Everything Electric, the UK’s award-winning festival of electrification, made its Cheltenham debut at Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th June, welcoming 17,765 attendees and delivering more than 5,000 electric vehicle test drives across the two-day event.
Bringing together leading electric vehicle manufacturers, home energy experts and clean technology innovators, the inaugural Everything Electric WEST offered visitors the opportunity to experience the latest developments in sustainable transport and energy through hands-on exhibits, expert-led discussions and extensive test drive programmes.
A key highlight of the weekend was a headline fireside discussion, Breaking Barriers to Electric: How BYD is Making the Case for Battery EVs, featuring Fully Charged and Everything Electric Founder Robert Llewellyn and Steve Beattie, Deputy Country Manager at BYD UK. Speaking to a packed audience in the Electric Theatre, the pair explored BYD’s rapid growth from battery manufacturer to global EV leader, the company’s role in accelerating electric vehicle adoption, and how innovations in vehicle technology, battery development and charging infrastructure are helping make EV ownership more accessible to mainstream consumers.
The Electric Theatre, sponsored by Hankook Tire, hosted more than 20 live sessions across the weekend covering electric vehicles, home energy, sustainable living and emerging technologies, attracting strong audiences throughout both days.
The event also provided a platform for major vehicle debuts and product showcases. Visitors were among the first members of the public to view the new Hyundai IONIQ 3 N Line, while Morris Commercial unveiled its latest pre-production Morris JE electric van, drawing significant interest from both consumers and industry professionals.
Alongside these exclusive reveals, visitors were able to experience the latest electric vehicle launches and innovations, with a wide range of models available to test drive from manufacturers including BMW, BYD, Ford, Geely, Hyundai, IM, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Nissan, Polestar, Tesla and Renault. The EV test drive programme, sponsored by Big Motoring World, delivered more than 4,500 consumer experiences, allowing visitors to compare multiple electric vehicles in one location.
Friday’s dedicated B2B EV Day brought together fleet managers, business leaders and employers to explore electrification strategies, salary sacrifice schemes and commercial EV adoption, alongside extensive test drive opportunities and expert advice sessions.
The Commercial Vehicle Zone showcased the latest electric vans and pickups from leading manufacturers, supporting growing demand from businesses transitioning to electric fleets and helping visitors explore the practical benefits of electrification for commercial operations.
Alongside transport innovation, visitors explored home energy solutions including solar, battery storage, smart energy management and heat pumps. Exhibitors and industry experts offered practical advice on reducing energy bills, increasing energy independence and lowering household carbon emissions, while leading energy suppliers and technology providers showcased the latest products and services available to consumers.
Family-friendly attractions once again proved popular, including the return of Hacky Racers, where teams competed in custom-built electric creations, the Hive-sponsored Power Heroes Trail, electric bike test rides and a range of interactive sustainability activities across the site. These experiences helped engage visitors of all ages with the possibilities of a cleaner, electrified future.
With strong attendance for its first-ever event in Cheltenham, packed theatre sessions and more than 5,000 test drives completed, Everything Electric WEST made a successful debut in the South West and reaffirmed its position as the UK’s leading event for electrification, clean energy and sustainable technology.
Everything Electric will return later this year with Everything Electric GREATER LONDON, continuing its mission to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, renewable energy and sustainable technologies through engaging, accessible and inspiring live events.
