Car makers, including Ford (with the Explorer and Mustang Mach-E ), Toyota (bZ4X), Subaru (Solterra), Mercedes (EQE) and Tesla (Model Y) were all present, but I think the star of the show was Lotus who unveiled its charging offerings designed for businesses including an ultra-fast 450 kW DC charger, a modular power cabinet that is suited for spaces that require high energy in order to increase efficiency and minimise charging time, such as motorway rest stops and a unit for charging up to four vehicles at once.

Lotus is using liquid-cooled technologies throughout its suite of commercial charging solutions to make it easier and quicker for EV drivers to charge their vehicles. They have already been deployed in China and are expected to roll out across the majority of European countries and Middle East in Q2 2024, with Germany and Austria following at a later date.

Beyond vehicles, charging systems, battery technologies, and business solutions, this show also holds insightful sessions, panel discussions, Q&As, and investment-focused programs from over 166 speakers. Covering the entire breadth of the entire EV ecosystem the conferences were always packed out. From decarbonizing commercial fleets to fast charging with integrated storage and EV sustainability challenges, from micro mobility to automotive battery design and range, supply chain and market dynamics – just to name a few – every crucial topic was covered.

The show also witnessed some important announcements, including the awarding of contracts for an additional 51 sites for rapid charge points to the event’s esteemed sponsor, charge point operator – Zest, and GLA’s plans for five new ultra rapid electric vehicle charging hubs, supposed to facilitate rapid charging in an impressive 10-30 minutes.

In order to enable a transportation landscape completely dominated by electric vehicles we need to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between governments, industry players, academia and both private and public stakeholders. And that's the aim of the London EV Show - to become an institution within the global EV community and see real time business leads close, which explains the number of break-out rooms available! 

It was great to see so much hype around EVs and a shared passion to promote the benefits of sustainable transportation and green mobility; however we can't help but feel it could have been bigger and better. Publicity materials quoted more than 300 exhibitors but there were in fact just 140 listed in the event catalogue so we wouldn’t be surprised to find that the supposed 10,000 attendees is also an optimistic figure.

The event did feel very quiet – perhaps because we visited on the first morning but that said it’s a key day in the show calendar for companies to gauge instant market reaction and feedback on their latest product offerings, engage directly with buyers and investors and build strategic business alliances. And you can't undermind the event's success in helping to forge ongoing partnerships, showcase innovative solutions, and bring about transformative policies.