|
chicago drives electric: october 2 -5, 2025The fourth annual Chicago Drives Electric ride-and-drive EV event returns this fall, offering hands-on experiences with the latest EVs and educational resources for consumers. Building on strong momentum over the past three years, the event continues to grow in both manufacturer participation and consumer engagement. Attendance for this year's fall event is expected to reach over 4,000 consumers. Get Behind the Wheel of the Latest Electric Vehicles Chicago Drives Electric invites attendees to test drive a wide range of all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The event is designed to give consumers direct access to today's most innovative electrified vehicles - providing real-world exposure to technologies that suit a variety of lifestyles and mobility needs. Expert Guidance and Education Beyond test drives, attendees will receive insight from automakers, Cars.com, ComEd, DriveChicago.com and other industry experts. They will be on hand to assist with questions as they relate to range anxiety, on-the-go charging networks and infrastructure, at-home charging and installation, and where to begin your search. These educational components are critical in reducing barriers to adoption and accelerating market readiness. About Chicago Drives Electric Chicago Drives Electric was established in 2022 as an interactive and information method to learn about electric vehicles (EV) due to the growth of both supply and demand for EVs. This EV-focused event occurs twice a year: during the Chicago Auto Show and once again in the fall. Chicago Drives Electric is aimed at raising awareness of the many benefits of all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles and help consumers understand how EVs can fit individual needs and lifestyles. For more information and upcoming event updates, visit ChicagoDrivesElectric.com. media/industry day: thursday, october 2Join the CATA for the 2025 Chicago Drives Electric Industry & Media Day, Thursday, Oct. 2 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. This exclusive event will provide you one-on-one time with the EVs to gather driving impressions, content creation, vehicle education and more. More information, including a schedule and registration details, to come in early September.a look back on 2024 Chicago Drives electric
|
2024 “CHICAGO DRIVES ELECTRIC” CONCLUDES THIRD ANNUAL EV TEST DRIVE EVENT The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, successfully concluded its third annual fall Chicago Drives Electric experiential test drive and educational event last week. Once again, organizers plan to bring Chicago Drives Electric indoors to the 2025 Chicago Auto Show this February 8-17, at McCormick Place. Chicago Drives Electric was launched in fall 2022 as an effort to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles and help consumers understand how electric vehicles (EVs) can fit individual needs and lifestyles. This year’s event hosted more brands than ever before with more than 40 different models to experience from brands including Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Toyota, and Volvo. Nissan and Lexus also participated in the media and industry event held just prior to the consumer event. Over the course of the weekend, Chicago Drives Electric attracted 1,630 total registered drivers and netted more than 6,102 in-vehicle experiences, an increase in attendance from previous years. The event was once again supported by industry partners Cars.com, ComEd and Powering Chicago who each contributed valuable insights during the industry and media program that kicked off the Chicago Drives Electric event. In addition to having experts onsite to answer consumer questions throughout the weekend, ComEd held a press conference in conjunction with Chicago Drives Electric where it announced its new Point of Purchase EV Fleet Rebate Program. Cars.com, a longtime supporter of the Chicago Auto Show, provided real-time appraisals of consumer vehicles throughout the weekend. At the end of the appraisal, consumers left with information about the current price of their car, truck or SUV and information on nearby new-car dealers they can follow up with should they want to trade in their vehicle. “Chicago Drives Electric is a unique event that continues to grow each year, and we are thrilled to be able to provide this valuable one-stop-shop for EV education and test drives,” said CATA Chairman Jason Roberts. “There are still many questions around EV ownership and continued interest from today’s consumers, as evidenced by the success of this event. We are happy to continue to serve as a resource and research platform for those in the market both during this fall event and at the Chicago Auto Show.” “In surveying Chicago Drives Electric attendees, it was reported that nearly 60 percent of attendees indicated that they are likely to consider purchasing an EV. Furthermore, of those attendees who are actively shopping for their next vehicle within the next three months, nearly 80 percent report that next vehicle will likely be an EV,” continued Roberts. “We are excited to continue the momentum of Chicago Drives Electric and once again bring it into the 2025 Chicago Auto Show as an indoor test track and EV education hub,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand. “With more and more brands expanding their electrified vehicle offerings, it is a great place to cross-shop and experience a wide range of EVs all in one location.” |
|
