TORONTO, Ont. — As the automotive industry continues towards electrification, there remain questions about what the electric vehicle future is going to look like.
The answers can be found at Electric City, a new feature at the Canadian International AutoShow that puts a spotlight not only EVs, but also on vehicle charging options, green electricity and electrified micro-mobility alternatives. Sponsored by EnerSavings and the Toronto Star, and with support from the Government of Canada, Electric City is a showcase of the ecosystem that is driving the new age of mobility, empowering consumers to explore the charging options in market for EV owners and prospective buyers and learn more about the switch to electric vehicles.
“The electrification of the automotive sector is gaining momentum and will only continue to grow as Canada marches towards a Net Zero future,” says Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow. “The AutoShow has always been a platform to see where the future of the automobile is going, and today electrification is a big part of that.”
A repayable Government of Canada investment of $500,000 through the Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to create Electric City supports the federal mandate for zero-emission vehicles in Canada.
“For 50 years, the Canadian International AutoShow has been Canada’s largest celebration of the automobile industry, ” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Our investment in Electric City will help Canadians learn about the latest innovations in EV technologies, while reinforcing our commitment to helping Canada’s automobility researchers, manufacturers and suppliers achieve products and solutions that will drive the future of mobility.”
The Canadian International AutoShow will continue to showcase all things electric, as the movement towards electrification continues. There are more than 75 all-electric vehicles across the AutoShow this year, including several stationed in Electric City.
Electric City also features:
- EnerSavings showcasing residential — both single home and multi-unit — charging solutions with experts on hand to answer questions and demonstration models of charging systems for homes, condominiums and businesses.
- Ivy Charging Network promoting its home charging solutions, and offering guests a chance to win an EV weekend getaway, plus 30 per cent off an all-in-one home charging solution that includes a premium Ivy home charger, professional installation, three-year warranty and ongoing member support.
- Ontario Power Generation building awareness about the use of electricity to power vehicles, showcasing its efforts to create a safer, cleaner and more affordable grid — and they have slot-racing track the kids can enjoy!
- Home charging solutions are also being showcased by CES Vehicle Solutions and
- SARIT (Safe Affordable Reliable Innovative Transport) – the latest innovation from Magna founder Frank Stronach — with a range of its single-user electric vehicles that can redefine urban commuting.
- AmegoEV, A Toronto-born success story, showcasing its full range of electric bicycles, including the latest models and newest eBike features.
- An indoor Micro Mobility Test Track where attendees can try an AmegoEV bicycle or SARIT on a pre-set course that simulates real-world riding conditions and shows off the performance and handling of the bikes and vehicles.
- Potential Motors showing off its Adventure 1, an all-electric off-road vehicle that can also serve as a camper — space for two to sleep comfortably with a hidden kitchen that pulls out of the back of the vehicle (from under the bed) that includes a propane-powered stove, small fridge and, yes, a kitchen sink.
- A self-propelled high-tech AI Stroller from Vancouver-based Glüxkind – a company that was awarded honours at the CES Show in Las Vegas for Innovation.
- Electric vehicle test drive operator — and sponsor of the AutoShow’s EV Test Track — Plug’n Drive is stationed in Electric City to answer questions about the process of switching to a fully electric vehicle.
- OVIN Corner, a showcase of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network.
- LoopX AI, founded by a group of robotics students at the University of Waterloo in 2022, with its AI-powered autonomous solutions, from robot deliveries to haulage systems to underground mining.
- Haze Canada, which has developed a new carbon fibre material that is stiffer than steel yet lighter than aluminum, providing better solutions for mobility applications.
- A vehicle sharing service specifically for EVs; Steer EV is promoting its diverse fleet of vehicles and vehicle-share options.
- The Toronto Star, tracking 50 years of the Canadian International AutoShow as it has appeared on pages of its newspaper through the years.
Electric City also features displays by Sailun Tire, the City of Toronto, Albion Club Car and University of Toronto Formula Racing.
The federal government has mandated that all new vehicles sold in the country by 2035 be zero-emission vehicles. Sales of EVs in Canada crossed the five per cent threshold last year, and patterns around the world have shown that number as the tipping point — market share of EVs is expected to skyrocket in the next few years.
With that mandate hurtling towards us, the global automotive industry will continue to evolve towards electrification, and the AutoShow will continue to be a showcase of advancements in the coming years.
For more information or to buy tickets, please visit autoshow.ca. Media accreditation to the 2023 AutoShow is now online and can be requested at autoshow.ca/media-registration.
Stay connected with the Canadian International AutoShow on Instagram @autoshowca, Twitter @autoshowcanadaand Facebook /autoshowcanada.
About the Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star
Celebrating its 50th year, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With annual attendance in excess of 330,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
About FedDev Ontario
For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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For more information, please contact:
Kalvin Reid
Director of Public Relations
Enterprise Canada
289-241-7936
kreid@enterprisecanada.com
Twitter: @KalReid
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
