Driving EV Education Forward: SOC Conference Connects Enthusiasts and Experts

Driving EV Education and Community Forward

The electrification of classic cars continues to evolve from niche hobby to a full blown industry, and at the heart of this movement is the State of Charge (SOC) conference, produced by Ohm on the Range. Founded by Terry Breheny, Ohm on the Range and SOC has matured over its three-year span, becoming a key platform for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, builders, and professionals to gather, share insights, and learn from one another. Held in conjunction with the Electrify Expo, SOC24 brought together industry leaders, enthusiasts, and groundbreaking projects for a two-day event in Denver, Colorado that showcased the present and future of EV conversions.

A Brief History of State of Charge

SOC started as a modest event, primarily aimed at enthusiasts with a passion for converting classic cars into EVs. Terry Breheny, reflecting on the early days of the conference, shared his personal motivation: “The resources seemed few and far between, especially for a novice. So the impetus for the conference was largely selfish… bring the experts to me!” Since then, the event has evolved, growing in both attendance and sponsorship, as well as shifting focus from hobbyists to professionals. Breheny notes that this shift marks one of the biggest changes since SOC’s inception. “More and more attendees now are actively working (or trying to work) in the conversion space professionally,” he explains.

Keynote Speakers and Presentations

SOC24 kicked off with keynote addresses from industry pioneers like Chris Hazell of Fellten, who shared insights on EV advancements from across the pond, and Ampere EV’s Andrew Fillingim, who led a discussion on the ABCs of EV safety. Throughout the two-day conference, attendees were treated to a variety of presentations that covered both technical and creative aspects of EV conversions.

One standout presentation came from Kevin Erickson, also known as “Mr. Mopar Man,” who discussed thermal management in EV muscle cars. Breheny highlights this session as particularly impactful, noting that Erickson’s Tesla-swapped ‘72 “Electrollite” not only stands as a prime example of a high-performance EV conversion but also embodies the craftsmanship and dedication of the builder community. “Kevin is an extremely friendly and knowledgeable person willing to help others in the conversion community,” Breheny says.

Other notable sessions included Paul Mangelsdorf, who spoke about his experiences with high-performance EVs, particularly in the context of drag racing and Lauryn Morris of Nice, who presented on how EV conversions should be motivated by environmental conservation rather than purely performance.

Behind the Builds: A Closer Look

One of the most anticipated aspects of the SOC conference is the “Behind the Build” sessions, where top builders showcase their most recent projects. At SOC24, attendees had the chance to see and learn about impressive conversions such as a dual HyPer 9 ’88 Lotus Esprit by GKR Motor Cars, a Cascadia Motion-powered ’50 Chevy 3100 by Southfield Classics, and a Tesla-swapped ‘91 Nissan GTR Skyline by Evolved Imports. These sessions provided a deep dive into the technical details of the builds, offering both inspiration and practical knowledge for those looking to embark on their own EV projects.

These sessions provided a deep dive into the technical details of the builds, offering both inspiration and practical knowledge for those looking to embark on their own EV projects.

Breheny underscores the importance of showcasing a variety of vehicles and systems, aiming to engage a broad audience with diverse interests. “Whether you’re into imports, muscle cars, classics, or off-road vehicles, we try to have something interesting for everyone,” he says.

Showing Off at Electrify Expo

In addition to the learning and networking opportunities at State of Charge (SOC), attendees had the unique chance to display their EV conversions at the nearby Electrify Expo. Held just down the road, the “Conversion Alley” section of the Electrify Showoff allowed SOC participants to showcase their builds to thousands of attendees over the weekend. Builders were invited to caravan together on Friday evening so that SOC featured vehicles could be parked side-by-side for the two-day event.

Many State of Charge attendees also drove away from the weekend with several Electrify Showoff  awards.

Not only did several attendees leave with Showoff awards, with Evolved Imports taking home “best of show’ for its  ‘91 GTR Skyline, Electrify Expo also offered SOC attendees a broader platform to share their work and connect with a wider audience of EV enthusiasts and professionals. Neil Tjin, the Director of Electrify Showoff said it best: “The EV conversions were the big highlight—the best and most variety of conversions ever in showoff.”

Looking to the Future

As the EV conversion industry continues to evolve, so too does the vision for Ohm on the Range and State of Charge. Breheny remains open to expanding the event to new locations or even hosting multiple conferences throughout the year. However, his current focus is on developing year-round, hands-on training programs through his new facility in Colorado, where aspiring builders can learn the ins and outs of EV systems.

In the end, State of Charge has become much more than a conference—it’s a community. Breheny’s vision of bringing experts together to share their knowledge has fostered a tight-knit group of builders and professionals who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with EV conversions. As Breheny puts it, “The face-to-face networking and subsequent community-building has been remarkable. I know of numerous professional and personal relationships that have blossomed as a result of people connecting at SOC these last few years.”

Now entering its fourth year, Ohm on the Range continues to be a key player in the world of EV conversions and it’s clear that SOC has cemented itself as the must-attend event for anyone serious about converting classic cars to electric power.

For more information on upcoming events, workshops, and EV conversion resources, be sure to visit the website at www.ohmontherange.org. You can also follow along  on Instagram at @ohm_on_the_range for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes insights.