Electric vehicles expected to be the stars of the 2025 Chicago Auto Show
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The 2025 Chicago Auto Show opens on Saturday at McCormick Place, and while fan-favorite manufacturers will be showing off some major debuts at the nation's largest and longest-running car show, the buzz appears to be everything electric.
Whether it's luxury you're looking for, or something along the sporty side, the Chicago Auto Show has you covered.
Nearly 1,000 vehicles from over two dozen manufacturers are pulling out all the stops, showcasing their latest models with all the bells and whistles.
If there is one encompassing theme at this year's show, it's electric vehicles.
A slew of electric vehicles will not only be on display at this year's show, but guests will be able to hop in the driver's seat on two test tracks inside the showroom.
Rivian's R2 SUV, made in Normal, Illinois, is one of the many EVs already drawing crowds
It's all part of a push toward eco-friendly vehicles that has become a statewide initiative to get consumers on board.
As the auto show kicks off, ComEd has announced $100 million in new funding for state rebate programs for drivers who go electric.
"This funding is across the board; so whatever vehicle, whether it's a medium, heavy-duty weight class vehicle, also buses," said ComEd senior vice president of customer operations Melissa Washington.
The program also will prioritize low-income and under-served communities, with 50% of the funds going toward specific zip codes.
With more than 126,000 EVs already registered in Illinois, the state's long-term goal is to have 1 million on the road by 2030, but the new Trump administration's threat to eliminate tax credits for electric vehicle buyers might serve as a roadblock.
Advocates think otherwise.
"State and local governments have adopted clean standards, and have adopted standards that would help increase the number of electric vehicles in their own jurisdictions," said Susan Mudd, senior policy advocate for the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
The Chicago Auto Show opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and runs through Feb. 17. For more information on the show, visit chicagoautoshow.com.
