Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The EV Café Takeaway
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 184: Chris Rimmer | CENEX | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:51:48 | |
Counting charge points tells you almost nothing. That frustration led Chris Rimmer and his colleagues at CENEX to build Are We Nearly There Yet? - reports that express public charging progress not in kilowatts or headline totals, but in years ahead or behind demand, local authority by local authority. (At recording: near-home charging sits about a year and a bit ahead. A little ahead. Not loads.) Chris has spent nearly eight years at CENEX, the not-for-profit consultancy set up in 2005 to drag zero emission vehicles out of the lab and onto the road. His particular skill is compression - turning meter points, grid flexibility and battery degradation into one sentence a politician can act on. He talks to Paul and John about the route in: physical geography and oxbow lakes, a graduate scheme at E.ON, a call centre at 24, a living lab of 75 Milton Keynes homes. A year in Mexico working for a Christian charity reset his sense of who bears the cost when the climate shifts. Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rimmer-58468233/ | |||
| 183: Kevin Hennelly | TVG | 09 Sep 2026 | 00:53:23 | |
What happens when you take an electric van that can wheelspin off the line and make it drive like the diesel it replaced? According to Kevin Hennelly, commercial director at The Vehicle Group (TVG), you get calmer drivers, fewer accidents, longer tyre life - and up to 30% more range from the same battery. Kevin lifts the lid on TVG, a "very well hidden" UK engineering company whose Aladdin's cave of products includes the Oculus camera (the only vehicle camera made in the UK) and EcoLimit, a power control system that tames EV acceleration, limits reverse speed, and can even put an overloaded van into limp mode until it's back at the depot. He talks through the real-world numbers: a refrigerated home-delivery fleet in London seeing 120–130 miles where unmodified vans manage 90, a water company getting over 200 miles per charge instead of the expected 150–160, and the knock-on savings in charging time, infrastructure, tyres, downtime, and insurance claims. Connect with Kevin: LinkedIn | |||
| 182: Chris Chandler | Lex Autolease | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:58:31 | |
Chris Chandler is Principal Consultant at Lex Autolease and the electrification SME across all three Lloyds Banking Group motor brands: Lex Autolease on the B2B side, Tusker in salary sacrifice (22,000 vehicles at acquisition, 100,000 the week we recorded), and Black Horse in retail finance. Between leasing and salary sacrifice, that's a serious chunk of the EVs on British roads. Paul and JC get into:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-chandler-756b9813/ Lex Autolease: https://www.lexautolease.co.uk Lex are principal sponsors of the Greenfleet EV Rally. | |||
| 181: Angela Muresan | Be.EV | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:47:50 | |
Angela Muresan arrived in the UK in 2015 with broken English and a job picking and packing in a warehouse. Ten years later she's a presenter, content creator, and the face of Be.EV — and the story of how she got there involves a notebook full of borrowed email templates, a self-funded industry event that left her with £20 in the bank, and a one-way ticket taken purely because an ex once said the UK was the one place he'd never go. Angela talks about ADHD — what it cost her before she understood it, why she now calls it a superpower, and how an unlikely combination of therapy and ChatGPT helped her make sense of her own brain. She explains the gamble behind Race to Zero, the event she organised alone with no marketing experience specifically so the industry would come to her (it worked), and why her proudest achievement has nothing to do with work. Along the way: why she refuses to be boxed in as "an EV person" or "a petrol person", the sameness problem with modern car design, her plan to convert a classic — ideally a '69 Shelby Mustang — to electric, and what she'd do with a EuroMillions win. And when handed the EV Café magic wand, her one wish isn't about chargers or range. It's about ending the tribalism — petrol versus electric, us versus them — and just getting on with building a cleaner future together. Connect with Angela:
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| 180: Warren Philips | EVA England | 19 Aug 2026 | 01:00:40 | |
A co-founder of EVA England, incoming chair of the Recharge APPG in Parliament, and one of the earliest UK adopters of home solar, battery storage and electric driving — Warren Phlips received one of the very first consumer Tesla Powerwall 2 units in the country (number three, he's told, just behind a certain Robert Llewellyn) — he has spent the best part of a decade quietly pulling the EV transition in the right direction, almost entirely as a volunteer. But this conversation goes far beyond charge points and policy. Warren talks candidly about the moment that changed everything: sitting alone in a hospital room, holding his newborn daughter while doctors fought to save his wife, and deciding then and there that his job was to make the world better rather than build a fortress around his family. Everything since — the advocacy, the lobbying, the 20-plus hours a week given freely to EVA England — flows from that decision, and from a promise to his daughter. Along the way:
EVA England:evaengland.org.uk | |||
| 179: Alun Davies | ElectrAssure | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:57:34 | |
