The Electric Playground: Electrify Expo Tour Starts in Long Beach

The buzz from Electrify Expo is still in the air! This three-day festival celebrating electric vehicles was held at the Long Beach Convention Center in California, and from May 19 to 21 it was a wild ride that blew my expectations out of the water. Trust me, this event was one for the books! With a mind-blowing number of exhibitors (seriously, there were over 150 exhibitors at this event), over 33,000 demo rides, and a bunch of new attractions, it was an unforgettable experience! So, let’s get right into the amazing moments that made Electrify Expo an absolute must-see.

“Long Beach was a monster show and a great way to kick off the Electrify Expo 2023 tour,” said BJ Birtwell, Founder and CEO of Electrify Expo. “Southern California is a trailblazer when it comes to EV adoption and we saw people of all ages excited to experience the ever-expanding world of EVs. We’re excited to carry the momentum into San Francisco next month, June 24-25.”

Unforgettable Fun: Epic Test Drives For All Ages

Electrify Expo is the real deal when it comes to EV festivals in North America. It’s the biggest and most relevant event out there, and it’s got it all for every electric vehicle enthusiast! I’m talking about test-driving your favorite electric cars and trucks, and test-riding motorcycles, bikes, scooters, skateboards – you name it, they had it! The interactive exhibits were an absolute blast, giving everyone a chance to dive deep into the world of EVs. The real excitement came from those test drives; that moment when a product specialist mentioned, “rip it,” on a straight (and safe) road with no traffic. It was an adrenaline rush like no other!

The little ones too had an absolute blast at the Kids Zone. It was massive and filled with electric go-karts and e-bikes that took the excitement to a whole new level! They were zooming around and having the time of their lives.

Electrify Expo sprawled across a whopping 1,000,000 square feet of pure excitement and fun under the sun. It was like the ultimate party celebrating electric mobility! In addition to the dozens of exhibitors, we’re talking mouthwatering food (in what seemed like a food truck festival), head-bopping music from the Electrify Showoff stage, and a whole lot more. But here’s the cherry on top: this event was all about inclusivity. Everyone was invited to join in the festivities and have a blast together.

Industry Day Presented by Bridgestone Ignited EV Innovation

Let’s dive into the fantastic kick-off of the event: Industry Day, presented by Bridgestone, on May 19. This exclusive gathering was the place to be for all the big names and brands in the EV industry. We’re talking Ford, Hyundai, Walmart, and even the EPA! These industry leaders took the stage with their amazing keynote speeches, engaging panels, and lively discussions. It was a goldmine of insights and knowledge for all the attendees. The participants got to be part of breakout sessions and press conferences, where they gained valuable knowledge and made some awesome connections with their colleagues. And to top it all off, there was a (net)working lunch and a swanky cocktail reception after a tour of the Expo grounds, setting the stage for the epic excitement that was about to unfold. It was a day filled with power moves and big dreams!

The Main Attractions

The stars of the show: the absolute best electric cars and trucks! Electrify Expo brought out the big guns and showcased the crème de la crème of the EV industry. I’m talking about heavyweight manufacturers like BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Kia, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Tesla, Toyota, Volvo, and VW. These guys really showed off their electric muscles and proved their dedication to sustainable transportation. They completely redefined what it means to hit the road with style, power, and an eco-friendly mindset.

I witnessed a wave of game-changers at Electrify Expo; the festival buzzed with innovative EV companies that left their mark. I’m talking about rebels, disruptors, and dreamers like Anker, Arcimoto, Brake Free Tech, and Electric Mods. For example – Anker, the renowned global leader in mobile charging – powered the entire event with renewable energy! These guys are turning the industry upside down with their groundbreaking ideas.

Additionally, Living Vehicle, Munro & Associates, Rove, and many more brought an electrifying treat to the table. They’re the ones pushing boundaries and making us rethink what’s possible in the world of electric vehicles.

