At the heart of electric mobility: The London EV Show 2023 in review

Jan 24, 2024 · 6 min read · event

As the world is heading towards a greener future, the electric vehicle industry is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. At the heart of this revolution are industry-leading events like the London EV Show (LEVS).

This annual event is a focal point for EV enthusiasts, industry professionals, and investors alike, offering a comprehensive look at the latest in EV technology, infrastructure, and trends. Last year's event was no exception, with insightful speaker sessions, networking opportunities, and over 200 exhibitors showcasing their cutting-edge solutions.

An inside look at London EV Show 2023

The London EV Show is an annual event focused on electric vehicles and the wider electric mobility ecosystem. While the name implies a focus on automakers, the show covers the full range of solutions surrounding EVs, from fleet operators to charger manufacturers. It is one of the largest electric vehicle events in the UK, with admission free for visitors. Attendees can interact directly with vehicle OEMs, see the latest EV models, and explore technologies and products from across the industry.

Exhibitors include EV manufacturers, battery and powertrain companies, charging solution providers, fleet operators, and automotive tech startups. The show features an exhibition hall for vehicles, charging infrastructure, and aftermarket products, while the expert speaker sessions provide a forum for industry leaders to discuss the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in electric mobility.

Why LEVS is a must-attend for industry professionals

The London EV Show is one of the largest and most important events in the UK for the electric vehicle and mobility sector. It attracts key stakeholders from across the industry including policymakers, investors, media, business leaders, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Fleet managers interested in emerging EV technologies and infrastructure should attend to:

  • see the latest EV technologies from vehicle OEMs and charging providers for both public and private fleets;
  • learn from industry-leading professionals including charger operators about the latest infrastructure standards and future vision;
  • gain insights into the largest UK EV projects to understand the challenges and opportunities of the UK EV market firsthand;
  • benefit from the extensive networking areas and coffee breaks to have valuable discussions with attendees from across the sector.

Due to the sheer volume of exhibitors and the broad scope of the conference agenda, the London EV Show provides a crucial platform for every attendee to learn about technologies that can help electrify their operations and transition to a sustainable future.

Attendees gain access to the latest EV innovations through interactive product demonstrations at the exhibition booths of vehicle manufacturers, charging solution providers, fleet operators, and automotive parts suppliers. The variety of technologies on display - covering vehicles, charging hardware and software, battery technologies, and fleet management systems - showcases the cutting-edge of the industry.

In summary, the scale and diversity of the London EV Show ensures that attendees, regardless of their role in the EV value chain, will find relevant solutions, gain fresh insights, and make useful connections that can help accelerate the electrification of their business or organization.

Key takeaways from LEVS 2023

The keynote speeches and panel discussions at LEVS 2023 provided valuable insight into the rapidly changing electrification landscape for transportation. Speakers from automakers, charging providers, fleet operators and government agencies shared their perspectives on the key trends and challenges shaping the industry. Here are the three main takeaways we brought back from LEVS 2023:

  • Electrification in the public sector is accelerating. Several panel discussions focused on electrification efforts within the public sector and urban fleets in the United Kingdom. Representatives from the sector discussed their ambitious goals for decarbonising transport; they also noted that government incentives and funding, as well as partnerships with OEMs and charging providers, have enabled strong progress towards these goals. However, challenges around total cost of ownership, duty cycles and driver acceptance remain.
  • Charging solutions are on the rise. Many speakers highlighted the urgent need for more widespread charging infrastructure to support the electrification of passenger cars and commercial vehicles alike. There was broad consensus that the availability of reliable, user-friendly and affordable charging will be a key factor determining the pace of the transition. Panelists from charging companies outlined their roadmaps for scaling deployment through optimized siting, standardized hardware and software platforms, and integrated payment and route planning services.
  • Electrification of logistics fleets is an urgent priority. Medium and heavy commercial electric vehicles are in high demand from fleet managers due to their potential to significantly reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions. However, the limited supply of electric vans and trucks is restricting the ability of logistics companies to transition their fleets. In addition to this, logistics companies need a widespread and reliable charging network to support the electrification of their fleets, and integrated fleet management tools, optimized siting strategies and standardized platforms will also be critical.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the London EV Show 2023 offered a vibrant platform for industry professionals to explore the future of electric mobility. The event provided an invaluable opportunity to discover new technologies, network with leading professionals, and gain insights into the rapidly evolving EV landscape. The key takeaways from LEVS 2023 underscore the urgent need for infrastructure development, the accelerating electrification of public sector fleets, and the critical role of logistics in this transition. As we look forward to the next LEVS, one thing is certain: the future of mobility is electric, and the journey is only just beginning.

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