Three Of The Best Features Of Los Angeles' Electrify Expo 2025
This past weekend marked the return of Electrify Expo to Southern California, this time occupying an outdoor venue in the Port of Los Angeles. Dubbed as a 'unique festival vibe for consumers to reshape what they think they know about EVs,' per the Expo itself, it's a chance for consumers to check out a wide variety of product activations, chat with companies in the EV automobile and greater mobility sphere, as well as the many vendors that cater to it. Not only that, but there are ample chances for folks to experience EVs firsthand, from Ford Performance ride alongs to a short test drive route behind the wheel of many new models.
I was invited by the expo to come hang out and enjoy the day, and, after soaking it all up for a couple of hours, walked away impressed. Here are three features of the event that I really dug, and are also key indicators of where we're headed with electrification.
Attendees had the ability to test-drive a wide variety of EVs at Electrify Expo.
Test Drives Galore
When I saw demo drives as a cornerstone of the event, I initially didn't think much of it. Like any car show, this is often done by a small handful of brands who mostly just put consumers in the passenger seat and chauffeur them around. However, at Electrify Expo, basically every attending automaker had what seemed like over a dozen demo vehicles, each, for consumers to get behind the wheel and truly feel out themselves.
It's no secret that a good percentage of traditional dealerships aren't crazy about moving EVs. By skipping the customary dealership test drive—and any sales pressure that may come with it—this is a very good direct-to-the-consumer way of helping them decide what's best for their next new-car purchase. After all, EVs sales aren't great at the moment, so it certainly makes sense to get as many people in the seat as possible. There are five stops left on Electrify Expo's calendar this year, I highly recommend that any prospective EV buyer pay a visit if it's convenient.
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country.
The New Volvo EX30 Cross Country
It's great to see the Cross Country badge on Volvo's latest diminutive model. Swap out some painted trim for cladding, increase the ride height, mount up some knobbier tires, and it's an instant nod of approval from any self-described enthusiast. Not only that, but calling this trim the Cross Country pays homage to a proud lineage of categorically cool Volvo wagons of yore. I pay especially close attention to anything geared towards the enthusiast market, and this is good news for anyone after a fun driving experience with something sporting an electric drivetrain.
Another important thing to note: I reviewed the Rivian R1S and Mercedes G580 earlier this year, and was enamoured by how good off-roading in an EV is. While lacking these full-size truck's ground clearance, Volvo's EX30 Cross Country gives consumers something adventure-ready for, what I assume will be, far less money.
The Lightship AE.1 EV-ready trailer.
America's Other Favorite Pastime: RVing
Present at Electrify Expo's Los Angeles installment was Lightship with its AE.1 Cosmo trailer, designed to be towed behind any of today's haul-ready EV trucks, such as those by Rivian, Ford, Tesla, and GM. One current downside of EV technology is towing; range drops quite significantly when it's factored in. But with a 77 kWh battery and electric motor attached to the AE.1's rearmost axle, the trailer contributes to the overall setup's propulsion, netting around 300 miles of overall range.
Its design is quite aerodynamic, and even lowers down to reduce overall height and cut through the air as cleanly as possible. Then, with a large bank of solar panels atop its roof, it makes for easier off-grid living for powering common electronics and systems. It also has very spacious interior dimensions when fully deployed—it's (to earnestly use a common turn-of-phrase in automotive journalism) a very nice place to be. Lightship had a good number of personnel on-hand to chat, and I was truly impressed by the rig's overall specs and features.
Electrify Expo Los Angeles 2025
Strong Momentum
This year's Electrify Expo featured an expansive amount of enthusiasm for the future of America's vehicular electrification. There were scores of vendors in the ranks showing that they're ready to accommodate EV owners. Then, not only did automakers show up en masse, but the aftermarket did, too; there was a good number of impressive aftermarket builds focused on customization and high-performance. Such as an electrified Ferrari Dino by SoCal shop Current LA, which was quite easy on the eyes.
It was a good microcosm of the EV industry's pulse in this country, as well as an exciting look at what's to come. While EV ownership has slowed in its expansion, it hasn't stopped—the momentum is still there. And, after witnessing the high attendance at EE on Saturday morning alone, it shows that people are genuinely interested and paying close attention.
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