Hyundai Canada EV Road Trip: An Electrifying Adventure to the Arctic Ocean
On Thursday, April 24 th, the 100 percent electric, multiple award-winning IONIQ 5 will depart from Hyundai Canada's headquarters in Markham, Ontario, and make its way west across Canada and north to the shores of Arctic Ocean in the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, in the Northwest Territories. Along this journey, the vehicle will be covering over 15,000 kilometres of diverse landscapes and remote northern roads.
Behind the wheel of this exceptional expedition is Mr. Patrick Nadeau, an electric vehicle enthusiast who drove his own IONIQ 5 from Québec to Mexico in 2022. That journey captivated thousands of Canadians; generating support and intrigue from the EV community and was featured in numerous media outlets. By travelling over 15,000 kilometres without using a drop of fuel, Mr. Nadeau proved that long-distance electric travel is not only possible but also beneficial in many ways.
A technological and human mission
This project combines both technological ambition and human purpose. It aims to demonstrate that Hyundai's EV innovation through its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) enables long-distance travel—even in remote areas—with a fully electric vehicle. The reliable performance of the IONIQ 5, combined with Canada's rapidly growing charging infrastructure, makes possible what many once thought unachievable - a journey to the heart of the Canadian Arctic with a fully electric vehicle.
Of course, a journey like this also has its challenges. As Patrick and his IONIQ 5 make their way north, access to EV charging stations will become increasingly difficult, just like the road conditions. Ferries schedules and availability are also hard to predict given the high flow of water in Spring. Hyundai Canada and Mr. Nadeau will share the realities of this road trip in multiple ways throughout.
Over the course of the approximate two-month journey spanning over 15,000 kilometres, Patrick Nadeau will produce exclusive content to be shared across Hyundai Canada's official social media channels. Canadians will be invited to follow the northern adventure through weekly updates, experiencing the challenges, discoveries, and unforgettable moments alongside him. A documentary-style travelogue is also planned to showcase the journey.
But the project doesn't end there. In partnership with Hyundai Hope on Wheels —a Canadian nonprofit organization committed to the fight against paediatric cancer—Patrick will also capture immersive virtual reality experiences along the way. These will be offered free of charge to multiple hospitals across the country, allowing young patients to virtually explore the Arctic from their rooms during treatment.
"This project is more than just a road trip. It's a statement of purpose. We believe in an electrified future that is accessible, reliable, and inspiring for all Canadians — from urban centres to the furthest reaches of the North," says Christine Smith, director of marketing at Hyundai Canada.
About the vehicle
To undertake this adventure, Patrick Nadeau will be driving a 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Preferred with the Ultimate package. The sole alteration made to this cutting-edge electric vehicle is a vibrant, custom wrap designed to ensure high visibility for the project throughout this journey. For the rest, the IONIQ 5 remains identical to the model that Canadians can purchase at their local dealership.
"As the owner of an IONIQ 5 with over 150,000 kilometres on the odometer, I know the vehicle well enough to trust that no modifications are needed to reach my destination safely," said Patrick Nadeau. "Owning an EV is not the same as a gasoline vehicle, it requires more planning, which EV owners quickly accept and adapt to. The reward for some extra planning is worth it – the joy of instant torque, low cost of ownership, savings on charging versus gas, and a reduced carbon footprint all contribute to my reasons for going electric and for undertaking this epic adventure."
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has taken the automotive world by storm since its launch. It has won numerous prestigious awards such as World Car of the Year, World Electric Car of the Year and World Design of the Year in 2022. Closer to home, it was also crowned Utility Vehicle of the Year and Green Vehicle of the Year in 2023 by the members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). For 2025, the IONIQ 5 is refreshed with numerous enhancements, including an available 84 kWh battery that allows an official range of up to 504 kilometres.
To follow Patrick Nadeau's journey to the Arctic, please make sure to follow Hyundai Canada on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Media can also subscribe to Hyundai Canada's news alerts to get all the updates throughout this inspiring journey.
About Hyundai Auto Canada
Hyundai Auto Canada, established in 1983 and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, was the first subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company outside of Korea. Hyundai offers Canadian consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles. Today, with over 250 dealerships across Canada, Hyundai is the official automotive partner of the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL®) in Canada. Hyundai has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Best Workplaces™ in Canada for the last five years by the Great Place to Work® Institute. More information about Hyundai and its vehicles can be found at www.HyundaiCanada.com.
