Fully Charged and Fired Up: CHARGED UP Miami purrs into its Second Year!
- Tony Lesesne
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Ahhh, the day I've been waiting for - EV love in the form of the 2nd annual ChargedUp Miami EV Coompetition. The morning sun over the city. YES! The gleam of cutting-edge technology reflected off the sleek sheetmetal of 11 electric contenders. The bold smiles and welcoming vibe from the Prestige crew and Drive Shop, ready for action. as the summer of 2025 comes to a close, the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) didn't just host another event; we ignited an adventure: CHARGED UP Miami EV Competition.
In its second year, this flagship event has cemented its place as a crucial benchmark for the rapid-fire evolution of automotive electrification. It’s more than just an award show; it’s a vital sign of the massive, unstoppable momentum behind the EV revolution. The world is changing beneath our tires, and as automotive journalists, our role has never been more vital: to lead the way in de-mystifying this exciting, yet sometimes confusing, world for our readers.
The Charge of a New Era
Let me be clear, the awards we distribute each year including those in the EV sector are a powerful force for accelerating innovation and competition because they establish clear benchmarks for excellence. By shining a spotlight on breakthroughs in key areas like battery chemistry, charging infrastructure, range optimization, and manufacturing techniques, these accolades directly incentivize companies to increase their investment in research and development. The recognition that comes with an award validates a company's hard work, providing crucial external proof of their technological superiority, which can attract investors and talent. I've dedicated a complete area of concentration toward the EV sector.
There's more. When a product or technology wins an award, it sets a high bar for the entire industry. This high bar fuels intense competition among rivals, who are then driven to not only match but surpass the winning standard. That in turn leads to a faster rate of overall improvement for the car buying commumity considering the pros and cons of purchasing an EV. Furthermore, awards often highlight the achievements of innovative startups and smaller technology firms, giving these new players the visibility and credibility they need to disrupt the market and push established automakers toward more advanced solutions.The sheer pace of development in the EV space is breathtaking. Just two years ago, the landscape was noticeably different. Today, every major manufacturer is diving in, bringing with them a torrent of innovation in battery chemistry, charging architecture (hello, 800-volt systems!), and integrated tech that’s pushing the boundaries of what a car can be.
Now there's an open lane for more EV competition
This year's event clearly demonstrated that the original EV trailblazer (Tesla) is facing a new, ferocious pack of competitors. Tesla is finding its early lead contested. While their contribution to sparking this revolution is undeniable, other manufacturers are now adapting new technologies with blistering speed, competing aggressively on cost-effectiveness, and deploying sophisticated sales, marketing, and advertising strategies that are finally reaching the mass market. The members of SAMA spoke frequently about the continuity needed between the consumers, the manufacturers and the speed of new technology and innovations on the way to market. This competitive surge—which we at AutoFOCUS WORLD not only track but actively invite manufacturers to engage with—is a huge win for consumers, bringing more choice, better tech, and greater value.
An Elegant Backdrop for a Dynamic Future
Our CHARGED UP Miami adventure kicked off under a brilliant South Florida sun. Members of SAMA, the sharpest pens and keenest eyes in Southern automotive journalism, gathered to review the rules, compare notes, and prepare for a rigorous, all-day assessment.
The entries—11 electric marvels representing the pinnacle of current EV design and engineering—were waiting. From the moment our members began their reviews in the designated charging area, the dynamic was palpable.
We scrutinized exterior designs, pored over interior layouts, and engaged in deep-dive interviews with the manufacturer representatives. These exchanges are the heartbeat of the event, offering SAMA members the granular, real-world detail needed to cut through the hype and bring readers the unvarnished truth.
For this inspiring day of driving, reviewing, and critical debate, we found the perfect venue: the elegant Rubell Museum in Miami. With its iconic classics and a ballroom-like atmosphere, the museum offered a dynamic and inspiring backdrop—a timeless space that honored automotive history while showcasing the industry's electric future. The catered lunch and refined setting only heightened the sense of occasion for the day-long dedication to electric excellence.
Acknowledging the Bumps in the Road
Of course, no true adventure is without its challenges. The EV world is still grappling with real-world issues: charging infrastructure anxiety, the initial cost barrier for many consumers, and the need for continued advancements in battery recycling and sustainability. As journalists, we must not only celebrate the dynamic future but also acknowledge these challenges and setbacks transparently. Our credibility is built on balanced, informed reporting that both elevates and informs. The in-depth review process at CHARGED UP Miami ensures we are driving, charging, and evaluating in the same real-world conditions our readers face.
The Victors of the Electric Age
After a full day of driving routes, critical analysis, and robust debate among SAMA members, the time came to announce the winners. These awards matter because they represent a consensus from experienced, on-the-ground journalists on the products that best move the needle forward in a critical and rapidly evolving segment. The victors of the 2nd Annual CHARGED UP Miami awards are vehicles that exemplify performance, luxury, utility, and innovation:
Category | Winner |
Car | Dodge Charger Daytona |
Luxury Car | Lucid Air |
Utility / Pickup | Ford F-150 Lightning |
Luxury Utility | Lucid Gravity |
From the high-voltage muscle of the Dodge Charger Daytona to the stunning efficiency and design of the Lucid Air and Gravity, and the indispensable utility of the Ford F-150 Lightning, these winners are the standard-bearers for a new era. We are incredibly proud to host this event and look forward to leading this journey of discovery and de-mystification, with more CHARGED UP excellence in the future. The electric adventure has just begun, and the road ahead is wide open.
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