In 2008, Motorize opened its doors as Motorize Auto Direct in Sooke, BC. Initially focusing on special order vehicle procurement with an emphasis on efficient vehicles including hybrids, the electric vehicle dealership quickly recognized the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions. By 2009, Motorize had established its presence in Sidney to better serve Vancouver Island's peninsula clients. The business experienced remarkable growth, necessitating a move to 2031 Malaview Ave West in 2010 to accommodate expanding inventory and operations. That same year marked Motorize's official incorporation, solidifying its position in the local automobile sales marketplace as Sidney's reliable and forward-thinking electric vehicle dealership. With growing customer interest, the company expanded its detail studio capabilities to ensure each vehicle met exceptional quality standards.

2011 marked a pivotal moment for Motorize Auto Direct when the dealership experienced firsthand the revolutionary potential of the Nissan Leaf. This encounter with one of the market's first mainstream electric vehicles sparked a vision that would transform the business. When a local repeat client requested assistance in acquiring a used Nissan Leaf, Motorize recognized this as a watershed moment. This request catalyzed a strategic pivot towards plug-in electric vehicles, as the dealership began envisioning a future powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels. The emergence of the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S signaled a fundamental shift in the automotive industry. Despite challenges in sourcing used EVs due to limited new electric vehicle sales and an underdeveloped charging infrastructure, Motorize committed to pioneering the electric revolution in Sidney.

May 2012 marked Motorize's relocation to a more prominent corner office at unit 203, 2031 Malaview Ave in Sidney. This strategic move provided parking capacity for up to twenty vehicles, though officially designed for eight. Extensive interior renovations transformed the space into Sidney's premier electric vehicle showroom. With new investment capital and growing access to used electric vehicles, Motorize made the bold decision to shift focus exclusively to EV and hybrid vehicles. This specialized approach distinguished the dealership as Vancouver Island's dedicated electric vehicle specialist at a time when most traditional dealerships remained committed to internal combustion engine vehicles.

By 2015, market indicators confirmed Motorize's foresight: electric vehicles were poised for mainstream adoption across North America and globally. Consumer spending patterns revealed increasing preference for sustainable transportation options, with new EV models entering the market and Tesla beginning to disrupt traditional automotive paradigms. Canadian government environmental initiatives created a more favorable regulatory environment for clean energy vehicles. Motorize responded by expanding its team and operations, bringing in additional automotive professionals with specialized skills in electric vehicle detailing, marketing, and sales. The Sidney EV dealership established comprehensive training programs to ensure all staff members possessed expert knowledge of electric vehicle technology, maintenance requirements, and benefits.

2016 represented a watershed year when Motorize fully committed to an all-electric future. The exponential growth of the EV market generated sufficient used inventory to support this bold strategic direction. Thus, "Motorize: Your EV Store" was born in Sidney, BC. The dealership officially removed all references to internal combustion vehicles from its marketing and inventory focus. This transition wasn't without challenges, particularly when recall issues affected the Nissan Leaf inventory. Despite these setbacks, Motorize demonstrated remarkable resilience, weathering the storm and emerging stronger as Vancouver Island's dedicated electric vehicle specialist.

By 2017, Motorize's annual sales exceeded $4 million, validating its commitment to the electric vehicle market. The dealership expanded its administrative team to support growing operations and identified operational improvement opportunities in funding, transport, reconditioning, and detailing processes. Motorize's persistent focus on customer satisfaction naturally generated five-star online reviews, establishing the dealership as a national leader in electric vehicle sales. The company's commitment to community support, education, and environmental stewardship became hallmarks of its business philosophy. A partnership with Zone 91.3FM radio station enhanced community outreach efforts. The Sidney electric vehicle dealership developed a comprehensive plan to elevate its detailing standards, recognizing that quality reconditioning represented a key differentiator in the used EV market. After analyzing inventory presentation at competing dealerships throughout Victoria, Motorize implemented its philosophy of continuous improvement: "always do better, always find a better way." This period saw significant investment in planning a new Detail Studio space with enhanced equipment and operational improvements—all supporting the core mission of selling more used EVs while building an outstanding reputation.

After an extensive four-year property search, 2019 saw Motorize expand with a second location at 1671 Island Highway in View Royal. Though just 30 kilometers from the original Sidney electric vehicle dealership, this strategic expansion placed Motorize within reach of a significantly larger customer base. While Sidney and North Saanich encompassed approximately 22,000 residents within a 5km radius, the Westshore location provided access to roughly 112,000 potential customers within an eight-kilometer radius. August 24th marked the soft opening of "Motorize Westshore," extending the dealership's electric vehicle expertise to Greater Victoria. This expansion increased inventory capacity and allowed for specialized staff roles across both locations, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. The dealership's inventory now featured a growing selection of Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, and Tesla Model Y vehicles alongside other popular electric models.

