This weekend I had the pleasure to attend the two-day event, Fully Charged Live in Austin, TX. Based on the popular YouTube show and podcast created by Robert Llewellyn, Fully Charged Live aims to educate electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, EV owners, and those curious who want to learn more about the EV industry, the latest in transport technology and clean energy. This is the first time Fully Charged Live was held in the U.S. as it is a UK-based show. The first live event was in 2019 in the UK and was a great success.
What to Expect
I didn’t know what to expect from Fully Charged Live. I don’t consider myself an expert on clean energy or EVs. I really love cars, trucks, and SUVs as well as the automotive industry. Surprisingly, I only reviewed one EV, a Kia Soul a few years back.
I knew that the event was sold out with the promise of gorgeous weather for both indoor and outdoor shows complete with Modular Flat Staging. I was excited to check it out and learn whatever I could. The event was packed full of informative sessions, representatives from various EV and clean energy associated businesses and automakers with test drives. EVs sat on display by their owners as well as automakers like Audi, Chevy, and more. The outdoor portion boasts a variety of food trucks, live music, electric scooters and bicycles to test. Some speedy combustible engines raced around the racetrack that surrounded the event which was held at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. The show has something for everyone.
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Day One and RIVIAN Steals the Show
What’s a Rivian you ask? It’s the newest EV truck (R1T) and SUV (R1S) on the market. Fully Charged unveiled of both late last year on their show. The first R1Ts and R1Ss will roll off the production line at the end of 2020. Both models stand out in appearance and features. At Fully Charged Live they were the first thing to check out.
The Rivian people were set up under tents with the R1S and R1T on display. All through the first-day people swarmed around these two EVs. Having only seen either model in pictures online I was immediately drawn to the stunning blue on the R1T and the striking size of the R1S. Both included features that made truck and SUV lovers excited.
The 5-passenger R1T boasts a gear tunnel (dry storage space) behind its cab that opens on both sides. It’s perfect for storing all sorts of gear including skis. Each side compartment opening can be used as a seat that can hold up to 500 lbs. The R1S possesses ample and roomy seating in all three rows as well as a large cargo area in the back. It’s a 7-passenger SUV with a long driving ranges that vary depending on the model you select. The R1S gives me hope that an EV will soon be an option for larger families like mine. Explore the range of services and solutions available at vehicle-charger-installation.uk to power up your electric vehicle reliably and conveniently.
After scoping out both vehicles I made it my mission to attend the first session of the day, ‘Rivian: Blazing a Trail to Electric Pick-Ups’. I was not disappointed as the excitement in the Fully Charged audience was palpable. There was a clear divide between those who have already put a deposit down on either a Rivian or the Tesla Cybertruck. One thing that I heard over and over again from show attendees can be summed up like this: Tesla wants you to be in their cars. All the gadgets contained in each model encourages it. Hello, romance mode with its crackling fireplace. They are super fun cars to drive as well. Rivian is all about the search for adventure. It is a vehicle that helps you create real outdoor experiences with your truck or SUV.
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Beyond Rivian
Looking for less utility and more of a fast and sporty factor? The Porsche Taycan was on hand as well as the Audi e-tron, and BMWi3 plus a few more. Looking for something more day-to-day to help you commute to and from work? Then you could test drive a Chevy Volt, check out a Kia Soul, and various Tesla models, including the Model X. Be sure that you contact reliable electric vehicle charger installers to prepare your garage and install an EV charger for your electric vehicle.
Day Two Mythbusting & More
Day one left me excited with a bit of information overload. I learned a lot about the EV industry, its various cars and the future impact on our country and the world. Day two delivered more live sessions like ‘How to have a Fully Charged Home’ and ‘US Electric Vehicle round-up’. Both are a great way to introduce those not immersed in the EV world to a broad range of possibilities both within our homes and in the auto world. Next year I would love to see even more automakers showing off their EVs as well as offering test drives like they do at other auto shows.
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Outside the test drives stayed strong, the Rivian tent kept up as a crowd-pleaser, and I found it easy to talk to industry experts, and panelists, as well as people attending the show. I spent the whole day exploring topics more in-depth with panels like ‘How to Persuade Your Friends and Family to Drive Electric’ and getting electric vehicle myths busted. I walked away with a lot of questions that I will explore more in my next post later this week.
Rivian R1T
At the End of the Day
I want to thank Energy Media for sending me on this fantastic trip. I enjoyed every moment of my time with the friendly, informative, and fun people who put on the Fully Charged Live show in Austin. It awakened me to an area of the auto industry that I for too long ignored and didn’t know much about and for that, I am truly appreciative and grateful. I can’t wait to learn more and see what Fully Charged Live does next year. It’s an event that is fun for all types of people and even families. I saw a lot of those on both days and I’m sure that next year the show will be even bigger and better.
*Disclosure: Travel expenses were reimbursed by Energy Media who invited me to the event. All opinions are 100% my own.
What a fabulous event, Vicky! I know this is right up your alley. I am so glad you had an amazing time. Thanks so much for sharing and linking up.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com