What happens after we make the power? We dive into the messy, fascinating intersection of energy storage, AI-hungry data centers, and the EV market—where policy, pricing, and supply chains can accelerate progress or grind it to a halt. With Benchmark Mineral Intelligence's Head of Research, Iola Hughes, and Energy Storage Lead, Shan Tomouk, we unpack why batteries are quickly becoming the most flexible tool in the energy toolbox and how that changes decisions from the mine to the megawatt.

We explore the surge in US storage demand as utilities wrestle with aging grids and interconnection queues, and why developers are using containerized ESS as a bridge to get data centers online faster. You’ll hear how peak shaving and behind-the-meter batteries cut brutal 6 pm prices, how waste heat from servers can warm swimming pools and districts, and where SMRs fit on a realistic timeline. We chart the geopolitics too: the US lead in data centers and GPUs, China’s grip on LFP and processing, and the West’s push to localize parts of the battery supply chain.

We also test the sacred cows. Can vehicle-to-grid finally scale, or will dedicated storage dominate grid response? Is battery swapping dead for cars but a winner for heavy trucks, where standardized packs and depot cycles make economics sing? And what does a credible 2050 look like—more renewables, firm gas, smarter batteries, and microgrids that help emerging regions leapfrog old pathways?

If you care about clean energy, AI infrastructure, EV adoption, or how to actually pay for the future grid, this conversation gives you a grounded map and a few bold bets. Follow along, share with a friend who loves energy debates, and if it resonated, subscribe and leave a review so we can keep bringing sharp voices and real-world insights to your feed.

What if the future of cars isn’t a finish line but a tug-of-war between electrons, policy, and supply chains? That’s the lens we bring to a candid conversation with Reuters U.S. Autos Editor Mike Colias, author of Inevitable, as we chart how EV adoption can stall in the short term and still advance for the long haul. We unpack why China sprinted ahead by cracking two stubborn problems—price and charging—while the U.S. wrestles with policy whiplash and Europe navigates uneven progress across member states.

Mike takes us from the Edison-Ford era to CATL’s meteoric rise, showing how battery breakthroughs became business moats. We talk about the moment the industry underestimated Tesla, how an EV’s simpler powertrain lowered barriers to entry, and why legacy automakers found themselves playing catch-up just as China’s industrial policy hit its stride. The result: a global realignment where cost curves, charging reliability, and mineral refining capacity determine who sells the next million vehicles.

We also go deep on regulation and geopolitics. In the U.S., shifting incentives and frozen penalties chilled demand and postponed plants. In Europe, an end date for combustion is softening, but emissions pressure remains high, with hybrids, e-fuels, and biofuels reshaping compliance. Looming over everything is the minerals and midstream bottleneck—lithium, nickel, graphite, and rare earths mostly refined in China—creating leverage that can swing markets overnight. Expect familiar playbooks: Chinese brands building inside tariff walls, Western OEMs doubling down on hybrids now while investing in batteries, software, and charging to compete later.

If you’re trying to make sense of the next five years—where the casualties might fall, which strategies actually close the gap, and how “new energy” links mobility to the grid—this conversation offers a clear map of the forces at work. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves cars or policy, and leave a review telling us where you think EV adoption will peak first and why.

• Benedetta Arese Lucini reveals how AI is matchmaking inventors with investors to accelerate global innovation!

We discuss the revolutionary Atom Patent Assistant with founder Benedetta Arese Lucini, a marketplace connecting inventors with companies seeking innovation solutions across multiple industries. The platform uses AI to make 150 million patents searchable and accessible, helping match ideas with the capital needed to bring them to market.

• Atom creates a bridge between inventors (particularly in universities and startups) and companies with the resources to commercialize their ideas
• Patents typically only last 20 years, creating opportunities for companies to discover innovations that are no longer protected
• The platform uses AI to translate complex patent language and identify potential applications beyond what's explicitly stated
• Bernadette's background in finance and technology helps her understand both the inventor and commercial perspectives
• Atom's valuation tools aim to help innovators understand the true worth of their intellectual property
• The platform works by finding ideas first rather than people, unlike traditional networking platforms
• While patents are public, finding relevant ones has historically been difficult without specialized tools
• Atom's model combines artificial intelligence with human expertise to unlock innovation potential

Follow Roger on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest electric vehicle developments and innovation trends in batteries, energy, and data.