Setting Records with Micromobility Demos

The Micromobility demo areas were off the charts! These places were bursting with pure excitement. Enthusiasts had the incredible opportunity to try out the hottest e-bikes, motorcycles, scooters, and skateboards on the market. But here’s the real kicker: Electrify Expo turned things up a notch in 2023! They introduced a mind-blowing custom dirt e-mountain bike course and a high-speed e-bike demo. Can you imagine the adrenaline rush? It was unreal! And get this, over 80 exhibitors showcased their goods and hosted various demos, attendees went on an insane number of exhilarating rides, breaking all previous records. It was a micromobility paradise.

Cutting-Edge Electric Bikes and Motorcycles

For the two-wheeler enthusiasts – if you were on the lookout for an experience on two wheels, the exhibitors showcasing electric bikes and motorcycles had some serious hardware in store for you. I’m talking about big players like Horwin, Ryvid, SONDORS, and Zaiser Motorcycles, who flaunted their impressive electric vehicles at the event. AIMA EBIKE, Bosch, GoCycle, and Juiced Bikes brought their A-game, presenting exceptional products, exclusive offers, and displays that were simply enticing. Attendees couldn’t wait to hop on those courses and get a taste of these amazing options.

Electric Scooters and Skateboards Stole the Show

If you’re looking for a smaller yet super exciting ride, there were many exhibitors on location who had electric scooters and skateboards on display. They had some seriously cool stuff! Brands like 2Swift, Evolve Skateboards, and Hover-1 Scooter really impressed the crowd with their awesome designs. You could hop on one of these beauties, cruise around the courses, pull off tricks, and see just how fast they can go. Safely, of course.

Electric Kids Zone

And hey, parents! Electrify Expo had something special just for your little speedsters. The Electric Kids Zone was an exciting treat! Hover-1 and Reyhee Group took the stage and brought the sheer joy of electric mobility to the next generation. It was a day packed with thrills, giggles, and endless excitement as the kids embarked on their own electrifying adventures. Trust me, seeing those little ones light up with joy was a sight to behold. Electrify Expo made sure they had an unforgettable time!

Electrify Showoff: Spotlight on Stunning EV Conversions, Electrified Classics, and Cutting-Edge Tech

Right in the heart of all the action at Long Beach, the first-ever Electrify Showoff stole the show amidst the hustle and bustle of EV companies and e-bike exhibits. Thanks to Yokohama‘s sponsorship, this incredible custom car show featured an impressive lineup of about 90 EVs and over 20 exhibitors. Local aftermarket enthusiasts brought out the big guns with a wide variety of modified Teslas, classic cars that were converted to run on electricity, trikes, and even purpose-built electric cars designed specifically for motorsports.

Some seriously influential figures stole the spotlight at Electrify Expo! One of them is none other than Ryan Basseri of RyWire Motorsport Electronics. He brought the heat with two of his electric conversions. His jaw-dropping S2000, a project that made waves at SEMA in 2022. This beauty caught everyone’s attention with its discreetly modified exterior and intriguing deleted exhaust openings. Basseri had another trick up his sleeve – a red 6th-generation Honda Civic hatchback that left visitors in awe. Why? Well, this bad boy incorporated Tesla motors, delivering power to all four wheels through AEM Electronics’ EV control solutions. It was a mind-blowing creation that showcased the limitless possibilities of electric conversions.

Another vehicle that caught everyone’s eye was a Tesla Model 3, masterfully built by Evasive Motorsports and driven by the skilled Dai Yoshihara. Now, during the 2021 Pikes Peak hill climb, they faced some electrical troubles, but guess what? They bounced back like champions in 2022! Not only did they secure the fastest time among all the EV competitors, but they also snagged a super impressive ninth-place finish overall. It was an absolute triumph for the team!