Alun Davies once told his team that electric vehicle charging "would never catch on" — and sent someone else to do the first installation jobs. Today he leads ElectrAssure, the electrical contractor behind nearly 2,000 charging sockets for National Grid, the chargers that greet every electric Volkswagen arriving on UK shores, and some of the first DC rapid chargers for Western Power Distribution. This week, Alun sits down with Paul and John to trace the line from qualified electrician to business leader — and it's anything but a straight one. Along the way: a theatre degree, a stint as sound engineer for the England football team's press conferences (and Girls Aloud), a summer spent on commercial roofs, and a cherry picker licence that landed him an apprenticeship in the family firm. Alun talks candidly about the roundtable moment six years ago when nerves nearly got the better of him — and how a "nuts and bolts" perspective turned out to be exactly what a room full of fleet managers needed to hear. He opens up about running a business with his wife (a former deputy head teacher, now Ops Director), why they've agreed never to switch off from work, giving up alcohol in 2022 to think more clearly, and measuring success by the energy in a room rather than the numbers on a spreadsheet. There's also a school report that shattered a 20-year self-image, a son whose GCSE English presentation was titled "Why Electric Vehicles Are Rubbish", and the revelation that this softly-spoken sparky is the lead singer of a heavy metal band, Before the Sirens. Whether you're wiring up a depot, scaling a family business, or just wondering how a self-confessed class clown ends up advising National Grid, this one's worth your fifty minutes. Connect with Alun and ElectrAssure Alun on LinkedIn | |||
| 178: Andrew Clint | myenergi | 05 Aug 2026 | 00:55:02 | |
What does it take to steer a £50 million business towards its founder's vision of lasting 100 years? Andrew Clint, CEO of myenergi, joins us fresh from the company's 10th anniversary celebrations to talk about the next 90. Eighteen months into the role, Andrew explains why myenergi — best known for zappi, the first solar-aware EV charger — is refocusing on Lee Sutton's original ambition: a complete home energy management system. That means vehicle-to-grid on the horizon, the libbi home battery, Grid Pay rewarding customers for grid flexibility, and software that quietly optimises solar, battery and EV charging without the homeowner lifting a finger. His maths is compelling: a full ecosystem could save households around £1,500 a year — close to a zero-bills home. Andrew is candid about why so many charging companies have come and gone while myenergi endures: knowing exactly what you are, and what you aren't. He also digs into how AI is accelerating the business, from a new data lake on AWS to machine learning that learns a household's habits. Andrew also discusses walking away from British Airways after missing out on a job, growing a De La Rue division from £30m to £90m, and the mother whose question — "is that really the best you can do?" — still drives him today. Connect with Andrew: | |||
| 177: Dan McLaren | BP Pulse | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:50:02 | |
Dan McLaren left school with no qualifications, spent his early years as a greenkeeper at a private members' golf club, and now looks after half of the BP Pulse network as Network Optimisation Lead. Dan talks about growing up dyslexic in a school system that dealt with it by "putting you in a class with less people", and about the father-in-law who took him on as a project — daily five o'clock phone calls, hard questions, and a £600-a-month leg-up that let him start again from the bottom in the motor trade. It's a powerful case for why everyone should find themselves a mentor, and why Dan now makes time to be one for the younger generation coming up behind him. We also cover:
Plus, Dan receives the legendary EV Café magic wand and uses his wishes on happy kids, a healthier heart, and making BP Pulse the biggest and best charge point operator in the UK. Connect with Dan
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| 176: Will Rowe | Octopus Energy | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:59:31 | |
What do you get when you cross the world's most innovative energy company with the world's largest battery maker? Swaptopus — a joint venture between Octopus Energy and CATL that's bringing HGV battery swapping to the UK and Europe. And the man growing it is Will Rowe, Entrepreneur in Residence at Octopus Energy, who joins us this week from a tennis club, the day after selling his house. Commitment. Will explains why battery swapping cracks the three problems that have stalled electric trucking: grid connections, charging downtime, and the mismatch between when trucks need power and when power is cheap. Swap a battery in minutes, keep the truck earning, and let the swapped-out batteries do a second job — because a network of stations full of batteries is also a virtual power plant, storing cheap renewable energy and feeding it back when the grid needs it. This isn't just a transport play; it's an energy infrastructure play. He's refreshingly blunt about the road that led here, too. Will previously founded a hydrogen business for exactly this market — and he tells us candidly why it didn't work, why losing two-thirds of your energy is no route to energy security, and what China's thousand-to-one preference for batteries over hydrogen tells us about where this is all heading. His verdict on hydrogen for transport is one you'll want to hear in full. Along the way we get into:
And when handed the EV Café Magic Wand, Will's wish is deliberately unglamorous and absolutely fundamental: just make electricity cheaper. Get that right, he argues, and the business case for electrifying everything falls into place on its own. Connect with Will: LinkedIn | |||
| 175: Paul Jewell | CarCloud | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:52:05 | |
