Plug’n Drive and RBC Bring Free Electric Driving Experience All Over Winnipeg

5 June 2025

From June 12 to June 29, residents can test drive EVs at the NAPA Distribution Centre and Four NAPA AUTOPRO shops as part of a cross-country electric vehicle education tour

WINNIPEG, MB –(COMMUNITYWIRE)– Plug’n Drive is heading to Winnipeg with its Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET), bringing a fleet of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles for pressure-free test drives to five different NAPA AUTOPRO spots in Winnipeg.

On each Thursday to Sunday between June 12 to June 29, visitors to MEET Winnipeg at the NAPA Distribution Centre – Winnipeg, 1777 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3H 0B4, will be able to test drive up to six different plug-in vehicles.

This will be the fourth MEET in the Western Canada portion of Plug’n Drive’s EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour, a groundbreaking initiative bringing electric vehicle (EV) education and test drives to communities across the country, brought to the Winnipeg area in part by Tour National Champion RBC.

“It’s more important than ever to help Canadians understand the benefits of going electric—from saving money to reducing emissions. Supporting this EV tour is one way to make information more accessible and emphasizes RBC’s commitment to supporting the transition to a net-zero economy,” said Kim Ulmer, RBC Regional President.

The vehicles onsite will include the Chevrolet Equinox EV, in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive form, two other all-electrics with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUV and the Ioniq 6 sedan, plus two plug-in hybrid SUVs: the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volvo XC60 PHEV.

“Since Manitoba introduced a $4,000 rebate on new electric vehicles last year, interest in EVs has been gaining real momentum,” said James Hart, MEET Winnipeg EV Ambassador Team Leader. “We’re seeing more Manitobans exploring electric options, with an expanding range of EV models now available to test drive at dealerships not just in Winnipeg, but across the province. This growing dealer inventory makes it easier than ever for consumers to find an EV that fits their needs.”

This increasing enthusiasm can also be seen on the service and parts side of the automotive world in general, but also in Manitoba specifically.

“NAPA AUTOPRO shops have seen a notable increase in EV interest in the past year in Manitoba, and we’re excited to help support Plug’n Drive’s Cross Canada Tour to bring EV test drives and first-hand knowledge about EV ownership to various NAPA AUTOPRO facilities,” said Yves Racette, Director of NAPA’s High Voltage/NexDrive program, which specializes in electrified vehicle (EV and hybrid) maintenance and repair.

“Despite some headwinds to EV adoption coming from our southern neighbours, Manitoba’s leadership on electric vehicles in the Prairies and events such as this will provide important hands-on experience with EVs, as well as EV ownership info, which will hopefully help them save money when it comes to their own new or used vehicle shopping.”

Addressing EV questions while organizing test drives will be EV Ambassadors from Canadian non-profit Plug’n Drive, many of whom are also electric vehicle owners. They can share resources about all the EVs available in Canada and how they can help save you money, lower planet and health-harming emissions, as well as charging and technology tips for current EV owners or the EV curious.

“The rebate applies to both fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, which is especially important in a province like ours where people often need to consider long travel distances and winter conditions,” Hart added. “That added flexibility is a big deal for Manitoba drivers.”

List of EVs Available for Test Drives

2024 Chevrolet Equinox AWD BEV (All-Wheel Drive Battery Electric Vehicle) SUV
2024 Chevrolet Equinox FWD BEV (Front-Wheel Drive Battery Electric Vehicle) SUV
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 EV sedan
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD (All-Wheel-Drive Battery Electric Vehicle) SUV
2024 Volvo XC60 AWD PHEV (All-Wheel Drive Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) SUV

Hart also emphasized that even if consumers aren’t in the market for a new vehicle, there’s a used EV rebate that will also be helpful, as will test driving newer EV models, as that may increase your familiarity with these models, and potential future test drives of used versions of these EVs.

“The $2,500 rebate for used EVs, introduced at the same time, is also helping to make electric vehicles more accessible for more Manitobans,” said Hart. “By lowering the cost of entry, it’s encouraging more households to make the switch—whether it’s for commuting, family driving, or small business use. Every additional EV on the road contributes to a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable community.”

Interested drivers are advised to book test drive times in advance on the MEET Winnipeg landing page, although walk up visitors are welcome as well. Drivers must be at least 21 years old, with a valid driver’s license. If you don’t have a license or do not wish to drive the vehicles, our EV Ambassadors can do the driving. Children eight and older can be a passenger if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Hours for test drives at MEET Winnipeg at the NAPA Distribution Centre – Winnipeg are:

Thursday June 12 to Sunday June 15, 2025, 10:00 am-5 pm
Thursday June 19 to Sunday June 22, 2025, 10:00 am-5 pm
Thursday June 26 to Sunday June 29, 2025, 10:00 am-5 pm

EV Roadshows throughout Winnipeg

As part of MEET Winnipeg, there will be additional EV Roadshows taking place at various NAPA AUTOPRO shops in Winnipeg. The test drives at the EV Roadshows are available on a first come, first served basis (no pre-booking).

EV Roadshow: Winnipeg at Hi-Tech Automotive
Monday, June 16 @ 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday, June 17 @ 10:00 am-5:00 pm
NAPA AUTOPRO – Hi-Tech Automotive
1761 Pembina Hwy. #1,
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2G6

EV Roadshow: Winnipeg at George Remple Auto Centre
Wednesday, June 18 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
NAPA AUTOPRO – George Rempel Auto Centre
3310 Roblin Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB R3R 0C4

EV Roadshow: Winnipeg at Maxim Muffler & Auto
Monday, June 23 @ 10:00 am-5:00 pm
NAPA AUTOPRO – Maxim Muffler & Auto
970 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R3

EV Roadshow: Winnipeg at Cutting Edge Automotive
Tuesday, June 24 @ 10:00 am-5:00 pm
NAPA AUTOPRO – Cutting Edge Automotive
1247 Gateway Rd.
Winnipeg, MB R2G 1C2

Anticipated Upcoming Tour Schedule

MEET Western Canada 2025

May 22 – Jun 8 MEET Saskatoon SK
Jun 12-29 MEET Winnipeg MB
Jul 3-20 MEET Regina SK
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

May 22-Jun 8 MEET Sudbury ON
Jun 12-22 MEET Gatineau QC
Jun 26-Jul 13 MEET L’Ancienne-Lorette QC
Jul 17-Aug 3 MEET Grand Falls NB
Aug 7-24 MEET Dartmouth NS
Aug 28-Sep 14 MEET Moncton NB
Sep 18-Oct 5 MEET Rimouski QC
Oct 9-26 MEET Québec City QC
Oct 30-Nov 16 MEET St-Jérôme QC

Learn about Plug’n Drive’s EVs are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour.

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.

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

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