Chicago Auto Show to Feature Electric Vehicle Test Drives
Contact: Joe Koenig, Joe@ChicagoCleanCities.org, (708) 613-5005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago Auto Show to Feature Electric Vehicle Test Drives
Clean Cities coalition hosting drives of plug-in vehicles at the show, Feb. 10-19
CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2018 – Consumers attending the 2018 Chicago Auto Show will get a chance to test-drive all-new electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles at the show, Feb. 10-19.
Vehicles available for the outdoor test-drives include the all-new 2018 Nissan LEAF, new 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, and all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The test-drives are being hosted by the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition, a nonprofit coalition focused on clean-transportation solutions for the six-county Chicago area, and are made possible via the American Lung Association’s Midwest EVOLVE program.
“If you’ve wondered what it’s like to drive an electric car, this is your chance to get behind the wheel,” said Samantha Bingham, coordinator, Chicago Area Clean Cities. “We’re offering free test-drives of some of the newest, best-performing electric and hybrid vehicles. For many, this will be the first time they’ve had the chance to check out the great performance and environmental benefits of electric vehicles. We will have information about charging stations as well.”
Midwest EVOLVE, a partnership between the American Lung Association and Clean Cities coalitions in seven Midwestern states, emphasizes the clean-air advantages, cost-savings, and performance of plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles. The project was announced a year ago at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.
Midwest EVOLVE, which stands for Electric Vehicle Opportunities: Learning, eVents, Experience, launched in early 2017 with more than 60 partners, including the American Lung Association, Argonne National Laboratory, PlugInConnect, automakers, utilities, state agencies, municipalities, dealerships, and dealer associations.
Consumers who would like to test-drive vehicles should register during auto show days, Feb. 10-19, at the Clean Cities tent in McCormick Place’s South Building, Gate 2. The test-drives will be available weekends 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The eight Clean Cities coalitions in the Midwest are hosting more than 200 events, large and small, over a three-year period, in brand-neutral settings that will give Midwestern drivers an opportunity to get behind the wheel of electric vehicles. Vehicles are being showcased at community events, auto shows, and ride-and-drives in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The first events were held in the spring of 2017. Chicago Area Clean Cities is a partner in Midwest EVOLVE.
At Midwest EVOLVE events, consumers, government officials, fleet administrators, and dealership personnel have an opportunity to learn about the performance and environmental benefits of plug-in vehicles, and about options for charging their vehicle.
Midwest EVOLVE is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), under Award Number DE-EE0007743. To learn more, visit www.midwestevolve.org or follow Midwest EVOLVE on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
# # #
About Chicago Area Clean Cities
Chicago Area Clean Cities is a nonprofit coalition focused on promoting clean-energy and clean-air solutions for transportation in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. CACC is one of more than 90 coalitions across the country affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program, which brings together stakeholders to increase the use of alternative fuels and advanced-vehicle technologies, reduce idling, and improve fuel efficiency and air quality. CACC concentrates its efforts on educating businesses and municipalities in the six-county Chicago area, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. The coalition also is a partner in Midwest EVOLVE, a seven-state project to educate consumers about the clean-air and performance advantages of plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles. To get involved, visit ChicagoCleanCities.org.
About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than one million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2018 public show is Feb. 10-19. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.
Back to News