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. On Feb. 13 and 19 test-drives conclude at 6 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.