Most households and small businesses don't have an automotive expert on hand, just a relative who gets cornered at barbecues or "someone who used to be a mechanic" now responsible for a multi-million-pound fleet. That gap is the problem Paul Jewell built CarCloud to fix. Paul joins Paul Kirby and Sara Sloman to explain how CarCloud surfaces the MOT deadlines, lease endings and maintenance costs that usually blindside drivers, pairing each one with a solution rather than just a warning. He makes the case for the SME sector, not the big fleets, as the real engine of electric van and car growth. He also covers his work in last-mile transport: 10,000 pedal-assisted, motorcycle-grade electric bikes already on UK roads, care workers using them to fit more home visits into a day, and a new grocery sidecar that carries 40 kilos for around 14p per 50 miles. Along the way Paul traces his approach back to selling used cars in Birmingham's subprime credit era, tells the story of a remarkable homeless man who taught him chess and life lessons as a kid, wishes for baseline foods to be sold "net free" with no VAT or profit attached, and sets out CarCloud's next phase: automotive and mobility banking that returns real value to the driver. Connect with Paul Jewell:
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| 174: Nikolaus Mayerhofer & Alexander Millinger | Aviloo | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:49:22 | |
How do you actually know what's left in a used EV battery? Nikolaus Mayerhofer and Alexander Millinger from Aviloojoin us to draw the line between a real diagnostic and a glorified readout — and why that difference decides what a second-hand electric car or van is worth. NiKo has been building electric things since he was 12, soldering together his first e-bike back in 1987 and developing battery management systems by 19. That four decades of battery engineering — lead acid, nickel cadmium, lithium iron phosphate, NMC — is now baked into Aviloo's three-minute flash test, which pulls up to 50,000 data samples through the OBD port, sends them to the cloud, and returns an accurate, independent State of Health certificate. Eight years of collected data from thousands of vehicles (over 50 million kilometres) sits behind every result, and (from July) a UK warranty backs each certificate. We get into the things the surface won't tell you:
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| 173: Jamie Sands | Welch Group | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:53:37 | |
Guest: Jamie Sands — Operator-led zero-emission freight and innovation | TwentyForty | Welch Group We get into the commercial logic underneath the green badge: how Welch turns its fleet into a test bed for startups in exchange for preferential terms, why the "green premium" basically doesn't exist, and how being two steps ahead on scope three reporting now wins business outright. Jamie makes the case that decarbonisation is really an energy and infrastructure problem, not a vehicle one — and that the smart play for an operator is treating charging, energy arbitrage and demand response as new revenue, not just a cost to swallow. There's plenty for the technically curious too: system-level thinking across siloed networks, what L4 and L5 autonomy actually mean for hub-to-hub night runs, why he's done arguing about hydrogen, and why "technology neutrality" can quietly become an excuse to do nothing until the 2035 cliff edge arrives. Jamie also walks us through TwentyForty, the not-for-profit he's built to pull other independent operators into the research, the media and the policy conversation — including the 12 Pillars framework for getting the whole industry talking to itself. Away from the trucks, Jamie talks music, comic books, a Project Hail Mary obsession, staying genuinely calm in an industry that runs on chaos, and the loss of a close friend that pushed him to do work that actually matters. He closes with one wish that doubles as his whole mission: that operators — the people this transition is being done to — get a seat in the rooms where it's being decided. Plenty of marginal gains, one or two God complexes, and a reminder that the future we're all hoping for is mostly available right now, if we work together. Connect with Jamie: LinkedIn | |||
| 172: Nick Hay | Holman UK | 24 Jun 2026 | 01:01:36 | |
Days before stepping in as Managing Director of Holman UK, Nick Hay sits down with Paul and Sara for a conversation that ranges far wider than fleet leasing. It's a candid look at what three decades in cold chain logistics teaches you about cutting environmental impact without losing sight of commercial reality — and what it costs the person doing the leading. Nick traces a career built on incremental gains: fitting telematics across an entire 100-unit fleet back in 2005, dragging a 400-truck operation's fuel efficiency from 8.1 to over 10 MPG when people thought he was mad to try, and running Euro 5 trial vehicles from every major manufacturer side by side rather than waiting to see what everyone else did. The throughline is a willingness to test, measure, and stop what isn't working — and to do it in partnership rather than at a supplier's expense, from one of the UK's first 100% lithium-ion materials-handling fleets to joint ventures packing 40 million cases of produce a year. We get into why private ownership changes what's possible in the energy transition, how Holman's shared-risk model differs from a standard lease, and why "horses for courses" matters more than ever when logistics spans a tradesperson's van and a long-haul HGV. Nick is clear-eyed on the obstacles too: grid access, the risk of being an early adopter, reactive government policy, and the speed at which Chinese manufacturers are now moving. Then the conversation turns. Nick talks openly about growing up the self-described black sheep of an academic family, an athletics career that taught him resilience precisely because he didn't make it, and a lifelong wrestle with depression that he learned to mask at work — sometimes, he admits, at a cost to the people closest to him. It's an unusually honest exchange about what compassionate leadership actually demands: the willingness to say you don't know, to apologise when you got it wrong, and to keep believing you can be better tomorrow. His one wish? Government legislation that's properly thought through, with a long-term view instead of constant chopping and changing — the certainty the whole industry is asking for. Guest: Nick Hay, Managing Director, Holman UK | |||
| 171: Calum James | Farizon | 17 Jun 2026 | 01:00:48 | |
