The theme of the 2022 Chicago Auto Show could best be summed up as "we're back ... and it's electric!" Despite being half the size it usually is, thanks to the pandemic, this year's show is still well worth seeing with a range of interesting concepts and production options from manufacturers on display, including plugins aplenty.
Here's our pick of the highlights:
Chevrolet
Not exactly front and center, but definitely under the brightest lights and busiest display at the Chevrolet booth is the new Silverado Electric. Coming soon, this battery-electric pickup truck aims directly at the Ford Lightning with a price point aimed towards those who work with their rigs. Starting price will be around $40,000 with trim levels and options pushing past $100,000.
Ford
Ford unveiled a new Everglades trim for the Bronco (shown above) and it's hard to miss it on the Chicago show floor. The new package for the Bronco has several off-road-centric updates, covered by our own CC Weiss here.
Also at the Ford booth is the Mustang Mach-E and the interesting Ford Eluminator resto-mod truck.
Hyundai-Kia
Hyundai and Kia aren't collaborating on concepts and production electrics, but they sure do have a lot of them on display. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, recently unveiled, and the similar Kia EV6 are being showcased as well as the Kia EV9 concept. Plus some special interactive displays from electric car charging company ChargePoint.
Nissan
This year, Nissan has focused on the all-new Frontier. At the Chicago show, three conceptual "project" trucks were unveiled around the Frontier. My personal favorite is the Datsun throwback Frontier Project 72X truck, but the Project Hardbody (an 80s tribute) and the overlanding-ready Project Adventure trucks are also drool-worthy.
Also nearby is the new Nissan Ariya electric car, several versions of the LEAF, and more.
Subaru-Toyota Collaboration
Both Subaru and Toyota are showcasing their new collaborative EV projects. The Toyota is called the bZ4X while the Subaru is more pronounceable as the Solterra. The two cars share a chassis and most components, but the Subaru has slightly more ground clearance and all-wheel drive as standard. And, we have to admit, a far more impressive display. Plus Subaru brings puppies to the auto show. No kidding.
Toyota
Also on display in the Toyota area is the new Tundra, including a chassis breakdown of its hybrid powertrain. Plus a bevy of Supra models and the Tacozilla overlanding concept shown above. Holy 1970s throwback, Batman!
The Chicago Auto Show runs through February 21, 2022. Tickets and showtimes are available here.
If only there were likely to be enough EVs on the road, replacing an equal number of fume-belching ICE vehicles, for that even to approach being an actual problem within your lifetime or mine.