If you’re a fan of classic cars, you wouldn’t believe the amazing rides that got everyone hyped at the show! Conductive Classics totally rocked it with their electric conversion of a 1964 Galaxie, while Current LA blew minds with their reimagined 1932 EV Deuce. Additionally, the rebuilt 1957 Chevrolet Bel EV by Current stole the spotlight too, showcasing this perfect fusion of vintage looks and cutting-edge electric power, and winning the “Best of Show” award in the inaugural Electrify Showoff. It was like witnessing the best of both worlds come together in one seriously cool package.

The Sierra Echo EV was showcased at the Hypercraft booth, representing the collaboration between SIERRA Cars and Hypercraft. And guess what? During Industry Day, SIERRA Cars Founder and Professional Racecar Driver Cole Powelson and Hypercraft’s new Vice President of Direct Sales Kirk Miller announced that Lucy Block, who’s not only a rally driver but also the wife of the legendary late Ken Block, will be taking part in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to honor her husband’s legacy and raise awareness for the 43 Institute. Now, let me tell you about the Sierra Echo EV itself. This custom EV is packed with state-of-the-art technology and powered by Hypercraft’s electric drive system. It’s like a powerhouse on wheels!

People were going crazy for Porsches with electric powertrains at the show! It was all the rage, and companies like ReVolt Systems and Ampere EV were right in the mix, offering conversion kits that make the whole process a breeze (and affordable too). The Toyo booth had this mind-blowing electric 911 that was converted from a 935, and it was all thanks to the genius Bisi Ezerioha. This bad boy was equipped with a beastly three-phase motor pumping out over 600 horsepower, and they cleverly hid the battery packs too. Bisi’s previous Porsche EV project, a 1984 935, had already made waves back in 2020. That guy knows how to turn heads!

There were so many other modified electric rides at the Electrify Showoff that made a serious statement! AutoFashion brought their A-game with a widebody Model 3 that was straight-up drool-worthy. And let’s not forget about the Tjin Edition Fords that were on display. Picture this: an attention-grabbing orange Mach-E on bags, looking all sleek and stylish. Tjin also had an F-150 Lightning that was built for overlanding, ready to take on any adventure you throw at it. These unique modifications had everyone in awe.

Electrify Showoff was like a sneak peek into the future of electric car customization and mods. It was insane! You could feel the energy and excitement in the air. It’s clear that we’re on the verge of a revolution. The growth potential for this scene is staggering, in my opinion, and we’re talking about exponential growth here, with more mind-blowing stuff coming our way in the years to come.

Electrify Expo Ignited a Transcendent Era of Electric Vehicles and Enthusiasts Globally

Electrify Expo is like the ultimate celebration of e-mobility, bringing together the top dogs in the industry, showcasing the absolute cutting-edge in vehicles, and giving everyone an insane and immersive experience. Despite the 6-hour flight, I am still energized by the experience of Long Beach. This feeling remains even as I gather my thoughts for this coverage. It was all about groundbreaking innovations and unforgettable moments. This festival was a total game-changer, showing us just how fast the electric vehicle sector is progressing and how much potential it holds.

It’s bittersweet saying goodbye to this year’s Electrify Expo in Long Beach, but you know what? I’m already stoked for the six remaining events on the Electrify Expo 2023 tour! This whole thing was a game-changer, bringing electric mobility and car enthusiasts together for an absolutely epic experience. Each day that passes gets us closer to a future where EVs are totally accessible and adaptable, ready to take over the roads and steal the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. Electrify Expo was just the beginning, and we’re in for some seriously mind-blowing things ahead. So stay charged and get ready, because the future of electric cars is about to steal the spotlight!

For more Electrify Expo information, please visit https://www.electrifyexpo.com.

2023 Electrify Expo Schedule

May 19-21	Long Beach, CA
June 24-25	San Francisco, CA
July 22-23	Washington, DC
Aug. 12-13	Long Island, NY
Sept. 9-10	Seattle, WA
Oct. 14-15	Miami, FL
Nov. 10-12	Austin, TX

Electrify Expo Long Beach 2023 Gallery

IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO

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