Stu's EV Universe – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Stu talks to Jeff Stoll who recently left his job at Tesla to work for Rivian after almost 10 years with the company. They discuss work-life balance, the ins-and-outs of working in the EV industry, and even chat about the recent protests that have been happening near Tesla offices. Tune in to hear some interesting insider info!

Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Topics: Tesla, Rivian, full self driving, AI (artificial intelligence), electric vehicles, work-life balance

This episode, Stu talks to Shelley McKechnie, a Asheville, North Carolina resident with a KIA EV6 who used a feature of that car to turn her car into a generator. She powered her refrigerator and, maybe even more importantly, a coffee maker to bring joy and hope to her neighbors through this horrific hurricane. Listen in to hear her talk about her story and how the resilient people of Western North Carolina are helping each other through these trying times.

Places to donate to the hurricane relief efforts:

Beloved Asheville: belovedasheville.com/donate/

Manna food bank: donate.mannafoodbank.org/

Topics:

Hurricane Helene, electric vehicles, KIA EV6, global warming, climate change, building community, misinformation

This episode, Stu talks to Jason Hill, Aptera's chief of design. They catch up and chat about putting people first, form following function, myth-busting, and even Hot Wheels! The green future will be bright!

Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Topics: Aptera, Tesla, electric vehicles, EV charging, solar car, solar panels, vehicle design, efficiency

This episode, Stu talks to Dave Lewis, the CEO of MoveEV, a company that helps cities and organizations convert their fleets to zero-emission vehicles. MoveEV has a unique charge-at-home solution that reduces cost and makes the switch easier. They chat about the health benefits, the economic benefits, and the fun that is inherent in making this switch!

Learn more about MoveEV: www.moveev.com

Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.evolveky.org⁠⁠⁠

Topics: MoveEV, Level 2 charging, level 1 charging, Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Tesla, EV charging, cities, municipalities, fleets, health benefits

After a bit of a hiatus, Stu comes back to the podcast talking to Rob Simon about a road-trip with his son in his electric car. They went from North Carolina to Florida to pick up his late father's golf cart to donate to the Solar Microgrid program at Warren Wilson University so that they can convert it to solar power. They chat about father-son bonding, EV road-trips, environmentalism, coming full circle, and a moving story about seeing nesting sea turtles. Tune in to this heartwarming and interesting episode!

Learn more about the Warren Wilson Solar Microgrid Program and donate at: www.unca.edu/programs/sustainability/microgrid-research-group/support/

Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠⁠⁠www.evolveky.org⁠⁠

Topics: Solar golf cart, EV road-trip, environmentalism, climate change, Volkswagen ID4, Tesla, Nissan Leaf, EV towing

David Benardo has fond memories of packing close to a dozen friends into a VW bus to go to the first Star Wars film. VWs have been a part of his life, well, for his entire life. His interest in spending less time fixing these classics and more time driving them led him to starting Zelectric, a company that focuses only on classic VWs and Porsche EV conversions. An April Vanity Fair article shone the spotlight on this cottage industry, and we have all the deets! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠⁠www.evolveky.org⁠ Topics: VW, Porsche, EVs, EV Conversions, VW Bug, VW Beetle, VW Thing, Porsche, Porsche 911, Porsche 912, EV Charging, DC Fast Charging, Tesla Roadster, Tesla, Tesla Cybertruck, Classic Cars

This episode, Stu chats with EV pioneer Marc Geller. Marc got his first EV in 2001 (yes, you're reading that correctly... not 2011 and not 2021, but 2001)! Since then, he has been involved in the formation and/or running of major EV organizations such as Plug-in-America, Adopt a Charger and the Electric Vehicle Association. He is an advocate for equity in the EV space. Our conversation is far reaching and fun! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠www.evolveky.org Topics: Citroen, Zero Emission, Toyota RAV 4 EV, EV1, Ford Think City, EVA, EAA, Plug in America, Adopt a Charger, California Zero Emission Mandate, California Air Resources Board, Nissan LEAF, Tesla Model S, GM Impact, Renewable Energy, Batteries, Equity, PHEV, Building Codes, ADA, EV Infrastructure, Kitty Adams, COSTCO, ClipperCreek, Enphase, Solar Power, Elon Musk, ChargePoint, Tesla Supercharger, Anti-EV Sentiment, Tesla Divas, Transport Evolved.

In this episode, Stu chats with Maggie Smith, the personality behind the Girl Meets Tesla TikTok page.  Maggie talks about her journey that eventually led her to pay cash for her Tesla Model 3.  Having to work through an initial car crash which motivated her to make positive changes in her life and the initial skepticism of some family members about buying a brand new electric car. In a time when EV adoption is still mostly relegated to a very narrow demographic (older white men) 25-year-old Maggie enjoys extolling the virtues of electric transportation to her contemporaries and sharing her journey.   Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Tik Tok, Tesla, Tesla Model 3, Influencer, Social Media, Facebook, Instagram, Podcasts, EV, Electric Vehicles, Internet, Inspirational.

This is part 2 of our exclusive interview with Aptera Chief of Design Jason Hill. What are the benefits of the vehicle's unique features, such as as in-wheel motors?  What goes into figuring out where the charge port should go?  What is the value of a beautiful design on the inside as well as what is seen?  What kinds of challenges have cropped up and how were those handled?  He answers these questions, some listener questions, and much more.  Tune in for the conclusion of this thoughtful interview!   

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU 

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org  

Topics: Aptera, Electric Vehicles, EV, EV Charging, Vehicle to Home, CAD, Engineering, Aerodynamics, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Mercedes 

What better way to kick off the podcast's third year than an exclusive interview about the three-wheeled Aptera solar electric vehicle with Aptera's Chief of Design, Jason Hill!  What was the organic inspiration for the vehicle's design?  How does the design influence the vehicle's perceived use?  Why does the vehicle illicit such an emotional response?  This is part 1 of our first multi-part episode (there was too much goodness to fit into a single episode)!  Become a Patreon supporter and get part two sooner!  Tune in!   Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org  Topics: Aptera, Jason Hill, Automotive Design, EV, Electric Vehicles, Solar, Solar PV, Adventure, Camping, Tesla, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Rivian, Rivian Truck, Efficient Vehicles, Jay Leno, Jay Leno's Garage