Chicago Auto Show Struggles to Attract Automakers as EVs Take Center Stage

Despite the show's declining stature, the 2026 Chicago Auto Show featured a mix of new EVs, classic car clubs, and a strong presence from ComEd's electric vehicle initiatives.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The 2026 Chicago Auto Show was a shadow of its former self, with many major automakers skipping the event entirely. However, the show still featured a number of interesting exhibits, including Chicagoland car clubs, modified Toyota AE86s, and several new electric vehicle models. The ComEd 'Chicago Drives Electric' test drive area took up a significant portion of the show floor, highlighting the growing prominence of EVs. While some of the traditional automaker exhibits seemed confused, the overall sentiment from attendees was a growing curiosity about electric vehicles.

Why it matters

The declining attendance and participation of major automakers at the Chicago Auto Show reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, as consumers increasingly shift towards electric vehicles and traditional auto shows struggle to maintain relevance. The strong presence of ComEd's electric vehicle initiatives, however, suggests that the future of the auto show may lie in embracing and promoting the transition to clean transportation.

The details

The 2026 Chicago Auto Show featured a mix of exhibits, including Chicagoland car clubs, modified Toyota AE86s, and several new electric vehicle models such as the Giorgio Armani Fiat 500e, Subaru Uncharted and Trailseeker, the Chevrolet Corvette CX concept EV, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally. The ComEd 'Chicago Drives Electric' test drive area took up a significant portion of the show floor, allowing attendees to experience the performance and benefits of electric vehicles firsthand. While some of the traditional automaker exhibits seemed confused, with products that lacked a clear customer focus, the overall sentiment from attendees was a growing curiosity about electric vehicles.

  • The 2026 Chicago Auto Show took place in February 2026.

The players

ComEd

A utility company that sponsored the 'Chicago Drives Electric' test drive area at the auto show, highlighting its investments in electric vehicle incentives and charging infrastructure.

Megha Lakhchaura

The State EV Officer of Illinois, who spoke about ComEd's initiatives to support the transition to zero-emission transportation.

Brian Urbaszewski

The Director of Environmental Health Programs at Respiratory Health Association, who emphasized the health benefits of reducing vehicle emissions through electric vehicles.

Rutledge Wood

The host of Top Gear USA, who was on hand at the auto show to promote a new movie called 'Drifter'.

Sung Kang

An actor known for his role as Han Lue in the 'Fast and Furious' franchise, who was also promoting the 'Drifter' movie at the auto show.

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What they’re saying

“Since their initial launch, ComEd's EV rebate initiatives have helped empower consumers in northern Illinois to make cleaner choices and support the transition to zero emission transportation. These continued investments to support EV adoption and expanded charging infrastructure are leading the drive towards a more sustainable future for our state.”

— Megha Lakhchaura, State EV Officer of Illinois (Electrek)

“Air pollution poses significant health challenges for residents throughout Illinois and reducing vehicle emissions is one of the most effective steps to improve air quality and public health in Illinois. ComEd's programs allow businesses, customers and communities to help eliminate pollution and create cleaner air for our communities with the addition of each EV and EV charger in our state.”

— Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs at Respiratory Health Association (Electrek)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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