At the end of October, the Hockenheimring was 100% electrified. On the weekend from 27 to 29 October 2023, there were numerous opportunities to experience e-mobility for yourself, get information and exchange ideas. When else do you have the opportunity to take so many test drives and see everything that e-mobility can do? Whether e-scooter, electric motorbike, luxury limousine or truck with e-drive - nothing is impossible.
There were also some exciting discussion rounds. The symposium offered a wide range of topics and brought interesting facts to light. It became clear: e-mobility is not just for freaks, e-mobility is suitable for everyone and, above all, it's fun!
6 facts about the e4 Testival 2023 at the Hockenheimring
12,000 visitors were able to experience e-mobility up close over 3 days
More than 3 test drives were completed per visitor
55 exhibitors presented their vehicles and ideas and provided insights into their innovations
Eventful trade visitor day with #ReLearnMobility congress
Mobility Forum with in-depth factual information
34 teams took part in the 4th ADAC e-competition, an 18-hour race during the night from Saturday to Sunday, in which the right charging strategy led to class victory.
Various manufacturers and dealers offered a wide range of models for test drives on the Grand Prix circuit and in the outdoor area of the Hockenheimring. The models ranged from e-bikes, e-cars, light electric vehicles (L1-7e) and e-transporters (N1) for tradespeople and businesses to e-scooters, e-mopeds and e-motorbikes. It was even possible to take a ride on the MAN Lion's City electric bus or test drive the tractor unit of Designwerk's electric truck.
A wide variety of brands were available for testing during the e4 TESTIVAL: Audi, BMW, Cenntro, Cupra, Evum Motors, Fiat, Genesis, Kia, MG, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, GWM with the brands Ora und Wey, Peugeot, Polestar, Porsche, Skoda, Tesla and Volkswagen. Urban Mobility was presented by Black Tea, GEOS, Gocycle, eRockit, Moovi, Piaggio and vr-bikes.
Charging solutions for convenient charging
The topic of charging also offered a number of insights into different power supply options for electric vehicles.
Amperio offers holistic charging solutions for AC and DC charging infrastructure. For example, with the mobile charging station with power storage. These can be set up at suitable locations as required - in line with demand and effective advertising.
Chargetic is a young start-up from Karlsruhe that offers charging solutions for the home. The main target groups are property companies and property management companies, property developers and condominiums. The dedicated team offers an all-round service, from planning to consulting and monitoring implementation.
PlugX offers a charging solution for all electrical devices and vehicles, from smartphones to electric cars. Anyone can register their power source digitally in an app. This enables unlimited charging at the locations where charging stations are needed. Billing is conveniently carried out via the app, so everyone can even earn money thanks to this environmentally friendly option. The service is already available in Switzerland, with Germany and the Netherlands set to follow in the coming months.
LADE - a winner of the "Transforming Mobility" start-up award, among others - enables complete solutions for companies, car park operators, hotels, municipalities and public utilities, sports and leisure facilities, as well as retailers. LADE is made for sustainable business. High-quality hardware and the intelligent maintenance concept ensure a long service life. Software updates can be downloaded automatically from the cloud. Thanks to comprehensive sensor technology and an AI-supported backend, operators can keep an eye on their charging points around the clock.
Start-ups present innovative ideas for e-mobility
Second Ride develops conversion kits that can be used to electrify combustion mopeds in just a few simple steps. We have reported on this in detail in our news. The original vehicle can continue to be used, but with all the advantages of electromobility: low maintenance, noiseless, emission-free and powerful. By continuing to use the entire vehicle, it is possible to convert all vehicles of the GDR brand SIMSON to electric in a resource-saving manner. This idea was recognised by the Start-up Award jury: Second Ride was also among the winners.
Moovi presented the many possibilities for transporting even heavy loads with an e-scooter. Whether it's a suitcase, crate of beer or camping toilet: with the patented load system, you are equipped for all eventualities. At 12.8 kg, the Moovi Pro Comfort e-scooter is also relatively light. This makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.
Black Tea has designed a stylish e-motorbike with a retro look, which we have already reported on here. Now the bike is also available in a faster version. With a top speed of 120 km/h, the Bonfire Y is perfect for short trips on country roads or motorways. With its increased performance, the Bonfire Y is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to compromise.
eRockit invited visitors to test ride the hybrid e-motorbike with pedal drive on the open-air site and we were also able to test it live. The riding experience is truly unique. It's really fun to adjust the speed with slow padal strokes. The narrow lines allow for agile riding: completely light, completely uncomplicated, pure riding pleasure. Every test rider came back with a smile!
As finalists in the Start-up Awards, we from voylt were also represented with a stand in the Start-up Box. There was an exciting exchange with interested parties and other innovative providers of e-mobility solutions. In addition, some visitors were able to try out our e-Finder and find out which e-vehicle suits them best.
Overall, despite the rainy weather, there was lively test activity in all vehicle classes on both public days. Visitors usually tested three or more vehicles. There was plenty for young and old to discover. The e4 Testival 2023 at the Hockenheimring is a real family event for e-mobility, as was clearly demonstrated on the visitor days.
The next e4 TESTIVAL will take place again on 25 October 2024 at the Hockenheimring.