For more information about Mr. Nadeau's journey and to speak directly with him, please contact:
Jenn McCarthy
National Manager, Product and Brand PR
416-770-0842
[email protected]
Frédéric Mercier
Manager of Public Relations, Brand and Product
514-703-6474
[email protected]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vancouver Sun
3 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Opinion: Most Canadians don't support taxpayer subsidies for LNG
Proponents often claim that Canada's LNG will reduce global warming by displacing coal in other countries. However, we have run out of time for a 'transition fuel' if we're to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. In this context, new LNG infrastructure isn't a climate solution, but rather a substitute for investment in clean energy. Luckily, the price of renewables has dropped dramatically, making this transition both feasible and affordable. LNG is also a bad economic bet. The International Energy Agency has projected that LNG capacity will exceed demand by the next decade, making new capital investments especially risky. This is presumably why private investors are wavering and looking to Canadian governments to subsidize their projects with public dollars. A daily roundup of Opinion pieces from the Sun and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Informed Opinion will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. A recent poll found that 56 per cent of respondents, both in B.C. and nationally, oppose multibillion-dollar public subsidies for foreign-owned LNG projects. Only 18 per cent of Canadians, and 22 per cent of British Columbians, are supportive while the rest are unsure. In B.C., where most LNG projects are proposed and LNG Canada will soon come online, people have other priorities for their tax dollars. In fact, supporting oil-and-gas is at the bottom of a list led by health care, housing, education, renewable energy and transit. The lack of public support for subsidizing fossil fuels has been consistent for years. In 2018, two-thirds of Canadians opposed subsidizing oil-and-gas, 41 per cent strongly. More than half remained unsupportive, even after being told oil-and-gas subsidies would create jobs and economic growth. In 2021, 62 per cent of Canadians wanted the federal government to stop fossil fuel subsidies and there was mounting frustration that the government hadn't acted on a 2015 campaign promise to do so. In 2023, the majority of Canadians felt that oil companies, not taxpayers, should foot the bill for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. Only 30 per cent of British Columbians supported subsidies for LNG. A 2023 poll found 96 per cent of Canadians felt the federal government should disclose subsidies for fossil fuels. That year, the government of Canada signed a joint ministerial statement at the UN climate talks that committed them to do just that by the end of 2024. There is still no inventory of fossil fuel subsidies in mid-2025, undermining Canadians' ability to understand where their tax dollars are going. Canada claims to be a global leader on climate change, yet we continuously fail to meet our climate targets. The main reason is that emissions growth from oil-and-gas production has offset progress in other areas. According to the UN Environment Programme , governments around the world, including Canada, are planning for continued fossil fuel production that will result in more than double the global emissions scientists advise are consistent with limiting warming to 1.5 C. Canada, unfortunately, is one the biggest funders of the fossil fuel industry globally. That includes billions of taxpayer dollars that the federal and B.C. governments have already committed to LNG in the form of direct subsidies, lower tax and electricity rates, and public loans. Canadian taxpayers have been footing the bill for fossil fuel developments that threaten our own climate, health and economy. In this critical moment, Canada's leaders should instead use public funds to support projects that advance Canada's economy and safety, not only today but for decades to come. Kathryn Harrison is professor of political science at the University of B.C. Cara Pike is co-founder and senior adviser to at Carleton University in Ottawa.
