In this episode of the Urban EV Podcast, host Rob Hoffman and guest Todd George delve into the complexities of route planning for electric vehicles (EVs). They discuss the challenges of range anxiety, the learning curve associated with EV ownership, and rate the various apps available for route planning including A Better Route Planner, Chargeway, and PlugShare.

Todd shares a personal journey with his Kia EV9 and rented Tesla, highlighting the importance of understanding charging networks and the effectiveness of different route planning applications in the evolving landscape of EV technology and infrastructure.

A roadtrip in the northeast offers a tasting menu of user experiences. While some charging brands continue to disappoint, others shine.

A stop for a charge in a Target parking lot offers insight and etiquette lessons.

EV ownership in the city can be daunting when you don't have a garage and an outlet. Is it worth taking the plunge? Our Brooklyn based host with a fresh EV on his hands, dives in and shares his experiences.

Pando Electric Introduces a Game-Changing Solution to Make EV Charging Accessible for All

Universal Plug-and-Charge Standard Set to Eliminate Charger Compatibility Hassles

In this episode, Rob shares his latest EV roadtrip experience and makes mistakes so you won't have to.

Toyota announces a new $1B investment in to build its first third-row EV SUV in the US.

Europe can't break the diesel habit and maybe that's OK.

Updates on the major EV charging infrastructure expansions in the works across the US.

There is an assumption among the automakers that claimed range at 100% state of charge is the primary marketing parameter that moves metal off the lots. Yet in reality many drivers charge to 80% based on charger type and battery chemistry. The disappointment in not achieving claimed range, along with confusion over battery charging limits is the start of a negative ownership experience.

Do drivers need a single source of truth ? Maybe not. What if the EV driving experience was as simple as driving an ICE vehicle, with a full charge at 10 and taking it to 11 for that "extra push over the cliff".

Would the positive word of mouth do a better job in changing the opinions of the EV curious and uninitiated?

How does the the flagship Kia EV9 GT Line fare against the Model S & X Plaid? The missions are similar but the delivery and experience are not.

Our guest today is Amlan Das, an early EV adopter who has been trading up his Teslas for years. An owner of both a Model S and X Plaid, he has a unique perspective on the value proposition of a high performance, family hauling EV. A perfect foil to host, Rob Hoffman's more recently designed EV9.

Rob's winter road trip becomes more of an adventure than bargained for. Plus, coming to a lamppost near you...three exciting new start-ups attempt to bring public charging to the urban masses. Will any of these concepts work?

Is an EV the urban transportation solution we've all been waiting for? Scott Murphy, co-founder of micro-mobility start-ups Fin and Clover makes a case for the "unlimited convenience" of electric bike subscriptions and battery swapping as a service. Electric bikes for both parcel delivery and personal transport may not be fully mainstream yet, but your urban mobility future may be a lot closer than you think.

From leaning into route planning tech to the actual charging experiences on the road, there was a lot to be learned on this trip. Add Kia's Highway Driving Assist into the mix and this newbie's transition to EVs is about to get interesting.

Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States. Backed by big oil and on record as a climate change denier, this should send chills down the spines of green energy supporters. But having Elon Musk at his side has created a confounding situation. Will EVs prosper under Trump in his second term?

In this episode of the Urban EV Podcast, host Rob Hoffman and guest Scott Murphy discuss the evolution of urban mobility, focusing on micromobility solutions like e-bikes and scooters. They explore Scott's journey from aviation to scooters, the challenges faced by dockless scooter systems, and the innovative approach of Clover, a subscription-based e-bike service. The conversation also touches on the importance of safety regulations and the cultural shift needed for micromobility to be accepted as a public transportation extension.

In this episode of the Urban EV Podcast, we welcome Michael Entner-Gómez. He's  a writer, speaker and environmentalist focused on sustainable innovation, financial models, and strategic ecosystems and maybe most importantly, a lover of Italian cars.

