Auto Futurecast – Details, episodes & analysis

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) isn’t limited to passenger cars—it’s rapidly reshaping commercial fleets, from delivery vans to supermarket lorries. While electrifying fleets comes with challenges, it also unlocks significant opportunities.

Ian Dennis, Head of EV Fleet at Zenobe, recently shared his insights on Auto Futurecast, explaining why now is the time to act. Here’s what we learned from his expertise.

Key Takeaways from Zenobe's Ian Dennis

1. Depot Charging Is Essential

For most fleets, depot charging remains the most cost-effective option, offering electricity rates as low as 15p per kWh, compared to 89p at public chargers. However, grid connection issues can complicate implementation. Solutions like shared charging hubs, where multiple operators share infrastructure, are already being trialled by Zenobe in Australia.

2. Operational Changes Are Key

Switching to EVs requires a shift in mindset. Instead of the traditional “fill up and go” model, operators must optimise mandatory rest breaks for opportunity charging. This shift relies on adopting a data-driven approach to managing routes and energy use efficiently.

3. Second-Life Batteries Offer New Opportunities

Used EV batteries still hold significant capacity and can be refurbished for second-life uses, such as powering shuttle buses or construction sites. Zenobe is working to establish a circular economy for batteries, aiming to recycle up to 98-99% of their materials.

4. The Market Is Shifting Quickly

Early adopters like Amazon are already scaling their electric fleets, driven by lower fuel and maintenance costs. With growing demand for zero-emission logistics, businesses delaying electrification risk falling behind. Zenobe advises: start small, think big, and scale fast.

5. Don’t Wait for Perfection

Future solutions like megawatt charging and hydrogen technologies may be promising, but operators should focus on what’s achievable today. Start with vehicles like vans and rigid trucks up to 18 tonnes that return to a depot daily. With 2035/2040 deadlines approaching, now is the time to gain experience and adapt.

The Importance of Fleet Electrification

Electrifying fleets isn’t just about replacing diesel vehicles—it’s about overhauling the entire logistics system. Early adopters will benefit from lower costs, reduced emissions, and a competitive edge.

The shift to EVs is well underway. The real question isn’t if your fleet should electrify, but how and when.

Catch the full episode with Ian Dennis on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube to learn more about the future of fleet electrification.

Charlie Cook, founder of Rightcharge, shared his journey from civil engineering graduate to climate-tech entrepreneur on Auto Futurecast. 

Inspired by his passion to combat climate change, Charlie transitioned from Octopus Energy, where he launched the UK’s first EV-specific energy tariff, to building Rightcharge, a platform simplifying EV ownership.

The Rightcharge Pivot

Initially a home charge point marketplace, Rightcharge faced challenges by 2023. A pivotal shift to fleet payment solutions redefined the business, streamlining public charging payments and automating home charging reimbursements for EV fleets. Major clients like The AA now rely on Rightcharge to meet sustainability goals.

Building Momentum

With 60% of UK EVs owned by businesses, Rightcharge’s services are vital for reducing costs and tracking emissions. Now expanding to four European markets, the company is addressing a market five times the size of the UK.

Lessons for Founders

Charlie’s advice for entrepreneurs: Validate ideas, embrace pivots, structure fundraising around clear goals, and explore international markets. His journey shows how scalable innovation can drive sustainability.

Stay Updated

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If you’re interested in how the automotive sector is adapting to changing customer needs, technological innovations, and evolving financial structures, this episode is a must-listen. Here’s an overview:  

1. Jaguar Land Rover Financial Services – Leveraging Partnerships  

• Facilitate financing options for customers purchasing vehicles. 
• Ensure liquidity through wholesale financing to support their retailer network. 
• Adapt flexibly to changing market demands with innovative approaches to business models. 

2. Leading Automotive Financing Beyond Transactions 

• Transitioning relationships with third-party partners to drive innovation. 
• Exploring risk-sharing possibilities within financing models. 
• Ensuring partnerships truly lead the market and align with dynamic client needs. 

3. Subscription Models and Vehicle Usage 

• Subscription Services: JLR’s Pivotal offers premium car subscription models, particularly appealing to high-earning customers willing to pay for flexibility and no-ownership responsibilities.   
• Premium Rental Models: For urban customers or part-time drivers, JLR explores premium rental options short-term. This ensures they accommodate both high-frequency users and those only taking occasional trips.   
• Global Trials: JLR’s experiments in Germany and other markets highlight the ongoing development and exploration of scalable subscription models. 

