Tesla Offers Full-Weekend EV Test Drives at Electrify Expo
▼ Summary
– Electrify Expo is launching a weekend EV demo program, starting with Tesla, allowing attendees to test-drive electric vehicles at home to assess practicality.
– The program, called “Electrify Weekender,” aims to provide a no-pressure experience, helping potential buyers see how EVs fit into their daily lives.
– Consumer Reports found 50% of U.S. consumers are interested in test-driving EVs, highlighting strong demand for such experiences.
– The program will debut at the Los Angeles festival in June, with plans to expand to other cities like Seattle, New York, and Dallas.
– Tesla’s participation could help attract skeptical or unfamiliar customers amid declining sales and increased competition.
Electric vehicle enthusiasts now have an exciting new way to experience Tesla models firsthand through an innovative weekend test drive program. Electrify Expo, the nation’s premier EV festival, has partnered with Tesla to launch “Electrify Weekender,” allowing attendees to take vehicles home for extended real-world testing. This initiative aims to remove dealership pressure while helping potential buyers evaluate how EVs fit into their daily routines.
The program kicks off at Electrify Expo’s Los Angeles event on June 21, with plans to expand to other major cities including New York, Chicago, and Dallas. Participants simply need a valid driver’s license and auto insurance to qualify for the multi-day test drives. Festival CEO BJ Birtwell emphasizes this approach lets consumers experience EVs naturally, running errands, commuting, and living with the technology before making purchase decisions.
Recent surveys reveal growing consumer interest in electric vehicles, with nearly 50% of Americans expressing curiosity about test drives. While traditional dealership test drives last minutes, this program provides meaningful extended exposure that could accelerate adoption. For Tesla specifically, the initiative arrives at a crucial moment as the company faces increased competition and shifting market dynamics.
Birtwell notes that festival attendees often arrive ready to compare multiple EV options, treating the event like a next-generation auto mall. The extended test drives build upon successful shorter demo experiences that have already converted many visitors into buyers. Unlike dealership programs that may feel sales-focused, this neutral environment allows for pressure-free exploration.
The CEO anticipates thousands will participate across this year’s tour, particularly attracting EV-curious consumers who might otherwise hesitate to visit showrooms. By removing traditional barriers to EV experimentation, Electrify Expo hopes to broaden adoption beyond early adopters to mainstream car buyers. Additional automakers are expected to join the program following its initial launch with Tesla.
Industry observers see this as a smart move for both parties, giving Tesla access to potential customers while providing Electrify Expo with a unique attraction to draw larger crowds. The extended test period could prove especially valuable for addressing common concerns about charging, range anxiety, and daily usability that brief showroom drives can’t adequately demonstrate.
(Source: TechCrunch)
