CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Consumers attending the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 9-18, will get a chance to test-drive electric and hybrid-electric plug-in vehicles, including the 2019 Nissan LEAF and 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
The Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition, a nonprofit coalition focused on clean-transportation solutions for the six-county Chicago area, is hosting an EV Experience where attendees can learn more about plug-in vehicles and charging from industry experts and local electric vehicle owners. This experience is made possible via the American Lung Association’s Midwest EVOLVE program.
“We invite the curious, the doubters, and the advocates to participate,” said Samantha Bingham, coordinator, Chicago Area Clean Cities. “For many consumers, this is the first time they’ve had a chance to drive electric. After taking a test drive, drivers discover that electric vehicles have outstanding performance and are better for the environment, lung health, and potentially their pocketbook.”
Attendees who would like to test-drive vehicles should register during auto show days, Feb. 9-18, at the Chicago Area Clean Cities tent in McCormick Place’s South Building, Gate 2, near the escalators. The information about EVs and test drives will be available weekends 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Feb. 18 test drives will conclude at 3 p.m.
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 electric vehicles. The project was introduced at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, and test drives also were conducted at the 2018 show.
Midwest EVOLVE, which stands for Electric Vehicle Opportunities: Learning, eVents, Experience, has more than 60 partners, including Argonne National Laboratory, PlugInConnect, automakers, utilities, state agencies, municipalities, dealerships, and dealer associations.
As a part of the project, EVs are showcased at community events, auto shows, workplace-charging seminars, and ride-and-drives in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The events help to educate consumers about finding a vehicle that fits their needs and provide information about the ease of charging vehicles at home, at work, or at public charging stations.
The Midwest EVOLVE project 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 or locate Midwest EVOLVE events, visit MidwestEVOLVE.org or follow EVOLVE via Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Chicago Area Clean Cities (CACC), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a nonprofit coalition focused on promoting clean transportation in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
The coalition hosts its Annual Meeting, Green Fleet Leadership Awards, and 25th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO, American Lung Association will speak at the program about the work of the American Lung Association and the importance of clean vehicles and clean transportation to the environment, clean air, and lung health. He also will highlight the Lung Association’s green-fleet and clean-vehicle projects and initiatives. To register for the event, visit ChicagoCleanCities.org/Events.
CACC is one of more than 90 coalitions across the country that are affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program, which brings together stakeholders to increase the use of alternative fuel and advanced-vehicle technologies, reduce idling, and improve fuel economy and air quality.
The Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 9-18) is the largest auto show in North America. For tickets, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.
