Charge & Drive
Charge
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Drive Event Overview
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Charge & Drive takes electric vehicles out of the showroom and puts them into the hands of the public. We work with local authorities to bring a free, day-long EV experience to the middle of a city, with test drives, expert advice and the charging infrastructure that makes it all work.
No sales targets, no glossy brochures, no pressure to buy. Just a chance to drive the cars, ask the awkward questions and find out what switching to electric would actually mean at home or for a business.
The story so far
Two Brighton editions on Madeira Drive, both free, both packed.
600+
visitors in a single day
280+
test drives completed in 2025
27
different EVs available to drive
100+
BYD test drives in 2026
CHARGE & DRIVE 2026
Thursday 26 March 2026 | Madeira Drive, Brighton
Eastbourne Motoring Centre came on board as main sponsor and brought 20 BYD electric and plug-in hybrid models down to the seafront. More than 100 test drives were completed over the day, in sunshine, with a steady queue from open to close.
CHARGE & DRIVE 2025
Thursday 3 April 2025 | Madeira Drive, Brighton
Run in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council. Over 600 people came down over the day and more than 280 test drives were completed across 27 different vehicles, from compact city cars to SUVs and commercial vans. Supported by Blink Charging UK, char.gy, BYD Europe and Rossetts Commercial Vehicles.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better response. People weren’t just here to shop. They came to learn, to understand what switching to electric might mean for them, at home, in business, or just day to day.”
Harrison Hughes, Event Director
On the seafront
Event Objectives
- Educate the Community:
- Provide easy-to-understand information about the benefits of electric vehicles and the growing local charging infrastructure.
- Offer Hands-On Experiences:
- Let attendees test drive the latest electric cars, vans, and bikes, and explore the technology firsthand.
- Promote Sustainable Choices:
- Show how EVs can save money, reduce emissions, and help create a cleaner, greener future.
- Engage the Local Community:
- Bring together local residents, businesses, and experts to discuss and support the transition to electric transportation.
- Connect Key Stakeholders:
- Create opportunities for local authorities, EV dealers, and charging companies to collaborate and share insights with the public.
- Inspire Future EV Adoption:
- Provide the knowledge and tools needed to help people feel confident about making the switch to an electric vehicle when the time is right
What happens on the day
Test Drive Zone. Cars, vans and bikes to drive, from compact city run-arounds to SUVs and commercial vehicles. No obligation, no sales pitch.
Knowledge Hub. Short talks and panels on running costs, charging at home and on the road, and what the switch really looks like for a household or a fleet.
Charging Demo Area. Live demonstrations from charge point operators, showing how home and public charging actually works.
Local Business Showcase. Space for local businesses to show their electric mobility products and services and meet the community.
Next event: to be confirmed. If you are a local authority, a manufacturer or a charging provider who wants to be part of the next one, get in touch.
