAPA AUTOPRO, NexDrive and Altrom/Auto Camping. Visit www.napanexdrive.ca for more information about NexDrive and its services.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Alan Downward
Communications and Project Coordinator
Plug’n Drive
alan@plugndrive.ca
(647) 449-9715