Join us this week on The EV Café Podcast as we sit down with Niall Riddell, CEO and Co-Founder of Paua, to explore the critical role of payment and charging solutions in accelerating business EV adoption. Niall shares insights into how Paua is revolutionising the fleet charging experience, making it seamless for businesses to manage their electric vehicle operations. From simplifying payment processes to optimising charging networks, discover how innovative fintech solutions are breaking down ba...
Jun 25, 2025•48 min•Ep. 120
This week we're joined by Rosario Surace, EV Charging Specialist at Drax Group. Rosario shares his expertise on supporting organisations with their transition to electric vehicles, from infrastructure planning to fleet management. We dive into the challenges of commercial vehicle charging, the importance of destination charging, and how Drax is helping businesses navigate the complex world of EV infrastructure. With over 11 years in the industry, Rosario brings valuable insights into power manag...
Jun 18, 2025•36 min•Ep. 119
This week we're joined by Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader UK, who shares his extensive automotive industry expertise and vision for an electric future. Ian discusses Auto Trader's pivotal role in the UK's automotive marketplace, offering fascinating insights into EV adoption trends, the impact of Chinese manufacturers, and the evolving consumer behavior in the electric vehicle space. Drawing from his international experience and recent observations from Shanghai's auto show, Ian ...
Jun 11, 2025•58 min•Ep. 118
This week, JC and Paul chat with Adam Bishop, two-time Britain's Strongest Man winner and IVECO brand ambassador. Adam discusses his journey from rugby player to strongman competitor, his remarkable recovery from an Achilles injury, the occasional novelty of eating "normal human food", and his partnership with IVECO, including setting a world record by pulling over 150 tons with an electric IVECO eDaily van. Adam shares insights into the parallels between his strength training discipline and IVE...
Jun 04, 2025•52 min•Ep. 117
This week JC and Paul are joined by Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, the founder and CEO of Enso Tyres—the world's first premium tyre brand dedicated to electric vehicles. G shares his journey of revolutionising the tyre industry by creating products that not only extend EV range but also significantly reduce tyre pollution. With a staggering 2 billion tires produced annually worldwide, G reveals how Enso's innovative approach delivers better performance, longer life, and lower costs—all while helping com...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 116
This week JC and Paul are joined by Chris Hazell, Co-founder & CEO of Fellten, a pioneering force in the EV space. Chris takes us behind the scenes of their brand new ChargeQube - a mobile Battery Energy Storage System that could transform how fleets approach EV charging by combining second-life Tesla batteries with intelligent power management to deliver rapid charging capabilities without the need for expensive grid upgrades. Plus, we dive into Chris's fascinating journey from art college ...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 115
This week we chat with Kirsty Pendleton, Head of B2B Marketing at The AA, celebrating the organisation's 120-year legacy while exploring their evolution toward sustainable transport. Kirsty shares insights on balancing The AA's trusted heritage with innovation, discusses their journey toward electrification, and reveals how they're supporting businesses transitioning to EVs. With 25 years at The AA, Kirsty offers a unique perspective on the company's human-centered approach, their iconic yellow ...
May 14, 2025•49 min•Ep. 114
This week we welcome John Fairlie, Managing Director of AW Renewables (part of AW Group), who shares his journey in revolutionising renewable energy. John discusses his pioneering "wind-to-wheel" project at Checkley Wood—the first site directly connecting wind turbines to EV charging stations, offering power at just 39p/kWh! With 20% of the UK's onshore wind development under his belt, John explains how renewable energy communities can be built around single turbines, powering thousands of homes...
May 07, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 113
This week Paul and John welcome Chris Welch, Managing Director of Welch Group. As a fourth-generation leader of this 91-year-old family business, Chris shares how his transport company has become a pioneering "lighthouse" in the logistics decarbonisation journey. With refreshing candour, he reveals how their innovative approach to electric vehicles, charging infrastructure sharing, and community focus is transforming the industry. Discover how Welch's unique blend of family values, commercial wi...
Apr 30, 2025•57 min•Ep. 112
This week we welcome back Fraser Crichton, Dundee City Council's award-winning Fleet Manager. Fraser discusses the evolution of Dundee's EV infrastructure over the past year, particularly highlighting the challenging transition from public-funded charging systems to public-private partnerships. He shares insights about the 20-year contracts being negotiated to ensure infrastructure sustainability, his council's fleet now being 35% electric, and the importance of gradual implementation when trans...
