In 2022, we encouraged Bow Valley residents to replace their gas cars with electric vehicles by reducing perceived barriers during our Electric Vehicle Awareness project. We busted electric vehicle myths, created inspiring videos, hosted Canmore’s first Electric Vehicle Expo, ran a 14-day electric vehicle test drive event with Plug’n Drive, and facilitated a 5-part educational webinar series.
Well over 1,000 visitors attended Canmore’s first Electric Vehicle Expo on May 28, 2022. The Expo was an opportunity to showcase a variety of full battery-electric vehicles and to connect experts and enthusiasts in the electric vehicle industry with residents and visitors of the Bow Valley.
Over 20 electric vehicles came to Canmore for the event. A variety of makes and models were represented, including Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Chevrolet, Audi, and more. Buddy Boyd (www.boltacrosscanada.com) drove his Chevrolet Bolt over 3,500km round trip on a scenic route from Gibsons, BC to attend the event. Waverley Birch of Canmore (IG: @tozerotogether) attended with her Hyundai Kona, showing off her camping set-up. A Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner powered a coffee machine on the spot from their electric vehicle battery.
Experts from ATCO, the Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta, Tesla Owners Club of Alberta, Bow Valley Climate Action, and Wolfe Canmore answered peoples’ questions about electric vehicle charging, range, winter driving, and more.
In addition to electric vehicles, Calgary Cycle City promoted electric motorcyles, Pedego Canmore offered electric bike test rides, and Community Cruisers solicited feedback on the future of e-bikes. Educational displays from Solar Alberta and Gasonic Group also highlighted the importance of renewable energy and clean air to event attendees.
This event hosted by the Biosphere Institute in partnership with Bow Valley Climate Action Society, is made possible due to support from Natural Resources, Town of Canmore, Alberta Ecotrust, Calgary Foundation, Rumi, ATCO, and Good Earth Coffeehouse.