Innovation, e-Mobility and an Electrifying Community: the London to Brighton EV Rally 2025

You know summer hasn't really started until every weekend is booked out for car events. And what's better than attending a car rally set right on the beach? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing. With gorgeous weather, layers of sun cream and the hint of chips in the air, there's really no better way to marvel at electric cars than with the backdrop of Brighton.

So, on one of the hottest weekends in June, I headed down to Brighton to celebrate the fifth London to Brighton EV Rally, run by Electra Connect. If you've never been, it's all about celebrating innovation, mobility and electrification, as well as those nerdy ones - me - to see brilliant vehicles, both classic and current. This is the second event I've attended the rally, the first being 2024 when I actually worked on behalf of a sponsor. Whereas last time, I was co-ordinating people, home chargers, giveaways and schedules, this time, I get to enjoy it all in full.

Fun fact, the lead up to planning my part in the event last year was actually a catalyst for me to create Belinda Automotive. Although I created Belinda Automotive on 6th June, the event inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.

What's the London to Brighton EV Rally all about?

You might have heard of the London to Brighton run, whether it's Minis, cycling or classics. The premise is exactly the same, but this time highlighting electric vehicles, and the aim is to do the most efficient journey possible. Bill, Harrison and the team, encourage participants to be more mindful about how they travel on the day, with drivers competing over who spent the least on charging and the person with the best kWh. Some entrants drive without their air conditioning on - brave for a day boasting 32 degrees -, some ensure they pick the most efficient route and others try to charge their vehicles using renewables.

With over 32,000 people visiting Brighton's seafront on the hottest days of the year, it also gives visitors the chance to see what electric cars are all about. Whether you drive an EV or not, you will have heard a lot of misinformation in the media, scaremongering people away from electric cars. This event is designed to help normalise electric vehicles, without any greenwashing. In fact, there are many critics who come down to the show too.

Before you assume it's just a load of Teslas on the seafront, it's time to think again. We had brands such as BYD, Cupra, Ford, BMW and Porsche. Not to mention, there were electric bikes, like Maeving, and the super smart Microlino made an appearance. This year also boasted the most converted classics the event had ever seen, including a converted Porsche 911, VW Campervans and a Toyota Land Cruiser.

What happens on the day of the rally?

Anyone driving the rally has an early start in London, where they set off with the goal to drive the most efficiently all the way to Brighton. Once at the seafront, they can park up, wander around, grab some fish and chips, enjoy the beach and head to the after party to celebrate. Historically, the rally has often continued overseas, with rallies occurring from Brighton to Paris and Brighton to Geneva. This year is no different with a new route into Europe to finish in Amsterdam, continuing the theme of driving efficiently and demonstrating the ease of charging an EV.

What cars were on display at the London to Brighton EV rally?

Alright, alright - I know you want to sink your teeth into the cars. And, let me tell you, the selection this year did not disappoint. Of course, the below list is not exhaustive, but they were just some of the cars on display at the rally.

Keep an eye on my Instagram and TikTok channels over the next few weeks, as some more 90 second reviews for these cars will be dropping.

Porsche

Porsche was represented by a local main dealer, showcasing some of their newer, more exciting models. Whilst they looked sporty, clean and ready to go, they certainly gave the impression of having a large price tag.

Porsche Macan

Spacious, comfortable and a real luxury, that's the best way to describe the Porsche Macan SUV. The model shown at the EV rally certainly gave an air of dominance. It sported 20" wheels with a Y-spoke design and the Porsche emblem etched into the centre. The Macan itself alludes to its power and performance, which is evidenced through its prominent width and aggressive front design. I got the impression it could handle itself on the road and make its mark.

Despite its dominant appearance, the interior was rather spacious and welcoming. It didn't carry across as many of the Porsche emblems and designs as some of the other models, but it presented a premium cabin, nonetheless. Plus its open sunroof allowed light to flow through freely.

Porsche Taycan 4S

Its sleek and sporty design tells you exactly what you need to know, that aerodynamics is at the heart of this car. With a sloping, roof tinted windows and a dynamic light bar, the Taycan 4S boasts jaw-dropping design that even a die-hard petrol head would cast their eyes over. On this model, the white paintwork coupled with athletic red brakes provided another hint at its polarising appearance. And, just so you don't forget, it exhibits the Porsche name embedded in the rear light bar.

As you pull the flush door handles and head inside, you're met with an incredibly thrilling seating arrangement. Being so low to the ground, the driver is almost transported onto the race track, about to cross the finish line. It's hard not to forget you're in a Porsche too with a striking emblem staring back at you on the steering wheel. The cockpit also feels as though it's been propelled into the future with a sloping, digitised centre console. Everything you could need is neatly placed to your left.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

Okay, so anything with the numbers "911" immediately rears the heads of car fans, and the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is no exception. Whilst the car itself isn't all-electric, it does sport a hybrid engine that hasn't disappointed car lovers yet. And, despite this slight engine-motor change, it still nods to its 911 heritage with its oval headlights that create the focal point at the front of the car. In fact, aside from some slight sculpting on the bonnet, the only other detail on face of this icon is the Porsche emblem.