One of the key challenges discussed is the economics of subscriptions, particularly in light of significant depreciation in vehicles’ early life stages. JLR is experimenting with strategies to counterbalance this perception, ensuring long-term sustainability. 

4. Electrification and New Business Models 

• Changing Consumer Ownership Dynamics 
• Vehicle Life Extension
• Repurposing BEV Batteries 

5. Long-Term Client Relationships Through Service-Driven Experiences    

• Extending engagement beyond sales with exclusive vehicle experiences, such as JLR’s Land Rover off-road sessions. 
• Building robust service ecosystems that prioritise continuous service, repairs, and over-the-air updates. 
• Innovating around modular vehicle designs, allowing features to be upgraded across an extended lifecycle, broadening a vehicle’s appeal to new customer segments. 

6. Preparing for the Future of Mobility 

• The role of data and software updates in maintaining vehicle desirability over time. 
• Anticipating the needs of younger generations, who prioritise flexibility and access over ownership. 
• The responsibility of OEMs to align internal structures, make EVs more sustainable, and develop cradle-to-cradle lifecycle models. 

If you're in the automotive or mobility sectors, this episode is a must-listen. It provides actionable insights into the trends shaping our industry and what it takes to remain competitive in this fast-moving market.

Don't forget to follow to stay up to date with the latest industry news. If you've enjoyed this episode we'd love to have a review from you!

 In this episode of Auto Futurecast, host Chris Kirby sits down with the CEO of MHP Consulting, Bodo Philipp to explore the evolving world of digital car buying, customer experience, and the role of immersive technology in shaping the future of mobility. 

From online configurators and AI-guided finance tools to Apple Vision Pro-powered virtual test drives, this conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities OEMs face as customer expectations shift dramatically. 

Key highlights include: 

Digital Buying Complexity 

• Online car sales are growing, but the process remains fragmented between research, test drives, and final purchase.
• Many OEM websites confuse rather than guide — unlike tech giants like Apple, which separate discovery and purchasing clearly.

Download the full report here: https://www.mhp.com/en/insights/what-we-think/online-car-sales-2025 

Customer Journey Evolution

• MHP's research shows a 144% increase in consumers engaging with online car buying tools since 2020 with 22% of consumers now completing their car purchases digitally.
• True digital transformation requires addressing multiple "conversion gates" — key touchpoints that influence drop-off or sale.

Omnichannel Challenges

• Buying a car often involves three different entities: the OEM, the dealer, and the finance provider — adding layers of friction.
• Success lies in creating seamless transitions between digital and physical experiences (e.g., test drives, dealer visits).

AI & Conversational Commerce

• Future buying journeys may be guided by AI that helps match customer needs to leasing or ownership models.
• Large Language Models (like ChatGPT) could soon replace chatbots and become virtual automotive consultants.

Immersive Experience & XR Tech 

• OEMs are already piloting Apple Vision Pro and VR tools to allow customers to walk around, inspect, and configure their car virtually.
• These technologies have led to a 15–20% increase in upselling optional features, with measurable business impact.

Finance Transparency 

• Consumers want comparability and clarity— not just OEM-affiliated finance offers.
• Integrating third-party finance tools into online journeys can boost trust and conversion.

Not All Buyers Are Digital Natives

• While digital experiences are growing, older customers still prefer traditional journeys, proving the need for a hybrid approach.
• A one-size-fits-all digital journey risks alienating large customer segments.

Consistent Handover & Onboarding

• Post-sale vehicle onboarding is ripe for disruption — AR and AI can provide consistent, brand-aligned delivery and education experiences across markets.

Whether you're in automotive retail, digital transformation, or mobility innovation — this episode is packed with sharp insights and real-world examples.

Follow us to stay up-to-date with the latest in automotive innovation.
 

Join host Chris Kirby for an unmissable episode recorded at the Asset Finance Connect Summer Conference, where innovation meets insight. This special edition dives deep into the transformative forces reshaping mobility, finance, and operations — featuring candid conversations with leading voices in the industry.

Key Highlights:

The Future of Electric HGVs  – Karim Haji, Managing Director at Scania Financial Services unpacks the challenges and slow adoption of electric HGVs in the UK, the critical role of charging infrastructure, and why depot-to-depot logistics may lead the EV charge.

