Summary On this episode we talk with Steve Gutmann and Robert Wallace about making electric vehicles practical, affordable, and appealing for rural drivers through the new EVMath program . Drawing from their work on agricultural electrification and hands-on experience with EVs like the Tesla Model 3, Rivian, and Ford F-150 Lightning, Steve and Robert share how low rural electricity rates, high gas prices, and at-home charging can make EV ownership cheaper than running a diesel pickup—often with ...
Aug 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 7Ep. 86
Summary Industry experts Matt Teske ( Chargeway ), Loren McDonald ( Paren ), and John McElroy ( Autoline Network ) join host Chase to tackle the most pressing myths and realities in EV charging. They break down the surprising growth in U.S. charging infrastructure, challenge the mainstream narrative that EV adoption is stalling, and highlight why better communication—not just better technology—is critical for the next wave of EV buyers. From fast-charging expansion and policy headwinds to automa...
Jul 31, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 7Ep. 85
Summary Dawn Neville , PSE&G 's Manager of Electric Transportation, shares how New Jersey’s largest utility is scaling EV infrastructure through innovative programs, strategic grid investments, and a focus on equity. From supporting multi-unit dwelling charging to enabling fleet electrification, Dawn breaks down how PSE&G is preparing the grid for mass EV adoption while ensuring access for all communities. Whether you're in policy, utilities, or EV deployment, this episode delivers actio...
Jul 10, 2025•55 min•Season 7Ep. 84
Summary We sit down with David Tyler , Co-Founder and Managing Director of North America at Artemis Technologies , to explore how electric hydrofoil vessels are revolutionizing maritime transit. Spun out of the America’s Cup, Artemis is applying cutting-edge racing tech to build fast, zero-emission ferries that drastically cut energy use, eliminate diesel fumes, and make commuting by water quieter, smoother, and more efficient. We dive into vessel design, charging infrastructure, and the role of...
Jul 08, 2025•54 min•Season 7Ep. 83
Summary We sit down with Gabe Klein , Chair of the Advisory Board at Paren and former Executive Director of the U.S. Joint Office of Energy & Transportation, alongside Paren CEO Florent Breton and Chief Analyst Loren McDonald . The conversation explores how Paren is bringing much-needed transparency, standardization, and real-time data to the EV charging ecosystem—tracking over 140 million charging events this year alone. The team breaks down the shift from fragmented infrastructure to a sca...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 7Ep. 82
Summary Aubrey Gunnels , CEO of 3V Infrastructure , joins us to explore how strategic, data-driven infrastructure is key to overcoming the "charging deserts" that currently challenge EV adoption. Aubrey highlights practical ways 3V Infrastructure leverages partnerships, advanced analytics, and scalable deployment models to accelerate charging station availability and reliability. He also discusses critical lessons learned from real-world deployments, insights into navigating policy hurdles, and ...
Jun 26, 2025•52 min•Season 7Ep. 81
Summary We kick off season 7 of Grid Connections with Tom McCalmont , CEO of Paired Power , breaks down how microgrid EV charging—powered by solar and supported by intelligent load management and battery storage—is reshaping the future of clean transportation. Tom walks us through Paired Power’s live design and monitoring platform, Periscope , showing how organizations can reduce energy costs by over 80%, overcome grid constraints, and even enable bidirectional charging. From pop-up solar canopi...
Jun 24, 2025•52 min•Season 7Ep. 80
Summary If you care about the future of EV charging — whether you're deploying stations, investing in infrastructure, or just want a smoother road trip experience — this episode is a must-watch. Rohan Puri, CEO of Stable, breaks down why most charging sites underperform, how data-driven decisions can dramatically improve ROI, and what it takes to build a network that’s both profitable and user-friendly. From dynamic pricing strategies and rideshare trends to a vision of vehicles bidding for the ...
May 06, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 79
Summary If you want to understand where EV charging is really headed—and why the next wave of growth will be driven by data, reliability, and retail giants like Walmart —this is the episode you can’t afford to miss. Loren McDonald and Bill Ferro of Paren break down what they call “Charging 2.0” —a pivotal shift where charging infrastructure is no longer just about land grabs and incentives, but about real business models, driver experience, and uptime. From soaring urban utilization rates and ri...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 6Ep. 78
Summary If you're curious about how electric vehicles can play a bigger role in stabilizing our power grid—and how drivers can actually get paid to charge smarter—this episode of Grid Connections is a must-listen. We sit down with Kendall Cody , Director of Marketing and Communications at WeaveGrid , to explore how their intelligent software is helping utilities and EV drivers work together to unlock cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable charging. From behind-the-scenes insights on utility partner...