Calum James, General Manager of Farizon UK, joins Paul and Sara to talk about what it actually takes to land a brand new electric van marque in one of the world's most demanding fleet markets. Calum walks through Farizon's lineage inside the Geely group - the same family tree as Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, LEVC and the Mercedes-Benz Smart joint venture - and the role of Jameel Motors, the 80-year-old distributor putting the brand on UK roads. He explains why the SV (Super Van) and the newly launched V7e are built ground-up as EVs rather than adapted from combustion platforms, and why details like a standard ventilated seat, three-pin sockets in the load bay and a payload monitoring system are aimed squarely at fleet managers worried about driver welfare, compliance and downtime. The conversation digs into:
Website: https://farizonauto.co.uk | |||
| 170: Stephen Clegg | Topspeed | 10 Jun 2026 | 01:00:26 | |
Stephen Clegg founded Topspeed Couriers in 1985 and has spent the last four years (and roughly £4.2 million) ripping diesel out of a logistics business that moves dangerous goods, radioactive material, and time-critical government samples around the UK. He sits down with Paul and John — joined briefly by Webfleet's Richard Parker before technology has other ideas — to talk about what actually happens when you stop talking about sustainability and start spending money on it. The conversation gets into the specifics most operators avoid: why carbon emissions go up before they come down, why a Carbon Reduction Plan is essentially accountancy with different units, and why the much-repeated line "you'll save money by going green" is closer to "we're going to the moon in ten years" than a business case. Also covered:
A useful listen for anyone running a van fleet who's been told the transition is too hard, too expensive, or too early — and for anyone who's been told it'll be easy. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-clegg-b0179242/ | |||
| 169: Dev Chana | E.ON Drive Infrastructure | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:51:23 | |
Dev Chana started his career as an oil broker in Kensington. Three decades later he's running E.ON Drive Infrastructure in the UK, and his ambition for public charging is unexpectedly modest: he wants it to be boring. Reliable, standardised, unremarkable — the kind of refuel you don't post about because there's nothing to post. Paul and Sas catch up with Dev after first meeting his team in a rain-lashed Welsh car park during the EV Rally, where the curb-free bays, weighted cables and a small dog set the tone for what EDRI is quietly building. What's on the table:
Dev is a self-confessed petrolhead with a V8 from the early '90s and a 1981 classic with fewer than 15 survivors. He's also the leader most likely to tell you the industry isn't done learning — and to ask what *you'd* change. Guest: Dev Chana, Managing Director UK, E.ON Drive Infrastructure | |||
| 168: Elliot Richards | Everything Electric APAC | 27 May 2026 | 00:57:13 | |
Paul and John take listeners deep into the heart of China’s electric vehicle revolution with Elliot Richards, long-time Shanghai resident and driving force behind of Everything Electric APAC. Fresh from Auto China, the conversation covers:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-richards/ Everything Electric APAC https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVtrDZAqOFM8_wIZHHzsqvg | |||
| 167: Tanya Sinclair | Electric Vehicles UK | 20 May 2026 | 00:58:17 | |
This week: Tanya Sinclair, Chief Executive of Electric Vehicles UK (EVUK). Tanya shares how EVUK is tackling misinformation about electric vehicles, supporting both current and future drivers, and working with the wider e-mobility sector to build collaboration rather than competition. She discusses the organisation’s approach to public engagement, from hosting hands-on events like Everything Electric to street-level outreach in city centres and even driving Members of Parliament around Westminster in EVs. Tanya explains how EVUK balances the need to educate hesitant drivers with the fast-paced innovation happening in the industry, all while building a sustainable organisation from the ground up. There’s insights on:
Events mentioned include Everything Electric West (12–13 June in Cheltenham) and upcoming city-centre activations in Manchester, plus EVUK’s continued presence at political and industry showcases. Tanya Sinclair (LinkedIn) | |||
| 166: Becky Lalanne | Voqa | 13 May 2026 | 00:52:57 | |
This week, Paul and Sara sit down with Becky Lalanne, Managing Director of Voqa, a new entrant in the UK EV charging market. Becky shares how Voqa is tackling the challenge of destination charging, introducing a 7–22kW AC charger with built-in contactless payments, designed to make charging effortless for drivers and more commercially viable for venues. The conversation covers:
They also discuss future-proofing the UK charging network, the role of installers, and why putting the driver at the heart of design is key to accelerating electrification. Becky Lalanne (LinkedIn) | |||
| 165: Mike Seymour | TrueCharge | 06 May 2026 | 00:52:30 | |
This week we sit down with Mike Seymour, the driving force behind TrueCharge, part of the TrueForm Group. With 50 years of experience in street furniture—think bus shelters, tram stops, and digital displays—TrueForm is now turning its expertise to the EV world, focusing on the often-overlooked infrastructure that protects and enhances charging sites. Mike dives into:
If you’ve ever arrived at a windswept charger in the rain and thought, “There must be a better way,” this conversation shows why the solution is already here—and why it matters for the future of EV adoption. Mike Seymour (LinkedIn) | |||
| 164: Peter Heath | PLP | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:47:42 | |
Paul and John sit down with Peter Heath of PLP—the “biggest company you’ve never heard of,” supplying critical infrastructure for energy networks, EV charging, and solar carports. From recycled-plastic EV foundations that remove the need for concrete to helical-screw solar carports that can be installed in a single day, Peter explains how PLP is cutting carbon while enabling the transition to net zero. The conversation moves beyond technology into Peter’s personal world—his love of the countryside, commitment to environmental action, late ADHD diagnosis, and the experience of adopting his daughter. He reflects on risk-taking, resilience, and the importance of leaving the planet in better shape for the next generation. Peter Heath PLP EV | |||