Michael discusses his journey from software engineering to a focus on business outcomes and sustainable technology in various industries, including automotive. The conversation covers Tesla's dominance and competition, the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and the challenges and benefits of autonomous and electric vehicles. Additionally, we explore the future of transportation as a service, the necessity of government involvement in technology adoption, and the potential for urban air mobility.

In this episode of the Urban EV Podcast, hosts Rob Hoffman and Scott Murphy interview Andrew Richard, CSO at Electrify EVSE, and Wayne Price, VP of Engineering at Electrify Hub. The discussion centers around the challenges and opportunities in fleet electrification and mobile EV charging, particularly focusing on the lack of infrastructure and how Electrify EVSE and Electrify Hub are pioneering solutions to address these issues. They also discuss the role of alternative fuels for grid-free electrification, and the complexities of integrating EV charging into existing systems.

Plug & Play EV's, Steve Birkett discusses his journey as an early adopter with the Chevy Volt to the Hyundai IONIQ 5, and the evolution of EV charging infrastructure. We explore the impact of public and private funding on EV infrastructure, the role of companies like Revel in charging solutions, and the future of autonomous vehicles, including eVTOLs. The conversation also touches on the importance of content creation in simplifying EV ownership and innovations in EV technology.

In this episode of the Urban EV podcast, we dive into the complexities and advancements of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with Cecile Post from ChargeTrip, a leading backend EV routing engine. We explore the impact of OCPI protocols, the differences in EV adoption between Europe and the US, and the possibilities and limitations of 'plug and charge' technology as ChargeTrip attempts to shape the future of sustainable transportation.00:00 Introduction to the Urban EV Podcast00:35 ChargeTrip: Leading the EV Routing Revolution01:02 Mission and Market Impact of ChargeTrip02:12 Challenges in EV Charging Infrastructure03:36 Enhancing User Experience 06:15 Route Planning and AI Integration07:42 Predicting Energy Needs and Avoiding Range Anxiety16:08 Future of Sustainable Transportation

Education of new and potential EV drivers appears to be an auto industry missed memo. So 7 years ago, insider Matt Teske recognized a problem with the EV charging narrative and went out to solve it. He is the founder of Chargeway, a route planning app that demystifies the charging experience. The OEMs may not have taken him seriously at first, but the tide is changing. Matt offers guidance on the past, present and future of road tripping in an EV.

Graeme Cooper, an expert in energy transition and EV infrastructure joins cohosts Rob Hoffman and Scott Murphy to discuss the challenges and innovations fueling the green energy revolution. Graeme shares his personal journey with EVs, insights from his work at National Grid, and his current projects in the energy sector. In this conversation, Graeme Cooper reviews the vast differences in infrastructure between the UK and the US. He emphasizes the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on energy demand, the importance of grid reliability, and the need for whole systems thinking in energy management. The discussion also highlights the concept of democratizing energy, encouraging consumer engagement and understanding of energy systems. He highlights the shifting global mindset towards renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs), while also addressing the inertia and momentum in the industry.

We witnessed a significant shift towards Chinese made EVs and the concept of software-defined vehicles at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. In today's show, we review why Toyota's traditional manufacturing processes may be hindering their progress, the cultural differences in EV adoption between the US and China.

Scott and Rob also discuss the latest innovations in the electric vehicle (EV) market, highlighting the rise of companies like Xpeng, BYD and Great Wall Motors. They explore unique concepts such as the hopping car and the luxurious rear seat experience offered by ZEEKR. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by traditional automakers like BMW in adapting to new technologies and consumer demands, as well as the importance of affordable EV options in the U.S. market. The episode concludes with a look at the future of EV adoption and the role of infrastructure in supporting this transition.

CES 2025, Electric Vehicles, Chinese Automakers, Software Defined Vehicles, SDV, Toyota Kaizen, Battery Swapping, EV Adoption, Innovation in Automotive, Future of Transportation, EVs, electric vehicles, BYD, Great Wall Motors, Geely, BMW, ZEEKER, automotive innovation, human-centric design

Davide Giacobbe, co-founder of Voltest, joins UEVP to share his journey in the automotive industry from Yamaha to Lamborghini. And with that performance pedigree, why he shifted attention to the more mundane but real challenges of purchasing used EVs with concerns of battery health.

