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File photo of an EV charging in Vernon (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)
By Liam Verster
EV Information

Nationwide EV test drive and education tour coming to Vernon

Aug 27, 2026 | 12:58 PM

Vernon and North Okanagan residents will have a chance to test drive some electric vehicles.

Plug’n Drive will be bringing its Western Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) to Vernon, and will be stationed at Kal Tire Place from Sept. 3 to Oct. 4. Operating hours will be between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays.

During this time, which is part of the nationwide EVs are for EVeryopne Cross-Canada Tour, people will be able to get behind the wheel of a range of EVs and learn more about them.

Plug’n Drive plans to bring a Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Hyundai IONIQ 9, Nissan LEAD< Toyota bZ, Toyota Prius PHEV, and a Volvo EX60 PHEV to Vernon for people to test drive. However, it was noted that the available vehicles were subject to change.

The tour will also see EV Ambassadors speak with people about a range of topics from the vehicle’s range to winter performance, and from costs to government incentives.

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“MEET Vernon will offer drivers a practical, sales-free way to explore electric mobility,” Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive, stated.

“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.”

People can book an EV test drive online here, or by dropping in during operating hours.

“We are excited to have the Mobile EV Education Trailer stop at Vernon—bringing hands-on EV education to our community”  Kevin McCarty The City of Vernon’s Climate Action Specialist, stated.

“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.”

Plug’n Drive will also host EV roadshows at the Napa Autopro on Highway 33 in Kelowna on September 9, and at the Napa Autopro on Rutland Court September 23, bringing similar education and test drive opportunities to the Central Okanagan.

— 

by Liam Verster
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