| 163: Tom Weiser & Kevin Murphy | Nerpa Travel | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:46:19 | |
This episode dives into the world of electric adventure travel with Tom Weiser and Kevin Murphy, co-founders of Nerpa Travel. Their company crafts low-impact, high-adventure trips that swap petrol-powered bangers for electric motorbikes and e‑bikes, combining sustainable transport with genuine cultural immersion. Tom and Kev share:
From mountain passes in rural Vietnam to the slow travel benefits of local buses, this conversation explores how EV travel can be both practical and transformative. Find out more at https://www.nerpatravel.com and discover their upcoming Lost in Vietnam trip, 3–13 December 2026. | |||
| 162: The CV Show | Nick Davison & Mike Costain | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:49:20 | |
Paul Kirby and John Curtis are joined by Mike Costain and Nick Davison from Nineteen Group, the organisers of the Commercial Vehicle Show (CV Show). Recorded in the run-up to the 2026 event (21–23 April at Birmingham NEC), the conversation dives into:
From magicians and networking to new product launches and industry insight, this episode captures the energy behind the UK’s leading commercial vehicle event. CV Show | |||
| 161: Alexander Millinger | AVILOO Battery Diagnostics | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:39:37 | |
Buying a used electric car or van can feel like a leap of faith—how do you really know if the battery is healthy, how far it will go, or whether it will hold its charge? In this episode, we get to the heart of the current EV landscape with Alex Millinger of AVILOO, who specialise in plug‑and‑play battery diagnostics for EVs and PHEVs. From the surge in UK demand for battery health certificates, to the role of auctions and dealers in building buyer confidence, Alex explains how AVILOO’s technology delivers a full state‑of‑health report in just three minutes. We explore:
If you’ve ever hesitated to buy a pre‑owned electric car or wondered how to protect the value of a fleet, this conversation offers a clear view of what’s possible—and how the right data can remove the fear factor from going electric. AVILOO Battery Diagnotics | |||
| 160: Michael Kent | Palmer Energy | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:39:52 | |
This week, we dive into the reality of energy as a strategic asset for businesses making the shift to electric vehicles. JC is joined by Michael Kent, Managing Director of Palmer Energy, a company designing and manufacturing battery energy storage systems in partnership with Oxford spin-out Brill Power. Michael unpacks:
From small cabinet batteries to full 20-foot containerised systems, learn how Palmer Energy is helping companies future-proof their operations, reduce costs, and accelerate the transition to electrification—without waiting for perfect grid conditions. Michael Kent (LinkedIn) Palmer Energy | |||
| 159: Fiona Howarth | Octopus EV | 25 Mar 2026 | 01:02:16 | |
Paul and John sit down with Fiona Howarth, founder of Octopus Electric Vehicles and part of the Octopus Energy Group, for a wide-ranging conversation that spans electric mobility, leadership, and the importance of living in the present. Fiona reflects on: - Building and scaling Octopus EV from concept to leasing hundreds of millions of pounds in vehicles. Fiona Howarth (LinkedIn) Fiona’s Previous episode Octopus EV | |||
| 158: Ben Whitaker | Kerbo Charge | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:58:03 | |
This week we dive into the practical world of electric vehicle innovation with Ben Whittaker, Chief Technology Officer at Kerbo Charge. Ben explains how a simple pavement channel could solve one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption—charging for the majority of drivers without off-street parking—and why making technology “boring” is often the ultimate goal. From his early days salvaging components from skips to powering up a self-built computer, Ben shares how curiosity and hands-on problem-solving shaped his career. He talks about:
Along the way, Ben reflects on his first business failures, the lessons in persistence and humility, and how to create solutions that become invisible parts of daily life. Ben Whittaker (LinkedIn) | |||
| 157: Neil Hughes | Utility Line | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:40:27 | |
In this episode, hosts Paul and John welcome Neil Hughes, Head of Business Development at Utility Line, to explore the complex but critical world of powering the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. Neil shares insights from over 25 years in the electrical industry, including his work behind the scenes on the “grey boxes” and infrastructure that make EV charging possible. He discusses how Utility Line, an independent connection provider, is helping businesses simplify grid connections, overcome red tape, and prepare for the electrification of fleets, trucks, buses, and industrial sites. The conversation ranges from: And yes, there’s also talk of Wrexham’s Hollywood moment, Neil’s personal goal to complete a 10k, and a wish to cut through the red tape holding back the UK’s net zero ambitions. If you’re curious about how EV charging infrastructure really gets powered—and the people working to make it happen—this episode is packed with practical insight and candid conversation. Utility Line | Specialist Independent Connection Provider Adler & Allan | Environmental Risk Reduction | |||
| 156: Graeme Cooper | AECOM | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:01:34 | |