Apr 24, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 77
Summary If you're curious about the future of EV charging, grid resilience, and how we’ll power a more electrified world, this episode of the Grid Connections podcast is a must-listen. Joseph Nagle , Head of Corporate Strategy at Pando Electric , joins us to break down why simple, cost-effective outlet-based charging is the key to scaling EV adoption in multifamily housing. We explore how vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid tech can turn parked EVs into energy assets, how smart energy management...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 6Ep. 76
Summary We sit down with Brian Boshes , Head of Operations at Ranger EV , to explore how vacation rentals and hospitality providers can become part of the EV charging solution. Brian breaks down Ranger EV’s innovative approach to turning everyday outlets into trusted, bookable charging stations—starting with Oregon coast destinations like Manzanita. We dig into real-world challenges EV drivers face when traveling to remote areas, how Ranger EV’s “honor system” and plug-based models are lowering ...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 75
Summary If you’re curious how utilities can break through outdated processes and accelerate grid modernization, this episode is a must-listen. Kim Getgen, CEO of InnovationForce, joins us to share how her AI-powered platform is helping utilities overcome “pilotitis,” streamline innovation workflows, and bring game-changing technologies to life faster. From aligning with fast-moving startups to addressing cybersecurity bottlenecks and making frontline workers part of the solution, Kim offers real...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 74
Summary Corey Cantor , Research Director at the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), joins us to break down the data behind the electric vehicle (EV) transition in the U.S. We explore how falling battery prices, expanding public charging infrastructure, and landmark policies like the 30D EV tax credit and 45X manufacturing incentives are accelerating EV adoption and reshaping the auto industry. Corey shares insights on shifting consumer perceptions, domestic supply chain investments,...
Apr 08, 2025•59 min•Season 6Ep. 73
Summary Curious about how public and private partnerships are shaping the future of EV charging and clean transportation? In this special episode of Grid Connections , recorded live at the EV Charging Summit and Expo in Las Vegas, we sit down with Jane McCurry (Executive Director, Clean Fuels Michigan ), Tom McCalmont (CEO, Paired Power ), and Stacey Simms (Senior Director, Clean Fuels and Infrastructure at CALSTART ) to explore how states are stepping up as federal funding wavers, where real pr...
Apr 03, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 72
Summary What’s really behind the broken EV chargers we’ve all encountered — and how do we fix them for good? In this episode, ChargerHelp CEO Kameale Terry breaks down the surprising truth that 90% of charger downtime is due to software, not hardware . She explains how outdated protocols like OCPP 1.6, poorly structured service contracts, and misaligned incentives have made charger reliability a major roadblock, especially for fleets. Kameale also shares how field data is driving a new era of pe...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 71
Summary Curious about the future of carbon-negative building materials and how climate tech can seamlessly integrate into your everyday life? In this insightful episode, Josh Dorfman—co-founder of Plantd and Supercool—explains how he and his SpaceX-trained team developed a groundbreaking, grass-based alternative to plywood that’s stronger, more water-resistant, and greener than conventional wood. Along the way, you’ll discover how streamlined solutions like virtual power plants, user-friendly so...