Davide reveals the importance of real-world data in assessing battery health, the future of the used EV market, and the role of Voltest in promoting transparency and sustainability in EV ownership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Davide Giacobbe's Journey in Automotive Engineering

04:38 Transition from Combustion Engines to EVs

06:04 The Birth of Voltest and Its Purpose

12:01 Real-World Applications of Voltest

14:19 Understanding Battery Health in Used EVs

18:28 The Future of the Used EV Market

20:39 Evaluating Used EVs: Mileage and Battery Health

26:09 The Future of EV Ownership and Voltest's Role

28:30 Conclusion and Future Prospects for Voltest

Joseph Nagle, head of corporate strategy at Pando Electric, joins the Urban EV Podcast to reveal some of the challenges and innovations in electric vehicle (EV) charging, including their novel solution to make electrification of multifamily housing more affordable.

Joseph shares his journey in the electric mobility sector, the unique solutions Pando Electric offers for home charging, and the importance of adaptive load management. We will hear about the successful case studies of Pando's installations, and the growing recognition of EV charging as a necessity for condo and rental property owners. Looking ahead, Joseph discusses the future of EV infrastructure and the potential for multifamily properties to become self-sustaining energy hubs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Urban EV Podcast and Guests

02:23 Joseph Nagle's Journey in EV Infrastructure

05:21 Pando Electric's Unique Charging Solutions

08:02 Challenges in Urban EV Charging

10:57 Case Studies and Success Stories

13:51 The Future of EV Charging in Multifamily Housing

18:15 The Case for EV Charging in Multifamily Housing

20:02 Innovations and Partnerships in EV Charging

21:37 The Future of EV Charging and Urban Infrastructure

24:21 Pando Electric's Mission and Accessibility

EV pioneers Kevin Booker and Sam Clarke explore their electrifying journey, from breaking Guinness World Records for EV efficiency to demystifying range anxiety and optimizing driving techniques. Dive deep into the real-world impacts of weather and terrain on EV performance, learn the secrets of hyper-milling techniques along with the busting of range anxiety myths as Kevin and Sam share their stories.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Urban EV Podcast

01:18 Meet the Guests: Kevin Booker and Sam Clarke

03:14 The Journey to Guinness World Records

07:07 Maximizing EV Efficiency: Driving Techniques

12:23 Impact of Weather and Terrain on EV Range

15:36 Addressing Range Anxiety in EV Adoption

19:03 The Evolution of EV Infrastructure

20:27 The Right Chargers at the Right Time

21:03 The Evolution of EVs and Market Dynamics

22:16 Chinese Brands Making Their Mark

24:05 Brand Loyalty and Market Perception

25:14 Hyundai and Kia's Rise in the EV Market

26:13 Personal Experiences with EVs

26:44 The Elon Musk Effect on Tesla

28:56 Public Sentiment Towards Tesla

34:06 Debunking EV Myths

35:41 The Misleading Nature of Hybrids

37:58 The Future of EV Marketing

44:01 Memorable EV Experiences and Record Attempts

Jason Goldfarb is a legal expert in EV infrastructure. He joins the Urban EV Podcast to discuss the critical yet often overlooked aspects of charging infrastructure, including the challenges of deployment, financial considerations, and the importance of location and data.

Jason shares his journey from telecom to EVs, drawing parallels between the two industries. The conversation also delves into legal risks, customer experience, and the regulatory hurdles that impact the growth of EV infrastructure. Jason offers valuable insights and advice for businesses considering investments in this evolving market.

