In October, The Everything Electric Show 2024 was held in Surrey, UK.It spotlighted transformative advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) alongside essential conversations around the right to repair. From groundbreaking vehicle designs to new applications in air and micro-mobility, this year’s event underscored how EV technology is evolving to meet the diverse needs of consumers and industries alike. As the EV market rapidly grows, the show emphasized both the innovation driving these changes and the importance of making EVs more sustainable and accessible.
Here are some key highlights of the show about EVs :
1. Groundbreaking Electric Models
One of the standout displays was Tesla's Cybertruck, celebrated for its innovative exoskeleton design and impressive towing capacity. Despite some mixed reactions to its unconventional look, Tesla’s effort to defy traditional design norms was widely appreciated for breaking the visual monotony in automotive design. Another highlight was the Polestar BST, a powerful concept car boasting over 800 horsepower, a 0-100 km/h time of just three seconds, and an all-electric range of 500 km. The event also featured the rugged electric trucks of brands like Peterbilt, known for their durability and high build quality, emphasizing the adaptability of electric power for industrial and delivery use.
2. Focus on Right to Repair
An emerging topic in the EV world, the right to repair, was a central theme at the show. Industry representatives emphasized the need to ensure EVs can remain on the road longer through accessible maintenance and repair options. The right to repair is particularly significant for commercial EVs; unlike personal vehicles, downtime for trucks translates directly to financial losses. Advocates at the show argued for the necessity of straightforward repair systems and availability of parts, expressing concerns that limiting repairs could increase waste and contradict environmental goals.
3. Electric Air and Micro-Mobility
Beyond cars, the show ventured into air mobility with Canada’s first commercial electric airplane. Attendees had the chance to see an electric plane designed for short trips, highlighting the potential for sustainable aviation on a smaller scale. Micro-mobility was also featured through compact electric transport options like high-performance scooters and electric ATVs. These smaller EVs provide versatile, eco-friendly options for urban environments and specific commercial uses, adding new layers to the electric revolution.
4. Future of EV Education and Youth Involvement
Youth innovation was on display through several university-led projects that included solar-powered race cars and electric ATVs. Such initiatives offer future engineers hands-on experience with EV technology and emphasize the growing role of renewable energy in mobility. Programs like these foster innovation among young engineers and prepare the next generation of professionals for a greener automotive industry.
5. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving
A live demonstration of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature captured the audience's attention, with FSD maneuvering through various road conditions. While it performed adequately, occasional alerts required driver input, underscoring the current limitations and safety considerations of autonomous driving technology.
The "Everything Electric Show 2024" served as a powerful reminder of the EV industry’s potential to reshape transportation and reduce environmental impact. Beyond showcasing the latest EV technology, the event highlighted the need for accessible repair options to ensure these vehicles are sustainable and cost-effective over their lifespan. As EVs continue to gain traction globally, events like this play a crucial role in addressing both the progress and the challenges that lie ahead, setting the stage for a more inclusive and eco-friendly future in mobility.