AI as a Co-Pilot, Not a Replacement – Richard Huston, Managing Director & Co-Founder of VAMOS shares a grounded view on AI’s role in asset finance operations, how human-AI collaboration is transforming back-office workflows, and why full automation isn’t the goal — yet.

Synthetic Sales Agents & Smarter Journeys – Tony Lynch, Founder of CarPass.ai explores how conversational AI is revolutionising online sales experiences and predicts the decline of traditional websites in favour of AI-first interfaces.

Navigating the EV Transition – Dom Surlis, Specialist Consultant at Ayvens highlights the bifurcated EV market, where fleet adoption outpaces retail. He emphasises the challenges with residual values of EVs and notes that incentives like salary sacrifice are vital, but incomplete without used market solutions. 

Driving Policy & Market Stability – Tom McLennan, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at BVRLA notes that market volatility, policy uncertainty, and infrastructure concerns continue to hamper EV growth. Their members are central to vehicle electrification in the UK, but are burdened by depreciation, uncertain demand, and changing policies.

From the evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape to the practical and powerful applications of artificial intelligence (AI), this episode brings together expert perspectives on what’s driving change today and where we’re headed next.

 This special episode of Auto Futurecast is packed with insights for OEMs, mobility startups, and EV enthusiasts seeking to understand the road ahead.

In this episode of Auto Futurecast, host Chris Kirby collaborates with Euan McTurk from Plug Life Consulting to explore the evolving world of electric vehicles and battery technology.  

From breakthroughs in solid-state batteries to second-life applications and grid storage, this conversation dives into the innovations and challenges redefining the EV landscape.  

 With a focus on practicality and future potential, the episode covers:  

• Battery Chemistry Diversification: How alternatives like LFP and sodium-based batteries are driving down costs, improving safety, and enhancing performance under various conditions.  
• Solid-State Batteries: The promise of higher energy density and greater longevity, and why mass production is still a few years away.  
• Grid Storage & V2G: The role of advanced technologies like cryogenic storage and vehicle-to-grid capabilities in balancing supply and demand for a sustainable energy future.  
• Second-Life Batteries: How used EV batteries are being repurposed for grid storage and retrofitted applications, unlocking new business models and environmental benefits.  
• Repairability & Transparency: The shift toward modular, repairable battery systems and the impact of upcoming regulations like the EU’s recycled-material quotas.  

As EVs become increasingly central to the global automotive industry, Chris and Euan unpack the key trends shaping the market and discuss how these developments will influence businesses, infrastructure, and consumers alike.  

 This episode is essential listening for anyone in the EV space, from industry professionals to enthusiasts, offering valuable insights into the future of electric mobility and energy innovation. 

In this packed episode of Auto Futurecast, host Chris Kirby sits down with Tony Whitehorn, former President and CEO of Hyundai U.K. and one of the most experienced minds in the automotive world for a comprehensive conversation about the forces redefining the global car industry. 

From electric vehicles to geopolitical power plays, connected services to customer expectations, this discussion dives deep into the massive disruption hitting every corner of the automotive value chain. 

Tony brings decades of OEM leadership experience to unpack how the traditional automotive landscape, built on century-old principles of manufacturing, brand loyalty, and distribution, is rapidly evolving. The conversation explores: 

• Electrification & Brand Fluidity: Why EV adoption is reshaping customer loyalty and allowing new players, particularly from China, to leapfrog established brands through quality, affordability, and tech innovation. 
• China’s Global Push: With over 90 EV manufacturers and a robust domestic base, China is poised to dominate global exports. Tony and Chris explore how this is playing out in the U.K., the Middle East, and beyond and why Chinese brands are succeeding where others have stumbled. 
• Tariffs & Geopolitics: As the U.S. ramps up tariffs and trade barriers, Tony explains how this “blunt stick” approach may accelerate global realignment, force OEMs to pivot manufacturing, and create ripple effects across Europe, India, and emerging markets. 
• The Connected Car Data Opportunity: Despite years of hype, most OEMs still haven’t unlocked the value of the vast data coming from connected vehicles. Tony outlines why software-defined vehicles are only the beginning and how monetizing features, services, and real-time data will define the next decade. 
• OEMs vs. Agility: Traditional OEMs are often hampered by internal layers, legacy dealer models, and slow decision-making. They explore why tech startups and vertically integrated challengers (particularly in China and the Middle East) are better positioned to move fast and innovate. 
• The Role of Subscriptions & Flexibility: Tony and Chris look at how consumer behaviour is shifting from long-term ownership to flexible access, from hardware to software upgrades and what that means for leasing, financing, and vehicle lifecycle management. 