To attend Jason Golfarb's lecture and receive Federal Bar Association CLE credits, register here for free using this code: LeasingEV25
LIVE: https://lnkd.in/ekitxA2k
ON-DEMAND: https://lnkd.in/ev24wV7A

Jason will also be on an EV Safety and Liability panel at EVCS Las Vegas 2025:

https://evchargingsummit.com/2025/summit/agenda/general-conference-day-one/fire-safety-and-emergency-response

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to EV Charging Infrastructure

02:46 Jason Goldfarb's Journey into EV Infrastructure

05:20 Challenges in EV Infrastructure Deployment

08:27 Comparing EVs to Telecom: Lessons Learned

11:03 The Importance of Strategic Location for Charging Stations

13:45 Financial Considerations for EV Charging Investments

16:32 Navigating Political and Economic Uncertainty

19:15 Understanding ROI in EV Charging Ventures

22:13 The Case for Level 2 Charging in Hotels

26:01 Accountability in Contracts and Customer Experience

31:53 Navigating Legal and Permitting Challenges

38:57 Comparing EV Infrastructure in the US and Europe

43:29 Advice for Businesses on EV Infrastructure Investments

In this episode of the Urban EV Podcast, we explore the critical issue of charger uptime and reliability with the co-founders of Watts Up, Hilary Taylor and Audrey Wooding. They explore the challenges faced by EV drivers when encountering non-functional charging stations and the innovative AI-driven solutions that Watts Up offers to improve charger reliability. The conversation delves into the scale of charger downtime, the importance of regulatory standards, economic incentives for charge point operators (CPOs), and the future of EV infrastructure. The founders share their backgrounds, the inspiration behind their startup, and their vision for a more reliable EV charging future.

Takeaways:

• Charger uptime is crucial for EV adoption.
• 30% of chargers are often non-functional.
• AI can significantly improve charger reliability.
• WhatsApp aims to reduce downtime for EV chargers.
• Regulatory standards impact charger performance expectations.
• Economic incentives drive ChargePoint operators to improve uptime.
• Data integration is key for effective charger management.
• A successful charge involves multiple factors beyond just connection.
• The EV industry is moving towards a multi-stakeholder approach.
• Future expansion plans include international markets.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to EV Charging Challenges

02:26 The Problem of Charger Downtime

04:59 Watts Up's Innovative Solutions

07:28 Pilot Programs and Real-World Impact

10:31 Regulatory Landscape and Industry Standards

12:14 Competition and Market Dynamics

14:33 Technical Insights on Charger Functionality

17:20 Future of EV Charging Infrastructure

19:58 Global Perspectives on EV Adoption

21:10 Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this episode of the Urban EV Podcast, hosts Rob Hoffman and Scott Murphy engage in a lively conversation with Nigel Gordon Stewart, the chairman and CEO of Austin Motor Company. They explore Nigel's extensive background in the automotive industry from McLaren to Lamborghini to Lotus and eventually Austin, where he is leading the legendary brand into the electric vehicle era with the Austin Arrow.

The discussion also touches on a Lamborghini test drive with Donald Trump, the challenges faced with entering the US market, disconnect between vehicle size and urban needs and the future of EVs. Additionally, they delve into Project Arrow, Canada's electric vehicle initiative, and Nigel's vision for the future of Austin Motor Company (https://www.austinmotorcompany.com/)

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Electric Mobility and Austin Motor Company

01:01 Nigel Gordon-Stewart's Journey in the Automotive Industry

04:42 Transition to Austin Motor Company and Electric Vehicles

05:36 Development of the Austin Arrow and Urban Mobility

11:39 The Advantages of Electric Vehicles

17:31 Understanding the Quadricycle Concept

20:13 The Disconnect Between Vehicle Size and Urban Needs

23:55 The Future of EVs and Changing Perceptions

25:43 The Shift to Electric Vehicles

28:23 Performance and Specifications of the Austin Arrow

30:38 The Evolution of Electric Vehicles

32:40 BYD's Market Strategy and Impact

35:56 Future of Battery Technology

39:42 The Role of Features in Modern Cars

43:54 Project Aero: Reviving Canadian Automotive Pride

51:20 Manufacturing Challenges and Opportunities in Canada

52:17 Quality Control in Automotive Production

54:42 The Target Market for Austin Cars

57:34 Future Plans for Austin's Vehicle Lineup

01:03:41 A Surprising Encounter with Donald Trump