On a steamy August day in 2024, the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) made history by producing the first-ever "ChargedUp Miami" EV competition and Awards.
This came about under the leadership of Woodie Lesesne, SAMA's first woman President, her dynamic Board of Directors, participating members and of course, the participating manufacturers and partners. This groundbreaking event was more than just another car competition—it’s a crucial step forward in the education of consumers, journalists, and the automotive industry on the rapidly growing field of electric vehicles (EVs) and their long term impact.
Nearly every major car manufacturer is shifting their focus to EVs, so understanding the technology, benefits, and practicalities of these vehicles is more essential than ever. The curation of ChargedUp Miami is aimed at bridging the gap between curiosity and knowledge, offering hands-on experiences, expert insights, and opportunities to test-drive the latest models side by side.
SAMA's President, Woodie Lesesne shared insightful opening remarks that set the light tone and the ground rules for the day. "Producing ChargedUp Miami has been a labor of love of cars and the auto industry that impacts all of us. I understand that SAMA members serve as the information bridge, between the manufacturers varying options and the buying public. South Florida is an important market and that's why we have all gathered today with thirteen manufacturers represented in our 1st year. Now that we are all here together, let's enjoy these amazing cars, and have a ChargedUp day", she shared with a smile.
Then a powerful message was delivered by Eulois Cleckley, Director and CEO of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Cleckley oversees the largest transit agency in the State of Florida.
He acknowledged the investment necessary for electric mobility and shared what Miami-Dade County is doing to advance its mission of service in transportation. Cleckley noted that Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava is committed to improving and expanding the necessary infrastructure to meet the growing need.
This represents a sales share of about 9% and some industry experts predict that the EV market share will increase to 24% in 2024 and to 31% in 2025. It was a perfect setting for Cleckley, with the past, the present and the future all around him and the people he needs to reach to deliver the message of better transit solutions.
That "CHARGED-UP Miami" attitude
Woodie Lesesne, posed with the Prestige Auto team showing the various vibes and attitudes that come with the ChargedUp event. From impressive smiles, hero poses to Woodie's challenging "bring it on" stance. The Prestige team each brought their individual swag!
The ChargedUp EV competition and Awards addressed opportunities and challenges of EV's in the marketplace and their future with insightful, practical dialogue. Throughout the event, auto journalists and manufacturer reps noted that with the growth of EV's, there are challenges and perceptions to overcome. Range anxiety is the driver's fear that a vehicle has insufficient energy storage (fuel and/or battery capacity) to cover the road distance needed to reach their intended destination, Yikes!
While 76% of prospective EV owners worry about range, only 59% of current owners experience such concerns, with feelings of anxiety generally reducing after 5+ years of ownership. Yet, there are those that really WANT to be in an EV. EVs available today can cost less than owning the most popular gasoline vehicles because EVs are more efficient and cheaper to maintain thanks to their fewer moving parts. EVs also do without oil changes and cost less to charge than gas-powered vehicles.
(SAMA Board members and Manufacturer representatives)
EV education is critical not just for the general public but also for the media, as they are the
voices that influence consumer perception. SAMA's dedication to creating an educational
platform speaks volumes about the role of media in shaping the EV narrative. The Charged-Up EV competition was designed to ensure that journalists leave with a better understanding of electric vehicles, their benefits, and their potential to reshape the automotive landscape.
It was a groundbreaking moment in the automotive world as bold, forward-thinking manufacturers like Hyundai, Mazda, Lucid, Fiat, Genesis, Ford, Rolls- Royce, Honda, Dodge, Lexus, Toyota, Kia, and Subaru showcased their cutting-edge ventures into the realm of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids.
These industry giants, among the best in the world, brought inspiring stories of innovation and resilience, redefining the future of mobility. The top auto journalists from the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA), based in Miami but reaching audiences across the globe, were 100 percent in the moment—driving, questioning, exploring, researching, and dialoguing about each and every entry. Every model was a beauty, performing with magical precision, making this event an unforgettable milestone in automotive excellence and SAMA Miami's role in the process.
2024 goes down as a ground breaking year and an exciting August for SAMA with Lesesne at the helm. Several members attended Pre-Miami International Auto Show activities such as Hyundai's reveal of the 2025 Tucson, Nissan's opening reception for MIAS, celebrating 55 years of the Z, and the finally, opening Media Day at the Miami International Auto Show. Along with vehicle reveals, the highlight of the day was the Annual SAMA Best of Show Awards.
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