The 117th Chicago Auto Show returns to McCormick Place with a fleet of attractions to gear up any car enthusiast. Unexpectedly, topping the list of must-sees this year are environmentally conscious rides, as electric vehicles (EVs) seem poised to steal the spotlight. CBS News Chicago reports that driving the electric buzz, nearly a thousand vehicles from over two dozen manufacturers will display the latest trends in automotive excellence, with all variants from luxury to sporty included in the electric push.
Illinois-based Rivian has driven into the show with its R2 SUV, inviting show-goers to take a spin around EV's two tracks featured at the event. Contrary to typical expectations for high-performance vehicles, the big draw here comes from wholesome excitement of family-friendly offerings too, as returning champions—the fan-adored Subaru puppies—make a comeback, according to an ABC 7 Chicago report.
For those still on the fence about joining the EV revolution, Mike Hanley, road test editor for Cars.com, shared valuable insight in an ABC 7 Chicago interview: "I think you have to look at how you're going to be using it in a daily basis if you're always coming back home and able to charge back home then an EV could be a good option for you but if you're driving somewhere where there is not a lot of public infrastructure yet a hybrid is a great way to get a lot of that EV technology but still have a convenience of a gas car."
Alongside the electric and hybrid vehicles, exotic cars promise to entice audiences with their hefty price tags and allure, featuring a red Ferrari valued at a cool $700,000. Rex Reyes, president of Chitown Exotic Car Group, enticed future guests in an ABC 7 Chicago interview with the suggestion, "Come visit, come visit the cars, visit the stories, make sure you actually look at the cars, look at the stories because the stories are a hug part of this as well we love talking about them sometimes the owners love talking about them as well." Open until February 17, the auto show promises more than just walks around cars; it offers a narrative journey into the vehicles' histories as well.
In a supportive push for the growing influx of EVs, ComEd has announced a $100 million injection into state rebate programs for electric vehicle adoption, as noted by CBS News Chicago. Melissa Washington, ComEd's senior vice president of customer operations, commented, "This funding is across the board; so whatever vehicle, whether it's a medium, heavy-duty weight class vehicle, also buses." With this, Illinois remains steadfast in its ambition to see one million EVs cruising its roads by 2030, despite looming federal policy changes that could threaten to eliminate tax credits for electric vehicle buyers.
The auto show is set to open to the public tomorrow, with a bevy of special events including an opportunity for attendees to audition for Wheel of Fortune. In a surprise twist, children can also contribute to the festivities; the Illinois Tollway is calling on young minds to help name its new talking mini-help truck, with the chance to win a goodie bag and a $20 I-PASS gift card, as indicated by ABC 7 Chicago. Details about the activities and operational hours of the show can be found at the event's official website.
