Bruce Power, the Municipality of Brockton and Plug'n Drive braved the wet weather Thursday to educate the public on the emerging technology of Electric Vehicles (EVs), while officially opening a charging station in downtown Walkerton.

After a presentation by Plug'n Drive on the increasing viability of EVs due to infrastructure upgrades, the public was offered the opportunity to test drive various types of EVs, which were loaned to the event by Leslie Ford and Plug'n Drive, said Brockton Mayor David Inglis.

"Although Electric Vehicles are becoming much more common as the technology and infrastructure improves, we realized most people haven't had the opportunity to actually drive one," Mayor Inglis said. "Thanks to the Grey Bruce Sustainability Network and Brockton's Economic Development and Environmental Advisory Committees, we were able to give community members the chance to sit behind the wheel of the cars of the future."

Francis Chua, Bruce Power's Department Manager, Environment and Sustainability, said educational events such as Brockton's will be the key to EVs gaining acceptance with the drivers of Ontario.

"Every year, EVs become a much more affordable and viable mode of transportation for people, even in rural areas such as ours," Chua said. "As Ontario electrifies its transportation sector, there will be an increase in demand for clean energy."

The Brockton charging station is located at the municipal parking lot in Walkerton at 205 Catharine St.

Stations have also been unveiled in Kincardine, Port Elgin, Southampton and Wroxeter.

source: media release, Bruce Power