Chicago Automobile Trade Association Names Powering Chicago as a Premier Sponsor of its “Chicago Drives Electric” EV Test Drive and Educational Event
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area’s new-car dealer association and producer of the Chicago Auto Show, announces Powering Chicago, the voice of the unionized electrical industry in Chicago and Cook County, as a premier sponsor of the Chicago Drives Electric event, Sept. 29-Oct. 1.
In alignment with National Drive Electric week, Chicago Drives Electric is aimed at educating media, new-car dealers, and consumers on the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. In addition to putting interested parties behind the wheel of some of the latest EVs, event organizers are bringing in a variety of experts to help explain and address EV questions and concerns.
Although a burgeoning industry, Powering Chicago has long been at the forefront of the area’s steady shift toward EVs. Its member contractors have been installing EV chargers in the region since 2008 and, for decades, it has been training members on this specialized electrical work at the IBEW/NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) in Alsip, Ill.
"Powering Chicago is proud to express our strong support for CATA's initiative to promote the advantages of electric vehicles," stated Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago. "Our skilled workforce has been dedicated to installing electric vehicle chargers and infrastructure in the region for almost 15 years. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute our expertise as a leading sponsor of the Chicago Drives Electric event."
During the inaugural Chicago Drives Electric event, Powering Chicago showcased an interactive display of installed charging stations aboard its Mobile Field Trip Truck. The 73-foot semi-trailer is used as a tool to share the current and emerging technologies Powering Chicago members and future electricians are trained in with attendees, including EV charging technology, as part of its industry-leading apprenticeship program at IN-Tech.
"Powering Chicago has long been a leader in the EV sector, and we're grateful for their support and expertise," said Jennifer Morand, CATA president. "They played a crucial role in educating the public during the 2023 Chicago Auto Show Indoor EV Track, and we look forward to continuing our partnership at Chicago Drives Electric and beyond."
For more information on Powering Chicago, visit PoweringChicago.com, and for more information regarding the event, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.
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