Members of the public can learn a little something about the critical minerals sector and test drive a selection of electric vehicles at the May 28 BEV In-Depth conference at Cambrian College.

In a news release, the City of Greater Sudbury said the exhibit will feature a range of consumer electric vehicles provided by city automotive dealers, while Plug N’ Drive hosts free test drives. “Visitors will also learn how Northern Ontario’s critical minerals sector supports the growing battery electric vehicle industry,” the city said in the release.

“These real‑world experiences demonstrate how decisions made across the critical minerals value chain – from mining through processing – directly influence vehicle performance, adoption and market readiness, reinforcing Greater Sudbury’s role in Canada’s evolving battery‑electric economy.”

The outdoor exhibit will also feature prototype Vector and Borealis vehicles, which

“showcase Canadian expertise in advanced vehicle technology and innovation through collaboration with dozens of companies and organizations across the country” through the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association’s Project Arrow, the first time these are being featured in Northern Ontario, the release states.

Presented by the City of Greater Sudbury, this is the fifth BEV In‑Depth Conference hosted in the city. The conference brings together more than 250 leaders from mining, automotive, mineral processing, battery technology, clean energy, defence, government and academia. This year’s theme, “Transforming the Critical Minerals Value Chain.”