Chicago Science Expo to feature electric vehicle test drives
Consumers attending the Illinois Science Council's (ISC) Chicago Science Expo will have a chance to test-drive all-new electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles on Saturday, May 12.
Vehicles available for the outdoor test-drives include the all-new 2018 Nissan LEAF, new 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, new 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, and possibly other cars. The test-drives are being hosted by the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition, a nonprofit coalition focused on clean-transportation solutions for the six-county Chicago area and are made possible via the American Lung Association's Midwest EVOLVE program.
"If you've wondered what it's like to drive an electric car, this is your chance to get behind the wheel," said Samantha Bingham, coordinator, Chicago Area Clean Cities. "We're offering free test-drives of some of the newest, best-performing electric and hybrid vehicles. For many, this will be the first time they've had the chance to check out the great performance and environmental benefits of electric vehicles."
Consumers who would like to test-drive vehicles should attend the Chicago Science Expo and register at the Chicago Area Clean Cities table on the Merchandise Mart's South driveway. The drives will take place between 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m at the Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654.
A solar electric car, two Formula race cars (electric and combustion), and a Baja car (combustion) also will be on display. These cars are designed and built for competitions by student engineering teams from the Illinois Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. The race cars are available for viewing (not test-drives) and student engineers will be on hand to answer questions. More information and photos of the race cars are at http://bit.ly/ScienceFestCarShow.
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 plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Midwest EVOLVE 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, visit www.midwestevolve.org.
Chicago Area Clean Cities (CACC) is a nonprofit coalition focused on promoting clean-energy and clean-air solutions for transportation in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. CACC is one of more than 90 coalitions across the country affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program, which brings together stakeholders to increase the use of alternative fuels and advanced-vehicle technologies, reduce idling, and improve fuel efficiency and air quality. CACC concentrates its efforts on educating businesses and municipalities in the six-county Chicago area, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. The coalition also is a partner in Midwest EVOLVE, a seven-state project to educate consumers about the clean-air and performance advantages of plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles. To get involved, visit http://www.chicagocleancities.org.
Illinois Science Council (ISC) is an independent 501c3 organization that engages, educates, and entertains the adult public about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in our everyday lives. ISC showcases the scientists and research of the Chicago-area institutions and companies that make Chicago our nation's true "City of Science." ISC serves as the science and tech complement to the region's arts and culture offerings by raising understanding and appreciation of STEM subjects. Science Expo Day on May 12 is part of ISC's 4th annual Chicago Science Festival, a full week of events for the "science curious." Learn more at http://chicagosciencefest.org.