Unlock the secrets to pioneering STEM education through the engaging insights of Diane Clark, Mission Director of Curiosity Box. Diane unravels the innovative methods Curiosity Box employs to make learning tangible and impactful for children, especially in underserved areas. By collaborating with prestigious organizations like the Faraday Institute and the British Science Association, Curiosity Box ensures their products are both educationally significant and accredited, aiming to boost confidence in teachers and inspire resilience in students.

Discover the transformative power of community outreach in the industrial sector as we highlight notable examples like Agritas and Amphenol. These companies are not only enhancing their local presence but are also revolutionizing the way complex scientific concepts are taught to young minds. Agritas, for instance, partners with schools to introduce innovative battery boxes that make science both accessible and fascinating. Learn practical advice on how businesses can get involved, emphasizing strategic partnerships and the financial commitments necessary for impactful engagement.

Finally, we steer into the electrifying world of electric vehicles and their integration into education. The need to normalise knowledge about batteries and electric motors from an early age is critical, and our discussion sheds light on how this can be achieved. With insights from our eclectic guest, Diane Clark, we highlight the exciting opportunities the electric vehicle revolution presents for learners of all ages. By investing in STEM education today, businesses can help bridge the skills gap, ensuring a future workforce that's ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Prepare to be inspired by Crijn Bouman, the visionary CEO of Rocsys, as he shares his mission to transform the future of mobility with hands-free charging solutions for autonomous and electric vehicles. Live from Rijswijk, Netherlands, Crijn offers a rare look into Rocsys's groundbreaking work with major North American ports and logistics companies like Taylor and Hyster. With tantalizing hints of upcoming European developments, we uncover how Rocsys is setting the stage for a driverless tomorrow, where infrastructure is primed for efficiency and sustainability.

Our exploration doesn't stop there as we tackle the fascinating world of electric vehicle charging solutions. From the practicalities of battery swapping and wireless charging to Rocsys's pioneering hands-free charging hubs, we weigh the strengths and limitations of each. Discover how advancements in robotics and AI are the secret weapons in automating the charging process, ensuring scalability without the need for vehicle modifications. We also touch on the challenges of standardization across regions, with an eye on how China’s government-led standards could shape the future landscape.

Picture a world where steering wheels are obsolete, and vehicles operate as constant revenue-generating assets. We dive into the implications of such a reality, pondering the potential shifts in business models and the roles of traditional manufacturers. The accelerating race between the US and China in the autonomous vehicle sector raises questions about global competition and the economic ripple effects. Crijn offers insights into how Rocsys is positioned at the forefront of these changes, especially in the logistics and Robotaxi sectors, where automated charging solutions could redefine industry norms.

Can batteries really drive the green energy revolution? Join me as Inga Peterson, Executive Director of the Global Battery Alliance (GBA), explains how she's leading the charge to ensure sustainable battery supply chains. From her shift from international security to spearheading initiatives crucial for the green energy transition, Inga brings a wealth of experience and passion to our discussion. We tackle the foundational goals of the GBA, emphasising the need for collaboration across industries, NGOs, and governments to address the pressing challenges in mineral production and the global battery industry's current imbalances.

What does it take to certify a sustainable battery? Uncover the intricacies of developing a sustainability certification framework, akin to certifications in the food industry, but focused on batteries. We dive into the challenges of traceability and reporting within the cobalt and lithium value chains, addressing critical issues like child labor and carbon footprints. Discover how establishing these certifications can transform the marketplace, creating benefits for consumers, investors, and public procurement officials. We highlight transparent carbon footprint assessments as a path to business efficiencies and advocate for a harmonized approach that uplifts all stakeholders.