2020 proved to be a transformative year for Motorize, Sidney's premier electric vehicle dealership. The business strategically reconfigured its space, expanding the detail studio while streamlining the office footprint. This calculated adjustment perfectly aligned with operational needs. A new awning with professional-grade lighting was installed outside the building, effectively doubling the functional workspace. The Sidney EV dealership developed a specialized photography area, significantly enhancing vehicle presentation on the website. Substantial investments in cutting-edge equipment—including high-powered electric pressure washers and specialized detailing tools—dramatically improved efficiency. These enhancements enabled the delivery of superior value to clients through optimized workflows and reduced processing times. Despite pandemic challenges, both Motorize locations experienced robust activity throughout 2020. The dealership saw particular success with diverse electric vehicle models including the compact Fiat 500e, versatile Nissan Leaf, practical Kia Soul EV, innovative BMW i3, and efficient Volkswagen e-Golf. This period marked the first significant wave of off-lease electric vehicles entering the market, creating an unprecedented supply of quality pre-owned EVs. However, inventory shortages began driving price increases across the electric vehicle market. The expanded detail studio quickly achieved operational excellence, allowing the team to fully utilize their enhanced facilities. The Sidney electric vehicle dealership collaborated with photographer Greg Samborski on creative photography projects within the detail studio, elevating vehicle presentation standards. This period also brought exciting team growth as new staff members brought fresh perspectives and specialized expertise to Vancouver Island's leading EV dealership.

2021 brought significant market dynamics to Sidney's electric vehicle landscape: escalating used EV prices, constrained inventory, and historically low interest rates. Motorize diversified its inventory, featuring exceptional vehicles like a pristine Tesla Roadster while balancing sales between affordable entry-level electric vehicles and premium luxury EV models. Both the Westshore and Sidney locations operated at capacity, with the original Sidney dealership particularly bustling with activity. The Motorize team actively participated in home shows throughout Vancouver Island, establishing valuable customer connections and strengthening community relationships. The market availability of used Tesla Model 3 vehicles energized the electric vehicle ecosystem, accelerating the broader EV revolution. The Fiat 500e remained one of Motorize's most sought-after models due to its accessible price point and sterling reputation for reliability and efficiency. The Westshore location hosted several large-scale public events, further establishing Motorize as Vancouver Island's electric vehicle authority.

2022 represented a period of operational consistency for Sidney's leading electric vehicle dealership. Motorize maintained its established business model throughout most of the year while implementing selective staffing adjustments to retain its most talented team members. This strategic stability allowed the dealership to refine its processes while navigating the evolving electric vehicle marketplace.

A year of strategic transformation began in early 2023 when Motorize made the pivotal decision to consolidate operations by closing its Westshore location. Years of dual-location experience revealed that centralizing resources at a single facility would enhance service quality and operational efficiency. By May 2023, all operations had successfully relocated to the original Sidney electric vehicle dealership. This consolidation reinvigorated Motorize's connection with its core Sidney clientele while enabling focused planning for future expansion within the Sidney location. The streamlined operation created new momentum and strategic clarity for Vancouver Island's established EV specialist.

2024 commenced with remarkable market conditions as British Columbia experienced unprecedented availability of used electric vehicles, driven by lease returns and trade-ins from Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and other popular EV models. The market saw significant price normalization beginning in late 2022 through early 2023, while interest rates simultaneously increased. This dynamic environment reinforced the ever-changing nature of the electric vehicle marketplace. Motorize secured an additional property dedicated to creating a high-volume, high-capacity detail studio to meet growing demand. The detailing operation experienced substantial growth, establishing itself as Sidney's premier automotive appearance center specializing in electric vehicles.

The current year began with extraordinary momentum as Motorize made substantial investments in advanced equipment and specialized tools for its new detail studio. The electric vehicle market achieved greater stability early in the year with moderating prices complemented by declining interest rates, creating ideal conditions for used electric vehicle purchases. Today, Motorize stands as Sidney's established electric vehicle destination, offering Vancouver Island's most comprehensive selection of quality pre-owned EVs. From the practical Nissan Leaf to the full Tesla lineup—Model 3, Model Y, and Model X—Motorize provides sustainable transportation solutions tailored to every lifestyle and budget. The dealership's expanded detail studio ensures each vehicle meets exacting standards before delivery, while specialized EV expertise gives customers confidence in their electric vehicle investment. As industry leader in Sidney's sustainable transportation revolution, Motorize remains committed to guiding Vancouver Island drivers through their transition to an all-electric driving future.