Events

From car parks to conference halls, the Battery Vehicle Society (BVS) has been bringing together electric vehicle enthusiasts, builders, and the curious public for over 50 years. Our events and exhibitions are the beating heart of the Society—opportunities not only to show what’s possible with electric transport, but to build community, share ideas, and inspire the next generation of EV pioneers.

This Events & Exhibitions page offers a glimpse into the kinds of gatherings we organise and attend throughout the year, across the UK and beyond.

A Tradition of Getting Together

The very first BVS meeting in 1973 was informal—a few enthusiasts in a borrowed hall, swapping tips and sketching circuits. Since then, our events have grown in scale and ambition, while keeping that same spirit of hands-on exploration and friendly conversation.

Today, our calendar features a rich mix of:

  • Annual rallies showcasing member projects

  • Technical workshops and seminars

  • Public exhibitions and sustainability festivals

  • Classic car shows with a twist—electric conversions on display

  • Online events, making it easier than ever to connect across the country

Whether you’re new to EVs or a veteran of many builds, there’s always something to learn, share or celebrate.

The BVS Annual Rally

Our flagship event, the BVS Annual Rally, brings together members from every corner of the UK for a weekend of vehicles, talks, demonstrations and socialising. It’s part show-and-tell, part technical symposium, and part celebration of everything electric.

Highlights include:

  • Member-built vehicles: From converted campervans to electric mopeds

  • Live technical demonstrations: Battery welding, CAN bus debugging, inverter programming

  • Test drives: Try out a range of EVs in a friendly, informal setting

  • Guest speakers: Industry experts, academics, and pioneers of clean transport

  • Swap meets and parts stalls: A great way to find rare components or pass on surplus kit

  • Children’s activities: Hands-on STEM projects and build-your-own EV kits

We rotate the location annually to ensure broader access, with recent rallies held in Derbyshire, Somerset, and the Scottish Borders.

Local Meet-Ups

Regional chapters of the BVS hold regular local meet-ups, often in pub car parks, community centres, or members’ driveways. These smaller gatherings are perfect for:

  • Seeing new builds in progress

  • Asking for advice on technical issues

  • Sharing tools and test equipment

  • Building connections within your local EV scene

Many local events also include mini-workshops, short drives, and group visits to local charging infrastructure or innovation centres.

If there’s not a group near you, we’re happy to help you start one—just ask!

Exhibitions and Shows

The BVS regularly attends and exhibits at a wide range of public events, such as:

  • Fully Charged LIVE

  • London EV Show

  • Heritage Transport Festivals

  • Eco Fairs and Clean Air Days

  • Maker Faires and STEM Expos

At these exhibitions, we often display member vehicles, run educational stands, and offer live demonstrations on EV conversions, battery tech and sustainable transport.

One of our most popular displays is the EV Timeline Wall, showing the evolution of electric vehicles from the 1880s to today—including working examples of historic milk floats, Enfield 8000s, and more.

Online Events

For those unable to travel, we offer a growing programme of online events, including:

  • Tech Talks: Monthly presentations on topics ranging from motor control to thermal management

  • Q&A Panels with experts in EV conversion, battery safety and regulatory compliance

  • Virtual Vehicle Showcases, where members present their projects live via Zoom

  • New Member Welcome Nights to help you get started with the Society

Recordings of these events are available to members via our Digital Archive, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

Special Events and Collaborations

We also partner with:

  • Universities and colleges, offering guest lectures and student project support

  • Community energy groups, helping integrate EVs into local sustainability efforts

  • Local authorities, running public education days about charging, conversions and grants

  • Classic car clubs, introducing the idea of “silent classics” and extending vehicle lifespans through electrification

These collaborations help us reach new audiences and keep EV knowledge moving beyond the usual circles.

Get Involved

No matter your level of experience or location, there are plenty of ways to participate:

  • Bring your vehicle to a show or rally

  • Host a local meet-up or tech night

  • Offer a talk or workshop—whether you’re an engineer, restorer, or enthusiast

  • Volunteer to help run an event, greet guests or manage logistics

  • Share your project through our online showcase or live demos

Events are how the Society stays alive and vibrant. They’re also the most fun you can have with batteries outside a lab!

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