As you head inside, you're treated to an incredibly sporty set up. The low seats, once again, nod back to Porsche's racing heritage, with its prominent emblem highlighted again on the steering wheel. Although the interior is not as futuristic as the Taycan, it does prioritise the driver in a cockpit-style layout, with comfort at its core. Once again, everything is right at the driver's fingertips, including a neat little cupholder. The sloping of the centre console certainly presents a sense of direction and power.

Porsche 911 Converted Classic

Perhaps one of the most anticipated cars for the day, other than the other converted classics, was the Porsche 911. To some, stripping the cars of their engine can feel like sacrilege, but others argue it gives even more opportunity for these cars to be loved and appreciated in the future. The cost of repairs and parts obviously build up overtime, and much rarer cars can experience heftier prices where components become scarce. For some, converting to an electric car means a much longer life for their beloved cars.

The conversion shown can travel over 150miles on pure electric before it needs charging. To enable better efficiency, the weigh of the battery pack is separated into two, which matches the weight distribution from the original 911 with engine. A lot of the interior remains the same as in the car's heyday over 50 years ago.

You can find out more about this classic at www.retroelectrics.co.uk

BYD Dolphin Surf

As one of the sponsors of the event, BYD was there in force. The month of June has been incredibly busy for them with the launch of the BYD Dolphin Surf, that friend of Belinda Automotive, Cars of Glasgow reviewed. They displayed a mixture of trims, colours and functionality, with one highlight being the karaoke car. Of course, the real show stealer was the lime yellow version though.

I'm always so fascinated by the exterior design of the BYD car, mostly because I am convinced their engineers feature key characteristics of the animals they are named after in the overall design. The amount of times I've tried to convince people the Seal has whiskers and the Sealion's front is shaped to match the animal's face is unreal.

Kia EV3

Represented by Tates Cars, the EV3, EV6 and EV9 were all available for test drives throughout the day. Having previously applied to work at Kia, I knew quite a few details about the EV3 already that made it really nice to see in the flesh. Even the sustainable characteristics pulled through as you entered the interior - the floor mats being created by recycled plastic fishing nets being one of them.

Although the car itself looks quite boxy, it certainly reassures you that it's capable of handling its own on the roads. The higher seating position, comfortable entry and spacious interior make it an ideal car for really anyone. It's perfect for families who need more space, the avid explorer who is always on the go and even someone who needs enough room to comfortably drive their dog somewhere - basically me.

VW Campervan

Another converted classic, in fact three of them, came in the form of the VW Campervan. Despite already being reinvented by VW with all new technology, many drivers love taking the classic and restoring its character their own way. The trio in the rally certainly captured the attention of onlookers; one sporty a vibrant orange, another in a deep green and the last in a silvery-white paintwork. Even though the Campervan will always turn heads, the colours made them even more awe-inspiring.

I didn't get a chance to speak to their owners, but you can see they keep a lot of the iconic VW signatures, and continue the spirit of the nomad lifestyle. The Campervans, and van conversions in general, have become increasingly popular for digital nomads who choose to work on the road and live by much simpler means. For the more sustainably minded individual, they could be a perfect solution to mobility; not only are you recycling a much older vehicle, but you're also using a much greener fuel.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Now, this isn't the brand-new Land Cruiser introduced by Toyota, but the FJ40 model. It's one of the models that reinforced the expression of Toyotas being bulletproof. As another conversion displayed by Retro Electrics, is was certainly one of the most anticipated to cross the finish line. Everything about this Land Cruiser oozes adventure and exploration, particularly from its strong stance and capabilities.

As a conversion, the vehicle can achieve up to 100 miles of electric range before it needs recharging via a discreet charging flap. The site also mentions the option for an additional battery pack to be added to extend the range further. Honestly, you really needed to see this vehicle to believe it, because it's incredibly stunning in person!

What else was at the seafront on the day?

Other than some absolutely impeccable cars, the team certainly put on a show. From thrilling stunts, to test drive, and even some - very relaxing - massages available, there was plenty to see and do. Plus, you aren't locked in for the day. Entry to the seafront event is free, meaning anyone attending Brighton on the day could get involved. Many of the participants also went for a dip in the sea, had a spot of fish and chips and - of course - visited Brighton Pier ahead of the exclusive after party.

Want to stay tuned for the car reviews?

If you're eager to know more and get inside the cars I mentioned above, why not follow me on TikTok and Instagram at @belinda_automotive. I post 90 second reviews that give you a whistle-stop tour of the cars before you head to the dealers.

You can already see reviews of the Toyota Yaris GR Sport, the BMW i5 M60, the MINI Cooper SE JCW and so much more.

@belinda_automotive on Instagram

@belinda_automotive on TikTok