Auto shows are now all about the consumer. Gone are the days of extravagant press conferences to wow the media and bring hype to new products. Now, it’s all about allowing prospective buyers to touch the vehicle, as well as experience the greater automotive community. For several years, Electrify Expo has been helping the public better understand electrified mobility. It’s not just about being green anymore. There are other aspects too, including performance, convenience, and the freedom to move using sustainable energy. After a weekend at this year’s event, it’s clear that electrification fascinates everyone, and that shows like this play a crucial role in educating the public, all while dispelling misinformation.
Electrify Expo: Everyone is Represented
Electrify Expo doesn’t just give you a glimpse of the future. The show highlights what’s possible now. Everyone from major automakers to the aftermarket and small startups has a presence at the show. This gives everyone a glimpse at how electrification is shaping mobility. All-electric motorcycles and e-bikes? There’s something there for you. Electric skateboards? What about a hybrid e-scooter meets skateboard that can drift? Those are also there, too. Heck, a booth even showed off what looked like a drone-type aircraft!
The aftermarket, suppliers, and charging providers have also come full force at Electrify Expo. Well-known tuning companies like Unplugged Performance display their latest creations for everyone to see. Hankook, Yokohama, and Dunlop are also on hand with the latest tire technologies for electrified vehicles. On top of that, ChargePoint and other EV charging companies have come to educate the public on charging infrastructure to help demystify what it’s like to drive an EV.
The Latest From Leading Automakers
Several automakers attended this year’s show, bringing with them their latest and most important vehicles. Best of all, they even let you test drive some of them on a short loop!
Toyota
Toyota’s booth had the most diverse lineup, even though none of the newly revealed vehicles made an This highlights just how extensive Toyota’s lineup is. Can’t charge at home? There’s a hybrid for you, just pick which one fits your needs best. Want the best of both worlds? Pick between two excellent plug-in hybrids. Want to go all in on a battery-electric vehicle? There’s the bZ4X, which will soon be renamed to bZ and joined by the larger bZ Woodland and the returning C-HR. Toyota even offers a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai. To put it simply, Toyota’s lineup offers varying degrees of electrification and has everyone covered, no matter their vehicle needs.
Lexus
Like parent company Toyota, Lexus showed off its diverse electrified lineup. From conventional hybrids like the UX 300h and TX 500h to plug-in hybrids like the RX 450h+ and NX 450h+, Lexus has you covered. In addition, the refreshed 2026 RZ was on hand alongside the all-new 2026 ES 500e, both of which come equipped with the North American Charging System (NACS) port or J3400.
Kia
Like its Japanese rival, Kia brought along a diverse lineup that included conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles. These include the EV9, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, Carnival Hybrid, and the refreshed EV6. Kia’s lineup is a master class in how to do it all well. They offer class-leading vehicles with varying levels of electrification at nearly every price point.
Tesla
Tesla brought its full lineup to this year’s Electrify Expo, including the recently updated Model S and Model X. To no surprise, it highlighted Tesla’s EV leadership and why they have the largest chunk of the pie in that segment. Politics aside, Tesla’s vehicles felt the most dated. The cars on display felt like they’re several years into their life cycle (they are) and are in search of more improvements beyond what they recently got.
General Motors
General Motors brought the full breadth of its EV lineup to Electrify Expo this year. Chevrolet had the Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs, while GMC showed off the Hummer EV truck and SUV. On the other hand, Cadillac brought the Escalade IQ, Vistiq, Optiq, and Lyriq. Once again, diversity is at the forefront. Only this time it’s with EVs.
Ford
Ford brought the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning to the show. It even brought back its drift ride-alongs, which showed off the Mach-E’s performance chops in an exciting but controlled environment. Conversely, the Escape, which is available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid guises, the popular Maverick Hybrid compact pickup, and Lincoln models are no shows.
Volvo
Swedish brand Volvo showed off its Scandinavian heritage with its luxurious SUVs. The brand also used this year’s Electrify Expo for the North American debut of the updated XC60 PHEV and the new EX30 Cross Country. Meanwhile, the standard EX30 grabbed plenty of attention, as did the EX90 and 2025.5 XC90.
Rivian
Rivian brought along the second-generation R1S and R1T, both of which are impressive vehicles in their own right. However, the much-anticipated R2, R3, and R3X did not make an appearance.
Lucid
Lucid had several Air sedans of varying trims on display, but most of the attention went to the new Gravity. This latest SUV offers up to 450 miles of range and three rows of seating. Although its styling is unconventional, the Gravity has a unique look that stands out. What’s more, it’s paired with a stunningly luxurious interior that feels as expensive as it looks.
The “Boutique” Automakers
Several small-volume automakers brought some incredible cars to show off what extreme electrified performance looks like. Drako Motors brought a 2,000-hp super SUV called the Dragon and the GTE, a quad-motor all-electric coupe with 1,200 hp. Meanwhile, Karma Automotive brought the Revero and Invictus, high-performance plug-in hybrids that use the engine only as a generator. That means these cars are motivated exclusively by electric motors and a traction battery. As a result, they feel more like EVs than a typical hybrid.
Bring Electrification to the Masses
It’s safe to say that Electrify Expo is helping normalize electrified mobility. The show highlights the benefits of moving towards an electrified future and demystifies it for the average consumer. By highlighting all the nuances of electrification, the show educates consumers on why it’s the future. Additionally, it helps clear the misinformation from people’s minds, giving them ideas on how to best integrate it into their lives.
The best part about the show? It proves that car culture isn’t going anywhere with the advent of electrification. Whether you ride an electric motorcycle or drive an electrified car, the possibilities are endless. Additionally, the presence of the aftermarket community is proof that EVs can be customized and personalized. As the auto industry is undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime transition, events like Electrify Expo are key to educating consumers, especially in times like today, when false information is rampant.
