Tesla Teams Up with Electrify Expo for Weekend-Long EV Test Drive Program
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Electrify Expo, a leader in electric vehicle education through its U.S.-based festivals, is introducing a new initiative allowing attendees to take an EV home for an entire weekend. Tesla is the first automaker to join the program, with Electrify Expo CEO BJ Birtwell hinting at more brands joining soon. “This program gives our attendees a relaxed, no-pressure way to experience an electric vehicle in their daily lives—running errands, testing its fit—to see if it’s right for them,” Birtwell shared in an interview with TechCrunch. For many, driving an EV for the first time can be a game-changer in moving away from gas-powered vehicles. Consumer interest is high, with a recent Consumer Reports survey showing 50% of U.S. consumers are eager to test-drive an EV. Dubbed the “Electrify Weekender,” the program launches at the Los Angeles festival on June 21 and is open to Electrify Expo attendees with a valid driver’s license and auto insurance. Birtwell aims to refine the experience in Los Angeles before expanding to other 2025 festivals in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Dallas. For Tesla, this initiative offers a chance to connect with curious but hesitant consumers, especially as the company faces challenges from a dated lineup, growing competition, and reputational hurdles tied to CEO Elon Musk. Tesla did not provide a comment on the program. Birtwell emphasized that the Electrify Weekender builds on the success of the festival’s shorter, 8- to 10-minute EV demos, which have already helped convert attendees into buyers. “Our festival is like an upgraded auto mall—people come to cross-shop electric cars and trucks, test them out, and decide what suits them,” he said. Unlike traditional extended test drives offered by car dealerships, which can feel sales-driven, Electrify Expo’s program aims to create a low-pressure environment. Birtwell believes this approach will draw in consumers who might not otherwise consider a test drive, predicting thousands will participate. “To push EV adoption beyond 50% of the population, we need to reach everyone—especially those who are curious but skeptical about electric vehicles,” Birtwell said. Image Credits: Electrify Expo
