Electrify Expo, after five years of hosting electric vehicle education festivals across the U.S., is now introducing a unique demo experience. This experience allows people to take an electric vehicle home for a weekend, starting with a partnership with Tesla. CEO BJ Birtwell mentioned that more brands will soon join this initiative. The goal is to provide attendees at Electrify Expo with a pressure-free opportunity to test an EV in real-life scenarios and see if it fits their lifestyle.
Driving an electric vehicle for the first time often convinces individuals to switch from traditional internal combustion engines. Consumer Reports found that half of all U.S. consumers are interested in test-driving an EV. The new “Electrify Weekender” program will kick off at the Los Angeles festival in June, requiring attendees to have a driver’s license and auto insurance. This initiative aims to refine the experience for upcoming festivals in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Dallas.
The program not only benefits attendees but also serves as a potential marketing strategy for Tesla. It allows the brand to engage with customers who may be unfamiliar or hesitant, especially during a time when sales are impacted by various factors. Birtwell views this program as an extension of the successful EV demos at the festival, which have played a significant role in converting attendees into EV buyers.
Car companies have offered extended test drive programs in the past, but Birtwell believes Electrify Expo can provide a unique, pressure-free environment for potential buyers. By targeting a broader audience, including those who are curious or skeptical about EVs, the goal is to drive widespread EV adoption. Ultimately, Birtwell anticipates that thousands of people will take advantage of the Electrify Expo offer.
