Take the wheel and experience the benefits of electric power on June 10!

May 26th, 2023
By mball

Dufferin County invites residents to take the wheel and experience the benefits of electric power on Saturday, June 10 for a free electric vehicle test-drive with Plug’n Drive!

The event will take place at the 82 Broadway Street municipal parking lot in Orangeville from 9 am to 3 pm where residents will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a variety of EV makes and models including:

  • Hyundai Ioniq5
  • Kia Sorento PHEV
  • Chevrolet Bolt EUV Premier
  • Volvo C40

Test-drives will be led by Plug’n Drive’s expert EV Ambassadors who will provide information and answer questions about electric vehicles in a sales-free, no-pressure environment. The Climate Action in Dufferin team will also be onsite to share information about the County’s electric vehicle charging network and climate action initiatives.

Fifteen minute test-drive sessions will be available on a first come first-serve basis with sign ups starting at 9 am at the Plug’n Drive event booth. Drivers must have a full G license and be at least 21 years of age.

About the Charge Up in Dufferin Network

With 49 per cent of local greenhouse gas emissions in Dufferin County coming from the transportation sector, making the switch to electric vehicles is a big step in tackling climate change and creating cleaner, healthier communities.

The Charge Up in Dufferin Network is made up of 22 Level 2 charging stations and two Level 3 fast chargers at various municipal offices, recreation, and cultural centers across Dufferin. The Network builds confidence that the switch to electric is possible with convenient, affordable and reliable charging opportunities wherever you are.

The project was supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). ZEVIP aims to address the lack of charging stations in Canada in alignment with the country’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and A Healthy Economy, which accelerates zero-emission vehicle adoption as an investment that will deliver economic and environmental benefits for decades to come.

More information on the County’s Charge Up in Dufferin Network, including charging station locations, can be found at www.dufferincounty.ca.

Quick links

Quotes

As of May 1, 2023, 15,217 kg of CO2 has been saved in Dufferin County thanks to those who drive electric vehicles. Making the switch to electric vehicles is possible thanks to convenient, affordable, and reliable charging opportunities, and will deliver economic and environmental benefits for our community. We encourage residents to join us on June 10 to experience the benefits of electric power!”

- Wade Mills, Warden, Dufferin County

“Dufferin County is dedicated to reaching net-zero by 2050, and key to this goal is promoting climate-friendly driving habits and shifting towards electric vehicles and alternative fuels. Learn about the benefits of electric vehicles and test drive one at our event with Plug’n Drive!”

- Chris Gerrits, Councillor and Chair, Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee, Dufferin County

“Dufferin County continues to take steps to ensure a safe, healthy and equitable future for our community and the environment. We invite residents to chat with our Climate Action in Dufferin team and learn more about the County’s electric vehicle charging network and climate action initiatives at this exciting event.”

- Sonya Pritchard, Chief Administrative Officer, Dufferin County

"We are thrilled to bring this event to Dufferin County and provide an opportunity for residents to experience electric vehicles firsthand. Electric vehicles offer many benefits, including lower operating costs, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a smoother and quieter driving experience. Our goal is to help more Canadians make the switch to electric and this event is a great way to showcase the benefits of EVs."

- Cara Clairman, CEO of Plug'n Drive

 

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT:

Megan Ball, Manager of Communications

mball@dufferincounty.ca