Electric Vehicles Depart from Chicago Auto Show, Re-trace Course to Evanston
WHAT: For the first time in more than 118 years, America's first Motor Vehicle Race will be recreated - with a slight twist. This time around with electric vehicles only, the Electrified Vehicle Rally will depart from the Chicago Auto Show and re-trace the same route from the original 1895 Chicago Times-Herald motor race.
WHEN: Friday, February 15; Depart at 10 a.m. from McCormick Place / Chicago Auto Show
WHERE: McCormick Place; Gate 41 in the West Building (corner of Indiana and Cermak; park on Indiana from 9:30-10 a.m.)
SCHEDULE:
- 8-8:30 a.m. Electric vehicles staged at Gate 41, McCormick Place
- 8:30-10 a.m. Media opportunities
- 9-10:30 a.m. Driver familiarity and driver's briefing
- 10 a.m. Rally begins, drivers depart
- 11 a.m. Rally stops at Dawes Park, Evanston
- 11:30 a.m. Rally leaves Dawes Park en-route to Chicago's Center for Green Technology
- 12:30 p.m. Rally stops at Chicago's Center for Green Technology; tour and lunch provided
- 1:25 p.m. Rally leaves CCGT, en-route for southern leg
- 2:15 p.m. Rally returns to McCormick Place
WHY: As electric vehicles become an increasingly popular alternative to gasoline-powered cars, the Electrified Vehicle Rally will recreate the historic Chicago Times-Herald motor race - America's first - this time with all electric vehicles. While electric vehicle rallies are fairly common on the West coast and warmer regions, the Chicago Electrified Vehicle Rally aims to prove these fuel-alternative vehicles fare well even in colder climates.
WHO: The following vehicles will depart from McCormick Place and the Chicago Auto Show:
- Chevrolet Volt
- Fisker Karma
- Ford C-max Energie
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- Nissan Leaf
- Tesla Model F
- Tesla Roadster
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Prius C
- Toyota Prius PHEV
- Volkswagen Passat TDI
- VIA Motors EREV Silverado
- Smith Electric Delivery Vehicle
