Having spent the best part of 25 years working in the motor industry, predominantly across motoring journalism, publishing and live events, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some extraordinary occasions. However, every so often, something comes along that reminds you exactly why you enjoy this industry so much. The 2026 Nevo Electric Vehicle Show was certainly one of those occasions! As the owner and publisher of Rev.ie, I also work closely with the Nevo team throughout the year, contributing monthly editorial content and overseeing vehicle management and placement at the annual show and Driving Experience events. It’s a relationship I thoroughly enjoy and one that gives me a unique perspective on the enormous amount of work involved in bringing an event of this scale to life.
Last weekend, the Nevo EV Show, in partnership with Bank of Ireland, welcomed an incredible 42,012 visitors to Dublin’s RDS Simmonscourt. That’s 24,786 on Saturday and another 17,226 on Sunday. Numbers that are difficult to comprehend until you stand inside the venue and witness the sheer scale of what’s been created. On Saturday morning, an estimated 900 people were already queuing before the doors opened, with the line stretching towards the Simmonscourt Road gate. More than 4,000 visitors entered within the first two hours alone. Watching those crowds arrive was a genuinely rewarding moment for everyone involved. With more than 140 vehicles representing 41 automotive brands, the show has grown into something remarkable. Yet behind those impressive numbers lies an enormous amount of planning, organisation, determination and, most importantly, a group of people who genuinely believe in what they’re doing.
At the heart of it all is someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with on and off for almost 20 years, Simon Andreucetti, Managing Director of Nevo. His commercially driven vision has helped transform an ambitious idea into Ireland’s largest electric vehicle show. Simon understands the importance of creating something that delivers genuine value, not just for visitors, but also for the manufacturers, distributors and dealerships who support the event. Judging by the customer deposits, sales enquiries and overwhelmingly positive feedback from exhibitors throughout the weekend, that vision is clearly paying dividends. Then there’s Derek Reilly, Nevo’s Head of PR, whose wit, charm and seemingly endless enthusiasm behind the microphone brought the ESB Live Demo Area to life. Derek has a wonderful ability to engage an audience while making complicated technology accessible and entertaining. Watching him work his way through the various vehicle presentations was another reminder of just how important the right people are.
Of course, none of this would be possible without Conor O’Boyle, Co-Founder of Nevo, whose watchful eye, guidance and confidence in the team allow us the freedom to get on with the job. Having that level of trust when delivering an event of this scale makes an enormous difference. There is a great deal to be said for being given the freedom to make decisions, solve problems and ultimately deliver something everyone can be proud of. Another personal highlight was being reunited with Jonny Smith, the well-known British motoring journalist and television personality. Jonny and I first crossed paths back in 2002 at Max Power Live in Birmingham, where we had a trade stand promoting our first title, Modified Motors Magazine. It seems like another lifetime now, but it was wonderful to catch up more than two decades later, this time at an event celebrating an entirely different era of motoring.
Jonny brought his usual knowledge, humour and enthusiasm to the Bank of Ireland & Nevo EV Experts Lounge, while Geraldine Herbert was equally impressive throughout the weekend. Geraldine has a natural ability to guide discussions, ask the right questions and draw genuinely useful information from those taking part. Together, they helped create an engaging programme that offered visitors something beyond simply looking at the latest vehicles. Outside, the myenergi Driving Experience delivered 557 test drives across the weekend, giving visitors an opportunity to experience electric motoring firsthand. Inside, the exhibition halls were alive with conversations, questions and genuine purchasing interest. It was particularly encouraging to hear such positive feedback from the trade, many of whom reported exceptional levels of engagement with prospective customers.
And that’s ultimately what makes all the effort worthwhile! Events of this scale don’t simply happen. They take days to build, months to plan and countless hours of work behind the scenes. Then, almost as quickly as they arrive, they’re gone. Within hours of the doors closing on Sunday evening, the stands were being dismantled, vehicles were leaving and Simmonscourt was gradually returning to an empty exhibition hall. It’s a strange feeling watching something you’ve spent so long preparing for disappear in such a short space of time. But when you reflect on the atmosphere, the crowds, the feedback from the industry and the collective achievement of everyone involved, there’s an enormous sense of satisfaction. The Nevo EV Show will return on 6th and 7th November 2027, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where we can take it next.
Finally, a sincere thank you to Bank of Ireland, ESB, myenergi and every manufacturer, distributor, dealership and exhibitor who placed their trust in us. Your continued support is what makes this event possible. And to the wider Nevo team, whose foresight, fortitude and determination have helped achieve so much in such a short period, it’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be part of the journey.
Here’s to the next one!