Mar 20, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 70
Summary What do new tariffs mean for EV prices? Are plug-in hybrids a real solution or just a loophole? And how is EV charging evolving with networks like Ionna? In this episode of Grid Connections , veteran automotive journalist John Voelcker breaks down the latest shifts in the auto industry. We dive into how tariffs are reshaping supply chains, whether automakers are truly committed to affordable EVs, and the future of public charging—including how Ionna's new network could change the game . ...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 6Ep. 69
Summary The EV industry is at a crossroads, and this Grid Connections panel dives deep into the biggest shifts shaping its future. John McElroy (President, Autoline Network ), Loren McDonald (Chief Data Analyst of Paren ), and Matt Teske (CEO of Chargeway ) break down the impact of Trump’s tariffs on EV pricing and jobs, Tesla’s brand shift and global sales decline, and the growing fight over direct-to-consumer EV sales. Plus, we explore the state of EV charging infrastructure , the NEVI program...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Season 6Ep. 68
Summary We welcome back Walter Schulze , host of The Network Architect Channel , to break down the latest in fast-charging infrastructure, EV adoption trends, and charging network expansions . We dive into IONNA’s rapid station rollout, Tesla’s ongoing dominance, and how networks like Pilot Flying J, EVgo, and Walmart are reshaping the road trip experience . Plus, we tackle the rising cost of fast charging, the impact of lower-cost EVs like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and what’s next for plug &...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 67
Summary Curious about what it takes to own an EV in a dense city like New York? In this episode of Grid Connections , we sit down with Robert Hoffman , host of the Urban EV Podcast , to uncover the real-world challenges and opportunities of city-based EV ownership. From navigating public charging infrastructure and dealing with range anxiety to the growing role of rideshare EV adoption and innovative curbside charging solutions, Robert shares firsthand insights from his own experience. We also e...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 6Ep. 66
Summary We sit down again with Tu Le , Founder of Sino Auto Insights , to explore China’s rapid rise as a global leader in electric vehicles and automotive autonomy. Tu shares expert insights on how government policy, advanced battery technology, and market competition have positioned Chinese automakers ahead of their Western counterparts. We discuss Tesla’s challenges in China, the evolving role of CATL and BYD , and how ultra-fast charging and AI-driven vehicle software are shaping the future ...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 6Ep. 65
Summary In this episode of Grid Connections , we sit down with Mike Murphy , CEO of the EV Politics Project , to explore the growing political divide in EV adoption and how automakers can reframe their messaging for wider appeal. With a background in Republican politics and deep ties to the auto industry , Mike shares exclusive insights from EV polling data , revealing why traditional climate-focused marketing is failing to resonate with mainstream and conservative buyers. We also discuss China’...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 6Ep. 64
Summary We sit down with Patrick Sherwin , the founder and CEO of GoSun , to explore how the company went from a successful solar oven Kickstarter campaign to offering a full range of portable solar products —including an innovative EV solar charger designed for true energy independence . Patrick shares insights on how flexible solar panels withstand everyday use, the mechanics behind powering electric vehicles directly from sunlight, and why solar manufacturing is thriving in China. Listeners w...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 6Ep. 63
Summary In this Grid Connections episode, host Chase sits down with Loren McDonald , Chief Analyst at Paren , to unpack the latest National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) developments shaping the EV charging industry. They explore how recent policy shifts and federal decisions are influencing state-by-state rollouts—revealing why some states are revving forward while others tap the brakes. Loren highlights how rideshare adoption is driving DC fast charger demand and offers insights on ch...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 6Ep. 62
Summary - Navigating Wildfires and EV Innovation with Jonny Lieberman Start the year with a high-energy episode featuring Jonny Lieberman, co-host of The InEVitable podcast and renowned voice in automotive journalism. This week, Jonny joins host Chase to dive into an array of engaging topics, starting with his firsthand experiences navigating California wildfires with an EV. From helping a friend charge their Rivian after losing their home to exploring how electric vehicles can serve as vital to...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 6Ep. 61
Summary In this episode of Grid Connections , a panel featuring Steve Birkett ( Plug & Play EV ), Walter Schulze ( The Network Architect Channel ), and Eric Way ( News Coulomb ) dives into the latest trends in EVs and charging infrastructure. Key topics include the rise of EV road tripping, advancements in charging reliability, and the future of plug-and-charge technology. The discussion emphasizes the balance between charging speed, range, and user experience while highlighting the growing ...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Season 5Ep. 60
Summary Al Gore, Executive Director of ZETA (Zero Emission Transportation Association), discusses the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. He highlights ZETA's advocacy for 100% EV sales, advancements in charging infrastructure, and the impact of political shifts on EV adoption. Key topics include consumer attitudes, domestic manufacturing, and China's role in the EV supply chain. The discussion underscores a promising future for the EV industry, with opportunities for innovation and jo...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 59
Summary Today's Grid Connections panel with Matt Teske, Founder of Chargeway ( https://www.chargeway.net/ ), Loren McDonald of Paren ( https://www.paren.app/ ) and John McElroy of Autoline Network ( https://www.autoline.tv/ ) discusses the rapidly changing EV landscape, focusing on the impact of political shifts, potential tax credit changes, and evolving consumer trends. The panel discusses hybrids, EV leasing growth, UAW influence on policies, and competition from global manufacturers like Chi...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 5Ep. 58
Summary Loren McDonald , Chief Analyst at Paren ( https://www.paren.app/ ), shares his thoughts on the potential impacts of the recent U.S. election on the EV and automotive industry. They dive into possible shifts in EV tax credits, the future of federal programs like NEVI and CFI, and how changes in political leadership may affect legacy automakers’ emissions standards. Loren shares insights into emerging trends in the EV market, including why hybrids are seeing renewed interest, challenges in...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 5Ep. 57