Electric vehicles are on the rise, but how can we ensure their success? In our final discussions, we explore the strategies behind winning consumer support for EVs. From creating appealing products that stand on their own merits to building resilient and diversified value chains, we cover it all. The concept of a "race to the top" in sustainability standards emerges as a key driver of innovation and improvement. We also emphasize the importance of integrating economic viability with business sustainability, encouraging companies to take proactive steps toward a greener future. Stay connected with us for more insights and upcoming events focused on responsible mining and sustainable practices.

Embark on an enlightening ride with Michael Dunn, an automotive sage with an Asian tenure spanning over a quarter of a century. As we cruise through the landscape of change in the auto industry, Michael steers us through the night terrors haunting today's executives: the rise of software-defined vehicles, the electric vehicle revolution, and the looming shadow of Asian, particularly Chinese, dominance in the market. From his Detroit roots to the bustling streets of Bangkok, Michael's journey is a testament to the impact of a positive and adventurous upbringing and the pivotal choices that drive a career forward. 

Navigating through the fog of Chinese business culture, our conversation uncovers the enigmatic ways of the East and how it shapes Western engagement. The opaque yet rapid evolution of China's auto industry unravels before us, revealing tales of joint ventures and the Communist Party's stealthy hand in the electric vehicle race. Witness how China's meticulous strategy transformed it into a global powerhouse, sparking a debate on intellectual property sharing and the unyielding influence of political powers within and outside the Party's ranks.

As we gaze into the crystal ball of global collaboration, the winds of change suggest a shift from China to other Asian nations, pondering the future tapestry of investments. With Michael Dunn in the passenger seat, "Driving with Dunn" offers not just a podcast episode, but a journey through the heart of the automotive transformation, where every turn promises new insights and the road ahead is anything but certain.

Discover the untapped treasure trove of Europe's lithium and borate resources as we sit down with Peter and Alex Palkovsky of Euro Lithium. In a conversation that spans from the picturesque Barcelona to the snowy stretches of Vancouver Island, we uncover the Palkovsky's groundbreaking discovery of a substantial borate deposit with significant lithium content. Their commitment to eco-friendly extraction processes promises a future where Europe's raw material needs are met sustainably—imagine a world where mining contributes to carbon neutrality, or better yet, carbon negativity!

Wrapping up our journey, we spotlight the inspiring sustainable project in Serbia, where local resources, skilled labor, and supportive government policies set the stage for a transformative impact on the European economy and environment. My guests share their optimism for a greener future and the vital role the next generation will play in carrying forward the torch of environmental stewardship. 

Join me for a riveting session that ignites curiosity and fuels the passion for a more sustainable and innovative world.

Embark on an electrifying exploration of China's automotive revolution with me as we sit down with Bill Russo, arguably the most authoritative automotive commentator living in China. Together, we unravel the intricacies behind China's strategic pivot to electric vehicle (NEV) prominence. We dissect how policy support and massive investment have shifted gears for the automotive sector, propelling China ahead and challenging Western automakers to either join forces or compete in a high-stakes race. Bill sheds light on the transformative journey, from the rise of homegrown innovators like BYD to Tesla's game-changing market entrance, offering a rare glimpse into the global implications of this electric evolution.

Witness the future of electric mobility unfold as we delve into the innovative business models that are recharging the industry. We discuss the resurgence of battery swapping in China, led by companies like NIO, and its potential to transform EV economics. With fascinating insights into how these advancements could seamlessly integrate into the wider energy ecosystem, Bill paints a picture of a world where cars are not just vehicles but dynamic assets in the renewable energy revolution. From discussions on the role of batteries in bi-directional charging to the prospect of new revenue streams from software and energy services, this episode illuminates the road ahead for the automotive industry.

Concluding our journey, we cast a spotlight on the Western response to China's dominance in the EV supply chain, as Bill advocates for strategic collaboration over competition. Buckle up for a podcast that doesn't just talk about change - it charges towards it.