CHICAGO—One of the highlights of the 2023 Chicago Auto Show is an indoor test track for electric vehicles. The 100,000-square-foot display features EVS from a variety of automakers, including BMW, General Motors, Nissan and Volkswagen.
Chicago Drives Electric is a one-stop-shop for consumers interested in getting a first-hand look at all aspects of e-mobility, including incentives, tax credits and charging infrastructure.
Consumers can ride along with professional drivers on the track and experience the unique feel of driving in an electric vehicle, including the power that comes from instant torque.
Vehicles available for test drives include the following: BMW i4, BMW i7, BMW iX, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Nissan ARIYA, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.4.
“The Chicago Drives Electric indoor track [provides] the perfect place for consumers to compare many EV models all in one location,” says Kevin Keefe, chairman of the Chicago Auto Show. “We know that consumers have questions about electric vehicles, and we designed this educational and experiential hub to provide the experts and resources to answer them.”
A Powering Chicago EV Learning Center sits adjacent to the test track. The 4,000-square-foot space will hosts consumer workshops and stations where attendees can meet with experts. It is sponsored by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors Association of Chicago and Cook County.
In addition, Autel Energy has a 3,000-square-foot exhibit space adjacent to the track in the South Hall of McCormick Place. The EV charging company is providing 15 chargers to keep all participating EVs on the track charged overnight.