Graeme Cooper returns to The EV Café Takeaway for a conversation that spans life, energy, and the future of zero-emission transport—this time from his new home in snowy Massachusetts. Once the very first guest on the podcast, Graeme reflects on leaving National Grid, navigating a transatlantic relocation, and adapting to the realities of the US energy and EV market. From the rise of “greenhushing” to the challenges of electrifying vast American fleets, Graeme pulls apart the complex relationship between federal and state policies, the unintended consequences of political decisions, and why pragmatism and emotional resilience matter in the energy transition. Along the way, he shares candid insights about personal change, building a sustainable home, and why the human side of the net-zero story can’t be ignored. Topics include:
A thoughtful look at the zero-emission journey from both sides of the Atlantic—delivered in true Graeme Cooper style. Graeme Cooper (LinkedIn) | |||
| 155: Stuart Humphrey | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:47:08 | |
This week on The EV Café Takeaway, we welcome Stuart Humphrey – a passionate electric vehicle advocate, wellbeing champion, and winner of the EV Café Christmas Cracker Wellbeing Award. Stuart shares how a simple financial decision to lease a Nissan Leaf in 2014 sparked 12 years of EV driving and inspired him to become a vocal supporter of accessibility and inclusion in the EV community. In this episode, he talks about: - Making EVs fun, simple, and affordable for everyone From sharing strategies for managing difficult days to highlighting gaps in public charging, Stuart brings a refreshingly honest and practical perspective on driving change in the zero-emission space. Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn, and explore more conversations at evcafe.org or on Apple and Spotify. Stuart Humphrey (LinkedIn) | |||
| 154: Ben Traviss | Lloyd Motor Group | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:50:17 | |
It’s the award‑winning Ben Travis! A true champion of customer experience and electric vehicle education. Ben joined the automotive industry in 2019 and became a trusted EV specialist, guiding customers through the transition from internal combustion to electric. During the first lockdown, while many settled into furlough, Ben immersed himself in EV knowledge—devouring YouTube videos, manuals, and guides—to ensure he could deliver confident, first‑hand advice to customers. Ben opens up about:
LLoyd Motor Group Ben’s YouTube Channel (Electric Ben) | |||
| 153: Anne Snelson | Lead With Sustainability | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:53:20 | |
Anne Snelson (Lead With Sustainability) shares hey journey from government statistician and AA policy researcher to senior marketing roles at Vodafone and RingGo, before finding her purpose in sustainability. She takes us through her work championing emissions-based parking, her role in influencing corporate sustainability at companies like BMW and Nissan, and how her Carbon Literacy Project training is sparking meaningful change across the automotive and built environment sectors. Anne opens up about: Oh, and there’s talk of Climate Change Countdown, EV road trips to Italy, and why cheap renewable electricity is top of Anne’s “magic wand” wish list. Lead With Sustainability EV Cafe listeners can get a **20% discount** off the full price by entering promo code EVC2026 at the checkout https://www.tickettailor.com/events/leadwithsustainability Anne Snelson | |||
| 152: Jess Shanahan | Jet Social | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:48:01 | |
This week we have the multi-talented Jess Shanahan! Jess discusses running a Porsche race team and teaching motorsport sponsorship to becoming a key figure in the EV and e-mobility space—creating content, hosting events, and speaking passionately about mental health and neurodiversity. What’s discussed:
This conversation goes beyond electric vehicles to the people who are shaping a zero-emission future, showing how authenticity and emotional safety can drive meaningful impact. Jess Shanahan (LinkedIn) Charge Happy Jet Social | |||
| 151: Richard Guy | Amey | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:53:36 | |
Richard Guy, Fleet & Plant Director at Amey uncovers how he led one of the UK’s largest strategic government suppliers on a remarkable fleet electrification journey. Amey operates 4,000 vehicles—cars, vans, and trucks—across highways, rail, facilities management, and consultancy services. Richard shares how his team successfully transitioned from just 5% EV adoption to over 90% in the company car fleet—three years ahead of target—all without mandating EVs - what a Guy. Discover how Richard:
We also dive into the challenges of commercial vehicle electrification, temporary charging solutions, the future of HGV decarbonisation, and why Richard’s magic wand wish is to change the mainstream media narrative on EVs. Richard Guy (LinkedIn) | |||
| 150: Matt Cleevely | Cleevely Electric Vehicles | 21 Jan 2026 | 01:01:21 | |
Matt Cleevely, the driving force behind Cleevely Motors and Cleevely Electric Vehicles—and an industry personality—joins JC & Paul this week. Matt shares how a family business founded in 1962 has transformed into a hub for EV repair, sales, and advocacy, all while staying rooted in the values passed down from his grandfather. He talks openly about:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cleevely-aae-mimi-2792b367/ Cleevely Electric Vehicles https://www.cleevelyev.co.uk HEVRA (Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Alliance) https://hevra.org.uk | |||
| 149: Caroline Watson | C40 Cities | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:43:37 | |
Paul and JC sit down with Caroline Watson, Director of Transport at C40 Cities—a global network of mayors leading the charge toward a zero-emission future. Caroline shares her incredible journey in the world of transport decarbonisation, from her early days at the Energy Saving Trust to spearheading international initiatives that are transforming city mobility. She reveals how C40 supports nearly 100 cities worldwide in tackling climate change, rolling out zero-emission buses and freight corridors, and creating healthier, more liveable urban spaces. Highlights include:
Caroline Watson (LinkedIn) C40 Cities | |||
| 148: Tim Bailey | Northgate | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:59:13 | |
