With many new features, Canada’s premiere electrification event is bringing together a who’s who of the industry for two days of learning, networking and action

The EV & Charging Expo is Canada’s largest electrification event for business and government professionals who are seeking to add electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure to their fleets and facilities, connecting them with the experts who can make it possible.

Now in its fourth year, the Expo takes place on April 8-9 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto, Ont.

Last year’s event showcased 43 panel discussions, presentations, fireside chats and workshop session, with more 2,000 people registered attendees. More than 400 people took advantage of test drives, and 115 exhibitors and sponsors were on the trade show floor.

Growth returns to Canadian EV sales

It’s been a tumultuous couple of years for the industry as a whole, but this year’s EV & Charging Expo comes after an upturn in Canadian EV sales and at a time of renewed confidence in the country’s commitment to electrification.  

“With its new auto strategy, Canada has clearly signalled that transportation electrification is a priority,” says Ilana Weitzman, vice president of strategic development for clean transportation at Electric Autonomy. “This is the moment when every sector should be thinking about the opportunities this transition unlocks. 

“In 2026, for instance, fleet operators can redeem up to $50,000 in total incentives to purchase electric vehicles, but that’s for one year only.”

EV experts, industry leaders and test drives

More than 100 exhibitors, including Ford Pro, GM Envolve, Kia Fleet, Toyota, Eaton, Hypercharge, SWTCH, United Chargers, Alpitronic and many more, are confirmed to be on the trade show floor with the latest technology in EVs and charging hardware and software, to help accelerate the transition to electric mobility. 

Industry experts from across the electric vehicle ecosystem will be sharing their knowledge and experience as speakers, representing municipalities, commercial fleets, real estate development, charging networks, utilities and many more.

Among the over 100 experts on hand are Keith Kerman, chief fleet officer, deputy commissioner, New York City; René Reif, CEO and COO of PowerCo Canada; Anna van der Kamp, executive director, programs for Natural Resources Canada; Frederic Bel, director of decarbonization programs, Intelcom/Dragonfly; Jase Zampini, design lead, charging infrastructure for Tesla; Sooky Winkler, director, e-Auto Challenge Program with National Research Council Canada; and Chris Bennet, vice president of EV, energy and sustainability at Lazer Logistics.

Test drives of a selection of passenger and commercial electric vehicles will be available on 1.8 kilometres of public roads for a real-world driving experience. 

New features

This year’s Expo features a completely redesigned show floor and many new activities for attendees.

Panel discussions, presentations, technical information sessions and how-to demonstrations will take place across four stages: the Main Stage, the Uber Theatre, the Technical Studio and the NAPA NexDrive Workshop Stage. The Workshop stage will include a demonstration by technicians of a live EV battery inspection to take you under the casing of a modern battery pack in real time.

Other topics throughout the two days include “Miles ahead: How self-driving trucks are transforming middle-mile logistics,” with Richard Steiner of Gatik and Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon of ImagineQ on Day 1.

The second day includes an overview of National Research Council’s e-Auto Challenge program, aimed at accelerating clean automotive technology development in the Canadian supply chain.

Ending the two days will be the ChargeHub Awards, honouring the three top performing EV charging networks across the country, along with a Mention of Excellence Award.

Expert-led roundtable luncheons will take place on both days of the event. A number of qualified buyers of EVs and charging infrastructure are being invited to take part in first-hand discussions on topics ranging from MHDV electrification to the best way to generate revenue from carbon credits.

There are opportunities for one-on-one meetings at the Hub, bookable via the event app, and fun, competitive activities at the Papillons Park to encourage connections on the show floor.

kWh Summit addresses Vehicle-Grid Integration

Preceding this year’s EV & Charging Expo is the kWh Summit, the second edition of this one-day industry event on April 7 that brings together utilities, regulators, policymakers and EV technology providers. This year’s program focuses on using electric mobility to build a more flexible grid.

Collecting so many players from the industry together gives the opportunity for meaningful discussions towards making real change in electric mobility — and other areas.   

“Decarbonizing transportation can tackle some of the most pressing issues to Canadians: affordability, climate, energy security and global competitiveness,” says Weitzman. “Our aim is to bring together the entire ecosystem into one room to collaborate, learn from each other and get things done.”

Visit the EV & Charging Expo site to register.