Apr 23, 2025•49 min•Ep. 111
Paul and JC sit down with Will Reeves, Commercial Vehicle and Bus, Coach & Minibus Section Manager at SMMT, for an energetic discussion about the upcoming Commercial Vehicle Show 2025. Will shares exciting insights about the show's 25th anniversary celebration, including new vehicle launches, the latest in zero-emission technology, and the event's evolution to meet industry challenges. From the packed conference program to networking opportunities, discover why this year's CV Show is unmissa...
Apr 16, 2025•39 min•Ep. 110
Paul and John sit down with Ric Boullemier, Director of Generate Media. Ric shares insights into his journey from journalism to founding a creative agency focused on telling compelling stories in the EV space. Ric's innovative approach to video content, his philosophy on finding everyone's "superpower," and his commitment to sustainability as a dad. With plenty of camera gear talk and laughs along the way, Ric reveals how his team creates impactful content that drives the EV industry forward whi...
Apr 09, 2025•49 min•Ep. 109
Hosts Paul and JC welcome Stephen Hards from the Road Haulage Association (RHA). Stephen shares his passion for the transportation industry and his journey from IT support to Head of Operations at the RHA. The conversation explores the organisation's frameworks, values, pillars, and priorities—that guides their support for the road haulage industry. Stephen also discusses the upcoming Commercial Vehicle Show, highlighting innovations in decarbonisation, technology, and infrastructure while addre...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 108
John and Paul sit down with Ian Mills, Managing Director at RBW EV Cars. Ian shares his remarkable journey from a Lucas apprentice to motorsport engineering—including developing KERS systems for Formula One and Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes. He discusses how Spirit EV now offers comprehensive electric conversion solutions for classic vehicles, providing the engineering expertise and components needed to transform beautiful classics into reliable, high-performance EVs. Ian reveals how his team's moto...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 107
This week Paul and JC welcome Matt Eisenegger, a true commercial vehicle industry veteran and media partner for the CV Show 2025. Matt shares his journey from vehicle technician to publishing magnate, including founding CV Driver and Destination Net Zero magazines. The conversation explores the critical challenges facing the commercial vehicle sector as it transitions to decarbonisation, highlighting the need for realistic approaches that balance environmental goals with business sustainability....
Mar 19, 2025•51 min•Ep. 106
In this episode Paul and John welcome Jonas Andresen, Senior Key Account Manager at Spirii, to discuss innovative solutions in EV charging infrastructure. Jonas shares insights into Spirii's evolution from a Danish startup to a major player in European EV charging management. The conversation explores how Spirii is revolutionising charge point sharing, particularly for commercial fleets and bus operators, and their groundbreaking plug-and-charge partnership with Volkswagen Audi Group. The episod...
Mar 12, 2025•45 min•Ep. 105
Paul and Sara welcome Josh Spencer, EV & Sustainability Manager at Ford and Slater. Josh shares his journey from truck mechanic to EV champion, discussing how the electric HGV market is evolving with costs dropping and capabilities improving. He offers insights into the Zero Emission Haulage and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) project delivering 300+ electric trucks to UK roads this year. Josh Spencer https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-s-16b0246b Ford & Slater https://www.fordandslater...
Mar 05, 2025•49 min•Ep. 104
This week we welcome Mike Costain, Director at Nineteen Group, the new event partners bringing fresh energy to the UK's Commercial Vehicle Show. Mike shares his vision for revitalising this prestigious 25-year-old event with more "oomph"—combining serious business with an element of fun. Discover how the show is embracing the electric transition while balancing current market realities. Learn about exciting new features including the EV Café village, decarbonisation theatre, and product launches...
Feb 26, 2025•31 min•Ep. 103
Abby Chicken, Head of Sustainability at Openreach discusses leading one of the UK's largest fleet transitions to electric vehicles. Abby shares insights into Openreach's recent order of 3,500 electric vans and the challenges of implementing EVs across their nationwide engineer fleet. With her unique background in retail, sustainability, and passion for wildlife conservation, Abby brings a fresh perspective on how to motivate driver adoption and overcome infrastructure hurdles. Learn how her earl...