Kicking off 2026, Paul and John are joined by one of the true legends of the UK fleet and rental industry – Tim Bailey. Fresh into retirement after a 37-year career spanning Alamo, National Car & Rental, Europcar, Redde, and Northgate. Tim shares his fascinating journey from petrol pump attendant in Dublin to leading fleets, shaping policy, and guiding the UK’s transition to electric vehicles—particularly vans. We cover:
Tim Bailey (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-bailey-9454502/ | |||
| 147: Every Magic Wand Wish of 2025 | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:24:32 | |
In this special episode, we take a look back at all the EV Café Takeaway guests of 2025. We hand the wand (or seashell, block of wood, or lightning bolt…) to pioneers, collaborators, and innovators across the electric vehicle and sustainability world, asking them what their one wish would be… | |||
| 146: Lyndsey Hetherington | DRAX Electric Vehicles | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:42:23 | |
This week Paul and John welcome Lyndsey Hetherington, EV Charging Specialist at Drax Electric Vehicles. Lyndsey shares her unique journey from starting out in van and truck marketing to becoming a key player in helping fleets transition to zero-emission transport. She reflects on her formative years at Elmtronics, the challenges of building trust in a new industry, and how she balances career ambitions with the joys and chaos of family life. Discover:
Lyndsey Hetherington (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndseyhetherington/ Drax Electric Vehicles (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/drax-electric-vehicles/?originalSubdomain=uk | |||
| 145: Dale Eynon | Fleet Consultant | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:27:40 | |
This week, the EV Café team goes live at Fleet Mobility Live with a very special guest: Dale Eynon, former Head of Fleet at the Environment Agency and now a semi-retired consultant, passionate environmentalist, and mentor to the next generation of fleet leaders. With over 20 years’ experience managing 10,000+ diverse assets—from cars, vans and HGVs to marine vessels and heavy plant—Dale shares his journey from incident management into fleet, and the steep learning curve that followed. He reflects on:
If you want insight from someone who’s seen it all in the shift to zero emissions—and still believes the best is yet to come—this episode is for you. Dale Eynon (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-eynon-252a644 | |||
| 144: Rebecca Denyer | Sebring Works | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:53:25 | |
This week, Paul and Sara (a.k.a. The Sazmanator) sit down with Rebecca Denyer, co-founder of Sebring Works, the innovative British company hand-building retro-inspired electric sports cars! Rebecca shares the remarkable journey from a classic car enthusiast and accountant to an EV pioneer, creating stunning 1950s and 60s-style electric cars that combine nostalgia, performance, and sustainability. Discover how Sebring Works:
This episode is all about innovation, resilience, and the power of pursuing your passion responsibly—while leaving a legacy for the next generation. If you’ve ever dreamed of a classic car without the oil leaks, breakdowns, or guilt, this one will make you smile. Rebecca Denyer (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-denyer/?originalSubdomain=uk Sebring Works https://www.sebring-design.com | |||
| 143: Sarah Gray | Dawnsongroup Vans | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:35:40 | |
In another live-recorded episode, Paul and John sit down with Sarah Gray, Head of Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy & Development at Dawsongroup Vans. We talk about: - Falling into the automotive world and never looking back - Overcoming redundancy and imposter syndrome with the help of a business coach - Supporting fleets on their transition to electric vans - The real challenges of productivity and charging infrastructure for commercial EVs - Dawson Group’s bold investment in renewable energy, solar canopies, and large-scale charging solutions - The importance of confidence-building, collaboration, and thinking outside the box Sarah’s passion for helping fleets decarbonise, coupled with her infectious energy, makes this a must-listen for anyone navigating the road to zero-emission transport. And yes, the episode wraps with the EV Café magic wand tradition (or is it a 2 by 4?) ### Sarah Gray (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-gray-aa62a92/ ### Dawnsongroup Vans https://www.dawsongroupvans.co.uk | |||
| 142: Michael Braybrook | Zaptec | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:40:57 | |
From lasers bound for Mars to leading the charge in EV infrastructure, Zaptec’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this week’s episode, Paul and Sarah sit down with Michael Braybrook to explore how a company that once supported NASA pivoted to become one of the few profitable EV hardware manufacturers in the world. Michael shares:
Michael Braybrook (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/braybrook/ Zaptec UK https://www.zaptec.com | |||
| 141: Nigel Allsop, BT | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:45:01 | |
In this special live-recorded episode of The EV Café Takeaway, we sit down with Nigel Allsop, Fleet Account Director for BT, who manages one of the UK’s largest and most complex fleets—over 36,000 vehicles and 5,000 company cars. Nigel shares the inside story of BT and Openreach’s journey to net zero by 2030, including how they’ve already electrified 5,500 vehicles, predominantly vans, and the strategy behind prioritising commercial EVs first. Join us as we explore:
Nigel Allsop (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-allsop-a52509a1/ | |||
| 140: Lisa Thomas | Motability Operations | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:53:50 | |