As Tony puts it, “The industry is moving from preservation to transformation,” and companies that don’t rethink their strategies, from production to customer relationships, may find themselves left behind. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in automotive leadership, mobility tech, EV strategy, or simply fascinated by where the car industry is heading. It’s a masterclass in understanding the global dynamics, market opportunities, and technology shifts that are shaping the automotive world. 

In the latest episode of the Auto Futurecast podcast, host Chris Kirby speaks to Oliver Phillpott, Co-Founder or Generational, a startup focused on EV battery diagnostics. The insightful conversation delves into the growing importance of battery health in the electric vehicle ecosystem, particularly in the context of vehicle financing, leasing, residual values, and the used car market.

A key discussion point is the misalignment of traditional vehicle valuation methods—which rely heavily on age and mileage—with the reality of EVs, where battery degradation depends largely on usage behaviour such as rapid charging, deep discharging, and storage practices. Oliver notes that age and mileage are poor predictors of battery health, making standardised diagnostics vital.

This episode also explores the implications of battery health for finance companies, many of which are now carrying large numbers of EVs without insight into battery quality. This lack of data creates significant risk. Some lenders are already refusing to finance certain EV models due to battery concerns, underlining the need for standardised diagnostics in financing decisions.

Generational’s technology is increasingly being used by dealers, who find that providing battery certificates boosts customer trust and even triples ad views for used EV listings. For consumers, this adds a layer of transparency comparable to MOT certificates or energy efficiency ratings in homes, helping normalize battery data in the used vehicle buying process.

On the residual value front, Oliver and Chris discuss the likely shift toward usage-based pricing models, where lease terms could incorporate factors like charging behaviour or battery-friendly driving styles—enabled by connected vehicle data. This could mean lower lease costs for drivers who treat their batteries well, creating incentives for better EV stewardship.

The pair also touch on the potential for a secondary EV reconditioning market, where used EVs with strong batteries might be refurbished with updated software or parts, extending their lifespan and resale value. Oliver predicts that this kind of innovation will become central to building a sustainable and profitable used EV market.

Finally, Oliver emphasises that transparency and education will be key to aligning the interests of drivers, dealers, and finance providers. With growing industry awareness and improved access to battery data, stakeholders can reduce risk and improve the long-term viability of EV adoption.

This latest episode from Auto Futurecast in partnership with Tomorrow’s Journey, offers valuable insights for anyone involved in automotive finance, fleet management, or the evolving EV market.

Auto Futurecast, hosted by Chris Kirby, is back with the second episode in the new series. In association with Tomorrow’s Journey, Chris welcomes Matt Hawkins from Flexis.  

The pair take a look at the innovative journey of Flexis, a groundbreaking electric vehicle OEM co-founded by Renault, Volvo and CMA CGM. They discuss how Flexis differs from traditional OEMs by creating EVs from the ground up, optimising range, payload, and usability for urban logistics.  

They dive into Flexis’ mission to transform last-mile delivery with purpose built electric LCVs, smart fleet management, and software-defined vehicle technology. Key insights include the challenges of urban logistics, vehicle design for electrification, the power of software-defined platforms, and how Flexis is gearing up for a 2026 launch with a focus on uptime, customisation, and customer-driven innovation.  

 This episode enthralled Chris especially when delving into LCV technology;  the pair joked that the delivery times on his street could end up increasing as he quizzes drivers about their experience – fair warning to delivery drivers in LCVs! 

In the inaugural episode of Auto Futurecast, host Chris Kirby welcomes Ben Boutcher-West, Chief Technology Officer at Connected Kerb, to explore the evolving landscape of EV charging. 

From his roots in automotive giants like Bosch and Jaguar Land Rover to driving innovation at Connected Kerb, Ben shares insights into building reliable, affordable curbside charging solutions for the UK. The duo dives into the company’s recent groundbreaking fundraising, the challenges of EV adoption, and the role of smart charging in balancing cost, convenience, and sustainability. 

Discover how Connected Kerb is tackling range anxiety, supporting drivers without driveways, and shaping a blended charging ecosystem, all while navigating media misconceptions and regulatory shifts. Perfect for EV enthusiasts, industry insiders, and anyone curious about the future of mobility. Tune in to hear why accessible infrastructure is the key to the UK’s electric revolution.