Feb 19, 2025•51 min•Ep. 102
John and Paul sit down with Gary Comerford, host of the EV Musings podcast and part-time actor. Beyond his EV expertise, Gary shares fascinating stories from his acting career, including roles in major productions like War Horse, Rush, and The Crown. The conversation explores Gary's journey from IT consultant to podcast host, his mission to educate people about EVs, and his commitment to tackling misinformation in the industry. Gary also offers valuable insights into the complexities of public c...
Feb 12, 2025•59 min•Ep. 101
In this milestone 100th episode, JC and Paul welcome EV Café founder Johnny Berry—an elusive figure on the podcast! Johnny shares his journey from record-breaking Nissan LEAF salesperson to becoming an influential figure in fleet electrification. He opens up about how personal challenges shaped his leadership style, his commitment to sustainability, and the unexpected mental health benefits that emerged from creating The EV Café during covid. Please note that this episode was recorded in early J...
Feb 05, 2025•49 min•Ep. 100
This week we sit down with Glenn Saint, a pioneering figure in the UK's electric vehicle industry. As a former Chief at Arrival, Glenn shares candid insights about the company's innovative journey, its eventual challenges, and its lasting impact on the EV landscape. Now at Prospedia Capital, Glenn offers valuable perspectives on the future of sustainable transport, the power of learning from mistakes, and why we should focus on requirements rather than predetermined solutions. His engineering wi...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 99
Volta Trucks' Director of Business Development Carla Detrieux masterfully flips the script on Paul Kirby and John Curtis, transforming a standard interview into a mutual exploration of authenticity and purpose. Known to her family as "Vegeta" for her passionate temperament (after the Dragon Ball Z character), Carla shares her journey from hospitality to EV innovation, including the dramatic moment of announcing Volta's previous slip into administration at the UN. The conversation weaves between ...
Jan 22, 2025•54 min•Ep. 98
We sit down with “EV royalty” Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder and COO at Zapmap. Discover how Melanie’s passion for sustainability led her to transform a simple spreadsheet into the UK’s leading EV charging platform, now trusted by thousands of drivers every day. She explains how Zapmap compiles live data from over 70,000 charge points, offering users real-time insights to help them conquer range anxiety. Melanie also shares her vision for more affordable electric models and seamless charging ...
Jan 15, 2025•49 min•Ep. 97
Join John Curtis and Paul Kirby as they welcome Professor Richard Allan from the University of Reading—a leading voice in climate science and contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Together, they explore how climate change data translates into tangible impacts on our daily lives and the essential role that decarbonising transport plays in mitigating global heating. Professor Allan shares insights from his pioneering research, discusses the importance of effective co...
Jan 08, 2025•55 min•Ep. 96
Join the whole EV Café crew as we ring in the New Year with a look forward to 2025!
Jan 01, 2025•49 min•Ep. 95
Cosy up with the whole team this Christmas Day as we take a look back at the year that was 2024.
Dec 25, 2024•50 min•Ep. 94
This week on The EV Café Takeaway , hosts Paul Kirby and Sara Sloman sit down with Phil Clarke, Founder and CEO of TUAL, to explore groundbreaking solutions to the challenges of commercial fleet electrification. Phil reveals how TUAL’s power bank-based charging infrastructure provides flexibility where grid capacity is limited, turning even the toughest-to-reach locations into EV-friendly hubs. Discover how “perpetual” thinking and portable energy storage can help fleets sidestep lengthy DNO upg...
Dec 18, 2024•56 min•Ep. 93
Join hosts Sara Sloman and Sam Clarke on this week’s episode of The EV Café Takeaway as they welcome Amy Carter, EV Operations Manager at DAF Trucks. Amy shares her inspiring journey from mechanic to leading EV initiatives, while also opening up about her personal experience with transition and the resilience it required. Dive into discussions on key projects like the Z HIT program, advancements in electric heavy-duty vehicles, and overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry. Amy highligh...
Dec 11, 2024•45 min•Ep. 92
In this episode of The EV Café Takeaway, hosts John Curtis and Sara Sloman sit down with Tom Rowlands, Managing Director of Global EV Solutions at Corpay. They explore how Corpay integrates various brands like Allstar, PlugSurfing, TravelCard, and Mina to offer comprehensive payment solutions in the electric vehicle industry. Tom discusses maintaining a startup culture within a global corporation, the importance of data standardization, and the challenges of EV charging infrastructure. The conve...
Dec 04, 2024•47 min•Ep. 91
