OSHAWA, ON – Oshawa Power has joined together with the Region of Durham, Elexicon Energy, Plug’n Drive, and a network of more than 20 local car dealerships to re-launch E-Mission and bring unprecedented access for drivers across the Durham Region to see and test drive electric vehicles (EVs)

Partially funded by a $50,000 grant from Natural Resources Canada, the program is designed to promote access and education around the EV transition. E-Mission allows local residents to book an EV test drive through Plug’N Drive’s Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) or participating local dealerships. Information and resources are available to help answer questions for those looking to make the transition to an EV through the E-Mission website and virtual showroom which features first-hand testimonials from EV advocates across Durham Region.

The program got under way Thursday, July 29^th with a socially distanced event outside of Oshawa’s City Hall, the first of six local stops for Plug’n Drive’s MEET. Representatives from the program’s partners, members of the local media, and local politicians, including Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, Regional Chair John Henry, and Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull, were invited to test drive electric vehicles and speak about Durham Region’s plans to promote the transition to electrified transportation.

(Video courtesy snapd Oshawa & Randy Nickerson)

“It’s amazing to see how the E-Mission program has grown since it’s inception in 2018, when Oshawa Power first showed up to Autofest, unsure how our message would be received, to a Durham Region-wide program with support from the national government and a diverse group of stakeholders,” said Oshawa Power’s Manager of Sustainability, Janet Taylor. “Now that we know our customers have a desire to learn about, and adopt EVs, we look forward to continuing to grow E-Mission into a brand that can help make EV adoption accessible to more residents of Durham Region.”

As of August 3^rd, all available test drive slots at the MEET’s six stops have been booked, allowing more than 240 Durham Region residents to experience driving an EV. Stay tuned for updates as Oshawa Power works to open more test drive slots across the Durham Region. If you missed out on booking a test drive at one of the MEET locations, visit the E-Mission website to find a participating dealer near you and call to arrange a test drive.