The timing of this year’s auto show in Anaheim couldn’t be more opportune for what is regarded as one of the largest electric-vehicle markets in the country, as the $7,500 tax credit for purchasing them is slated to end soon.
Also concluding is the federal Clean Air Vehicle decal program, which allowed EV and hybrid owners to use the carpool lane with only one occupant. The state has provided a two-month reprieve for drivers to adjust to the change.
“A lot of people know those tax credits are disappearing, and they’re going to be out making purchases so they can take advantage of the credits,” said John Sackrison, executive director of the organizers. “I think we’re going to see a lot of buying activity. The auto show gives that chance to see a lot of EVs in one location.”
The auto show at the Anaheim Convention Center will present numerous electric, hybrid and conventional models from more than 27 automakers and provide dozens of street test drives.
Visitors will experience what driving an EV feels like at an indoor ride experience. It will feature rides with professional drivers at the helm of new EVs that will glide around a large indoor track.
Sackrison admits these are tough times for car buyers. “If 27% of our county’s sales are battery electric vehicles, and those sales are going to be significantly reduced after the tax credits disappear, it’s going to create a big challenge, because it’s a major part of the market.”
The outlook for new vehicle sales in California is projected to decline due to inflation, stagnant household disposable income and higher tariffs putting pressure on vehicle prices.
Sackrison cited figures showing that total new vehicle registrations are expected to fall just under the 1.75 million vehicle sales recorded previously. EV sales have slowed. The share of zero-emission vehicles in the state dropped to 19.5% in the first six months, down from 22% in the same period a year earlier.
While visitors may see a chance to get in under the wire when buying or leasing an EV, Irvine-based electric automaker Rivian’s newest SUV model won’t be at the show to be seen. Tesla won’t be there either. Both of these EV manufacturers use different marketing strategies.
A Rivian representative says the company is fully focused on bringing the new model to market in the first half of 2026.
“It’s a loss,” said Sackrison about Rivian’s absence from the show. “I think they are missing a terrific opportunity to connect with the largest audience of car buyers in a market that buys more EVs than 45 states.”
There’s still a silver lining for what is billed as one of the nation’s original auto shows.
“The turmoil is going to lead some people to want to trade in or trade up,” said Brian Moody, executive editor of a vehicle valuation and automotive research firm. “For example, if you had an electric car mainly to access the carpool lane, and now you don’t get to do that, do you really love the electric car that much, or would you maybe prefer something else?”
People who come to the auto show will inspect a variety of so-called green-energy vehicles. They’ll see plug-in hybrids that can run on gas and an electric battery, or EVs that rely solely on rechargeable batteries.
The hybrid vehicle segment may be the single bright spot in California’s auto market after the tax incentives end. In California, registrations of hybrid vehicles that use both electric and gas engines rose 54% and made up 19.2% of the market.
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“It’s probably the first auto show where the consumer will get a look at the all-new Nissan Leaf, an affordable electric car,” Moody said. The third-generation electrified Nissan Leaf offers a range of 303 miles.
Also making a debut at the show will be the Ram 1500 with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, reintroduced to the Ram lineup after being omitted in the previous model year.
Attendees will also get an early look at the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, a 710-horsepower 6.2-liter HEMI V8 that offers three rows of seating.
Other new models to be seen at the show include:
- Toyota Prius Nightshade and Toyota Crown Nightshade, both offered as hybrids.
- Dodge Charger’s twin-turbo SIXPACK with an engine producing 550 horsepower.
- Honda Ridgeline TrailSport, an off-road truck with a slightly raised ride height.
- Honda CR-V TrailSport, a hybrid suited for light off-road use.
- Ford F-150 Lobo, with lowered rear suspension and powered by a V8 engine.
- Chevrolet Suburban Premiere, a carryover that includes updates to entertainment systems.
- Jeep Cherokee hybrid, an SUV that delivers 210 horsepower.
The exotic vehicle section provides a close-up view of ultra-luxury cars from automakers like Bentley, Lamborghini and McLaren. A local dealership plans to bring sporty models priced above $400,000.
A Corvette club will also present a display of Corvettes, spanning every generation from the original that debuted in 1953 to the state-of-the-art model.
According to Sackrison, the outdoor vehicle recreation market — sometimes called “overland” — is an expanding niche for the show. These vehicles are marketed to outdoor enthusiasts who travel overland in remote areas.
“It’s definitely a market that is growing,” said Mark Han, co-founder and manager for a website, whose company leased space to showcase more than 20 off-road vehicles. “When we first started doing these shows two years ago, 90% who visited our space said the overland market was new to them. Now we’re talking to the indoctrinated.”
Event Details
- Automotive exhibitors: 27 participating manufacturers.
- Location: Anaheim Convention Center.
- Tickets: $15 for adults ages 13 and over, $12 for seniors. Children 12 and younger are free.
- Show hours: 4-9 p.m. on Thursday; noon to 9 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday; and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Sustainability advocate with a keen eye on policies, trends, and real-world EV impact.
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