Did you know that 1 in 4 EVs currently bought are for Motability Operations? Neither did Paul Kirby! Join Paul and John (aka W.C.) as they sit down with Lisa Thomas—Chief Marketing Officer at Motability Operations—the organisation behind the life‑changing Motability Scheme. Lisa shares the incredible story of how Motability Operations supports over 800,000 drivers across the UK, providing affordable, accessible vehicles that unlock freedom, independence, and opportunity. From drive‑from‑wheelchair vans to pioneering EV adoption for disabled users, Lisa explains how the scheme is transforming lives while driving the transition to zero‑emission transport. Topics include:
Lisa Thomas https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-thomas-2858598 Motability Operations https://www.mo.co.uk (Discussed) eVITA concept vehicle https://callumdesigns.com/motability-evita (Discussed) Motability Scheme Live https://motabilityschemelive.co.uk (Discussed) Kia PB5 https://www.kia.com/uk/pbv/premiere/ | |||
| 139: Stuart Murphy on Royal Mail’s Zero-Emission Transition | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:39:41 | |
In this special live-recorded episode of The EV Café Takeaway, Paul and John sit down at Fleet & Mobility Live with Stuart Murphy, Head of Fleet Transformation at Royal Mail, to explore how one of the UK’s most iconic organisations is delivering a cleaner, zero-emission future. Stuart shares his journey from growing up in the Royal Mail family to leading one of the largest electric fleet transformations in the country. With over 8,000 electric vans already on the road – and 50,000 vehicles to electrify – his team is proving that EVs aren’t just cleaner, they’re more reliable and cost-effective for the business, too. In this episode, you’ll discover:
Whether you’re running a fleet, exploring electrification, or just love hearing from passionate leaders shaping a sustainable future, this episode is packed with candid stories and practical lessons. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Royal Mail is delivering zero-emission innovation, one red vehicle at a time. Stuart Murphy https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-murphy-4400a547 | |||
| 138: Chris Demitriou, Islington Council | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:53:56 | |
Chris Demetriou, (Assistant Director of Corporate Fleet, Transport and Accessible Community Transport at Islington Borough Council) has spent over 24 years in the public sector and now leads one of the UK’s most ambitious local authority fleet decarbonisation programmes. Chris shares his journey from a two-week temp job to becoming a driving force behind Islington’s transition to electric vehicles, with over 140 EVs in operation and innovative vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trials underway. He opens up about the challenges of electrifying large municipal fleets, from refuse trucks to community transport buses, and why collaboration and infrastructure sharing between councils is critical for resilience and improved air quality. Beyond the technology, Chris speaks passionately about air quality, mental health, and resilience, drawing on his own experiences with asthma, running 11 miles to work daily, and leading by example in the fight for a zero-emission future. If you want to hear how a local authority can become a genuine pioneer in fleet electrification, and why bold leadership, persistence, and innovation matter, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now to discover:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-demetriou-6a716a5a/?originalSubdomain=uk | |||
| 137: Philip Morris, IVECO | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:50:39 | |
This week, Phil Morris - Key Account Manager at Iveco on the ever-evolving world of zero and low-emission commercial vehicles. Phil shares his journey from working in his family’s butcher shop to becoming a passionate advocate for sustainable transport solutions. He takes us behind the scenes of heavy vehicle sales, explaining the jargon of six-by-fours, fifth wheels, and CNG. We dive deep into the future of decarbonising fleets, discussing the roles of battery-electric trucks, hydrogen, CNG/LNG, and HVO, and how operators can make a real difference now—not just in 2035 or 2040. Highlights:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-morris-30173463/ | |||
| 136: Paul Hollick, The AFP & Lightfoot | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:49:31 | |
We dive into a conversation with Paul Hollick, Chairman of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) and CEO of Lightfoot. Paul shares his journey from a young, unconfident teenager in the New Forest to a dynamic leader driving the UK fleet industry toward a zero-emission future. He opens up about:
If you’re in the fleet, EV, or sustainability space—or just love hearing from people making a real impact—this episode will leave you informed and inspired. Paul Hollick https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhollick/ Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) https://www.theafp.co.uk Lightfoot https://www.lightfoot.co.uk | |||
| 135: Bringing Balance To The EV Space | Michelle Breffitt | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:50:23 | |
In this inspiring episode of The EV Café Takeaway Podcast, we welcome Michelle Breffitt, co-founder of Women Drive Electric, the thriving community dedicated to helping women confidently make the switch to electric vehicles. Michelle shares her journey from starting in the automotive world as a teenager to becoming a leading advocate for inclusivity, EV adoption, and authentic conversations around driving electric. She opens up about:
Michelle Breffitt https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-breffitt-automotive-professional/ George Thurman https://www.linkedin.com/in/wde⚡%EF%B8%8F/ Woman Drive Electric website https://womendriveelectric.co.uk Michelle’s book recommendations: The Authority Gap https://www.amazon.co.uk/Authority-Gap-women-still-seriously/dp/1784165883/ Invisible Women https://www.amazon.co.uk/Invisible-Women-Exposing-World-Designed/dp/1784706280/ref=asc_df_1784706280 If you want to see the automotive world become more inclusive, informed, and electrified—this episode is for you. | |||