Oakbrook Terrace will host a four-day test-drive event where residents can get behind the wheel of electric, hybrid and gas-powered vehicles for $10.

Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel, presented by ComEd, runs Thursday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 4, at the ComEd Building, 3 Lincoln Center. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), which produces the Chicago Auto Show, announced the event with a new name and expanded lineup. CATA is headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace and has produced the auto show since 1935.

The event was previously called Chicago Drives Electric and focused on battery-powered cars. The rebranded version adds plug-in hybrids and traditional gas-powered vehicles alongside all-electric models.

Confirmed brands so far include BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Toyota and VinFast. CATA said a full vehicle list will be released closer to the event.

Morand said the broader lineup reflects shifting consumer interest. "… Whether you're interested in an EV, a hybrid or a traditional gas-powered vehicle, this event helps shoppers make informed decisions through hands-on experiences," she said in the announcement.

CATA said product specialists will be available to answer questions and help attendees compare vehicles.

Tickets cost $10 per driver. Non-driving guests can register for free. Drivers must be at least 18 and present a valid license. Test drives are first-come, first-served.

Session hours vary by day. Thursday runs 1–6 p.m. Friday and Saturday each offer two sessions: 8 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1–6 p.m. Sunday wraps up with a single 9 a.m.–1 p.m. session.

The predecessor event drew more than 4,500 in-vehicle experiences across its October 2025 run at the same venue, according to ABC7 Chicago and a CATA post-event recap on LinkedIn. At that event, 79% of attendees said they were more likely to buy an EV afterward, CATA said.

Registration is open at ChicagoAutoShow.com/BehindTheWheel.