Vancouver Sun
5 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Liberals considering arming the Coast Guard amid significant pivot towards new security mandate
OTTAWA — The Liberal government is mulling arming the Canadian Coast Guard as it launches a significant reform of the civilian maritime agency to give it a bigger role in the country's security apparatus. The move is one of many significant changes that the Liberals are planning for the chronically underfunded Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) that Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to equip with new gear and a new security mandate. On the same day Carney announced his plan to accelerate defence spending this year, his office told National Post Monday that the CCG — which currently reports to the minister of fisheries — would shift to the minister of national defence's portfolio. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The move away from the fisheries minister makes it both likely easier for the CCG's budget to be included in Canada's defence spending in the eyes of NATO and is part of Carney's desire to pivot the 63-year-old civilian agency towards a more security-oriented role. 'Canadians elected our new Government on a strong mandate for change — to protect our borders and defend our sovereignty with increased focus and investment. To that end, the Prime Minister will soon initiate the process of moving the Canadian Coast Guard to the leadership of the Minister of National Defence,' PMO spokesperson Emily Williams said in a statement. 'The change will permit the Coast Guard to fulfill better both its civilian and security responsibilities.' The statement did not say when the changeover would happen, with Williams promising that 'more details will come in due course.' A senior Liberal source also told National Post that the government is considering arming the CCG, though they stressed that no decision has been made yet as officials continue to chart the reform. Arming the CCG, which would be a massive — and costly — change for the special agency that has always been an unarmed civilian organization. 'We're not there yet,' the official said of the decision. The source was granted anonymity to discuss internal government deliberations. The Coast Guard has struggled for years with its mandate, pulled between its various responsibilities such as research, search and rescue, icebreaking, marine protection and coastal surveillance, but without any law enforcement powers. Due to its icebreaking capabilities, it also has unique expertise on the Canadian Arctic within the government. In the recent election campaign, the Liberals promised to give the CCG a new mandate 'to conduct maritime surveillance operations' along with the required equipment. Last week, the Liberals tabled a border security bill that proposes to give the CCG a new security mandate, the power to conduct 'security patrols' and the ability to share information with the military and intelligence agencies. In an interview, former CCG Commissioner Jody Thomas said the agency is long overdue for significant reform and that she'd been 'nagging' the government to move the agency to the defence or public safety portfolio for years. 'It is a major change, and I think it's an important change. I think that this is just another signal that Canada is changing its perspective on our own sovereignty,' said Thomas, who was also headed the Department of National Defence and was National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Regarding armaments, she said that icebreakers currently under construction have been fitted for, but not with, weapons, meaning that arming them would be a relatively straightforward task. The real challenge of arming the Coast Guard, she warned, is training. 'It's a very expensive decision, not for the weaponry, but for the training and the constant preparation and exercising that's required,' she said. 'The Navy is always in training… for what's coming. The Coast Guard is out there working. So, it's a very different fleet and with very different purposes.' There are also talks within government of switching the Coast Guard from a special operating agency, which is still part of its host department, into a departmental agency with its own governing legislation that reports to the Minister of National Defense. I think that this is just another signal that Canada is changing its perspective on our own sovereignty In an interview in late May, Thomas argued that that needs to happen. 'It does need to be a legislative agency, the special operating agency status right now, that's a very flimsy sort of architecture and legal basis for an agency' with a security focus, Thomas said. A chronic challenge for the Coast Guard has been the deteriorating condition of its fleet while it operates on a 'shoestring' budget, according to Thomas. As of November, the CCG had 18 icebreakers , making it the second-largest icebreaking fleet in the world. Its fleet registry shows it has just over 120 ships on duty, the majority of which are small rescue vessels. But the aging fleet is also deteriorating rapidly, with ships spending more time in repairs and less time in the water. 'The CCG's aging vessels are becoming more costly to maintain and are more frequently taken out of operation for unscheduled repairs, placing further strain on the remaining fleet,' the agency said in its 2024-2025 department plans report . 'The need to replace the vessels has never been more important.' In March, the federal government contracted two new polar icebreakers which are expected to be delivered between 2030 and 2032. But Thomas said the coast guard has much bigger needs. 'We're one of the few countries that uses the same fleet for northern and southern ice breaking. We ice break year-round, essentially,' she said. 'So, you have to look at the wear and tear on the ship and the things you want them to do, and the places you want them to be, and they're going to have to plan the fleet accordingly.' National Post cnardi@ Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what's really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here . Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
5 hours ago
- Edmonton Journal
Liberals considering arming the Coast Guard amid significant pivot towards new security mandate
Article content On the same day Carney announced his plan to accelerate defence spending this year, his office told National Post Monday that the CCG — which currently reports to the minister of fisheries — would shift to the minister of national defence's portfolio. The move away from the fisheries minister makes it both likely easier for the CCG's budget to be included in Canada's defence spending in the eyes of NATO and is part of Carney's desire to pivot the 63-year-old civilian agency towards a more security-oriented role. 'Canadians elected our new Government on a strong mandate for change — to protect our borders and defend our sovereignty with increased focus and investment. To that end, the Prime Minister will soon initiate the process of moving the Canadian Coast Guard to the leadership of the Minister of National Defence,' PMO spokesperson Emily Williams said in a statement.
