FOURTH ANNUAL "CHICAGO DRIVES ELECTRIC" RETURNS WITH EXPANDED LOCATION AND NEW TEST DRIVE LINEUP

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Sept. 4, 2025 -- The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show and Chicago Drives Electric, announced the dates and new location for the fourth annual Chicago Drives Electric event. The EV test drive and education experience will take place October 2–5, 2025, at an expanded location: the ComEd Building at 3 Lincoln Center in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., conveniently located near the former event site at CATA headquarters. 

After three successful consecutive years, Chicago Drives Electric, powered by ComEd, continues to expand in size, scope and impact. This year's move to a larger location reflects the growing public interest in electrification and provides space for an even broader lineup of vehicles, education and hands-on experiences, all aimed at helping consumers better understand the EV landscape.  

"The demand for EV education continues to be on a steady incline, and this event is designed to meet that need head-on — in a way that's both accessible and exciting," said CATA President Jennifer Morand. "Whether you're just curious about electric vehicles or ready to make the switch, Chicago Drives Electric offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to ask questions, gain hands-on experience and truly understand what EV ownership looks like."

The four-day event features the opportunity for consumers to test drive the latest all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Knowledgeable product specialists will be accessible to help attendees understand how EVs may fit individual needs and lifestyles and offer in-depth information about electric vehicle technology, the current charging infrastructure landscape and the environmental benefits of going electric. 

"Today's consumers want trustworthy EV guidance and the chance to experience the technology for themselves," said Morand. "Chicago Drives Electric delivers both, helping people feel more confident as they consider making the switch to an EV."

Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to experience a variety of EVs—ranging from luxury to mainstream—from manufacturers including BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lotus, Polestar, Tesla, Toyota, VinFast and Volkswagen. The full listing of vehicles available for test drives can be found at ChicagoDrivesElectric.com.

ComEd is supporting this year's event as the Presenting Sponsor and will be onsite to answer consumer questions about home charging, rebates and incentives, and more. Cars.com and Drive Chicago both return as Premier Sponsors of the event. Media Day Sponsors include Stellantis, which will kick off Media Day with breakfast and vehicle walkaround, and CDK Global, returning to share insights from its latest EV report.

Attendees must pre-register for a timeslot; tickets and registration are now available at ChicagoDrivesElectric.com. Test drive slots are limited to first come, first served. Participants who plan to drive must have a valid driver's license. The hours are as follows: Oct. 2 (2-6 p.m.), Oct. 3-4 (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Oct. 5 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

In the next calendar year, the 2026 Chicago Auto Show public event will take place Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place. The Media Preview dates are Feb. 5-6, and the First Look for Charity black-tie gala will be held the evening of Feb. 6. Chicago Drives Electric will also return in the form of an EV test track inside of the Chicago Auto Show, serving as the show's central "EV hub" where attendees can learn more about the electrified lifestyle and the latest EV vehicles on the market. The full brand lineup will be announced closer to the February show dates. Tickets to the 2026 Chicago Auto Show and First Look for Charity gala will go on sale this fall at ChicagoAutoShow.com.

Chicago Drives Electric interview and b-roll opportunities are available on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Additional media opportunities can be arranged with CATA Director of Communications and Marketing Hayley Feichter ([email protected]). More information can be found at ChicagoDrivesElectric.com.

About Chicago Drives Electric
Chicago Drives Electric was established in 2022 as an interactive and informational event for consumers to learn about electrified vehicles due to the growth of both supply and demand for electrification. This EV-focused event occurs twice a year: in the fall and during the Chicago Auto Show (February). Chicago Drives Electric is aimed at raising awareness of the many benefits of all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles to help consumers understand how EVs can fit individual needs and lifestyles. For more information and upcoming event updates, visit ChicagoDrivesElectric.com.

About the Chicago Auto Show
First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation's longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2026 public show is Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation's largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, visit www.CATA.info.

SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association