CHICAGO—Electric vehicles are in the spotlight at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, one of the oldest and largest events of its kind in the world. The popular show currently taking place at McCormick Place has numerous EVs on display, including first-time exhibitors such as Lucid and Tesla.
However, some startup and legacy automakers are noticeably absent, including Rivian and Stellantis. Ironically, both companies operate large assembly plants in Illinois.
One of the highlights of the 10-day auto show is an indoor test track. Chicago Drives Electric is a 125,000-square-foot exhibit designed to educate the public on all aspects of EV mobility and lifestyle, including at-home charging, range anxiety, maintenance and associated EV ownership costs. More than 25 models are featured from participating brands such as BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Lucid, Nissan, Tesla and Volkswagen.
“The growth of the…EV track signals the industry emphasis, introduction and excitement of new EVs to hit the market, many of which will be seen and experienced for the first time at our show,” says Jennifer Morand, co-general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. “The first introduction of the EV track featured just two brands, last year’s track more than doubled that first year with five total brands, and, this year, we’ve nearly doubled that amount with nine total participants.
According to Morand, consumers can experience the unique feel of driving in an electric vehicle as they ride along with professional drivers on the track and feel the power that comes from instant torque delivered by electric motors.
Lucid is displaying its Air sedan, which boasts a range of more than 400 miles, while Tesla is showcasing its much-anticipated Cybertruck at the Chicago Auto Show.
