Sustainability Action Network

►The 2025 Lawrence Electric Vehicle Showcase marked our 7th annual event and the second year held along the closed-off section of Massachusetts St. next to South Park. The downtown location once again created a lively setting for exploring the future of transportation.

This year we had 68 registered electric vehicles, a 9% increase over last year and the most in our seven-year history. Despite attendance being down about 50% from 2024’s record crowd—mainly due to competing events in the Lawrence and Kansas City area—the turnout remained strong and enthusiastic. By official National Drive Electric Week statistics, the Lawrence Showcase ranked #8 in the nation by number of registered attendees!

We also gained a new national corporate sponsor, Panasonic Energy, which helped expand both our promotion and community outreach. Four local car dealers, three solar installers, and two bicycle shops displayed electric vehicle products at the show. About two dozen E-bicycles, along with an electric motorcycle and a cargo bike, rounded out the displays.

A highlight this year was Kansas City’s Mind Drive program, which brought a beautifully restored 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia converted to electric power. Other notable vehicles included a gorgeous Lucid Air, Jaguar I-Pace, Fisker Ocean, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, Rivian R1S and R1T, Tesla Model Y (Juniper) and Cybertruck, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Chevrolet Bolt, along with several creative EV conversions including a 1962 Mercury Comet station wagon.

The University of Kansas School of Engineering returned for the second year, presenting on how batteries work, how autonomous EVs can improve traffic flow, and KU research into battery recycling practices.

We again partnered with the City of Lawrence, represented by the Sustainability Office, Parks & Recreation Department, Lawrence Transit, Municipal Services and Operations, and the MeQ Agency.

Even with lower attendance, this year’s Showcase broke records for participation, expanded our sponsorship base, and reinforced Lawrence’s reputation as one of the top electric vehicle events in the country.