Electric & Eclectic with Roger Atkins - LinkedIn Top Voice for EV

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.

We all have 20:20 vision when it comes to hindsight - but foresight is much rarer. However, reflecting on what Mr Levi Tillemann recounted back in 2015 as to the then nascent electric vehicle revolution might well equip you, as it has me, with a better sense of what could happen next. 

His book 'The Great Race' is about people, politics and policy - writ large on the world stage. How has China come to increasingly dominate the global industrial landscape and what were the tipping point moments in that story? You'll find the detailed answers in the book and an overview of what's been going on in my conversation with Levi. 

He's an internationally recognised thought-leader in clean energy and mobility. VP for Policy and International Outreach at Ample. Sr. Advisor to Valence Strategic. Fmr. WEF. Guest contributor at WIRED, The New Yorker, Washington Post and regular commentator on NPR. Skilled in Mobility, Clean Energy, International Relations, Fundraising, Climate Change, and Policy Analysis. 

Prepare to embark on an electrifying journey as Steve Levine and I  unravel the multi-faceted world of electric vehicles and renewable energy as we glimpse into the 2023 rear view mirror. 

We dissect the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on the industry, drawing a few parallels with past stimulus packages. The discussion extends to the influential works of both Steve and Levi Tillemann, who both wrote chronicles some time ago now on what we see unfolding all around us today.

We navigate the geopolitically charged issue of the US battery supply chain and Chinese involvement... and the potential role of oil and gas companies in the battery and renewables  landscape. We also talk about my recent close encounters with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Professor Stan Whittingham, both of whom underscored the importance of relatable dialogue and urgency in tackling this global issue.

Ready to turn your electric vehicle's battery into a goldmine? Discover the opportunities of Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technology in this enlightening conversation with Claire Weiller, Director of European Strategy Partnerships at Fermata Energy. Strap in as Claire guides us on a journey from the birth of V2X with the Japanese CHAdeMO system, through the adoption of NACS by major automotive giants like Ford, GM, Mercedes, and start-ups Fisker and Rivian etc...

How would you like to transform your car's battery into a power hub for your home? Buckle up as we shift gears into the realm of bi-directional charging, highlighting the vital interoperability between car and charger manufacturers, and the innovative vehicle-to-home technology that could potentially turn your vehicle's battery into a profitable asset. We also put the pedal to the metal with a deep dive into battery chemistry and health, and shine a spotlight on the optimal charging regimes to maximise battery performance. It's time to turbocharge your knowledge on the future of vehicle technology with Fermata Energy.

Mr Bob Galyen is a true gentleman!...

I know that for sure as at either end of June 2023 I was lucky enough to be in his company, initially in Washington D.C at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence's Washington DC gathering, and then in Birmingham at Battery Cells & Systems Expo/Vehicle Electrification Expo.

Truly honoured to have spent time with Bob on both occasions, and witnessed at first hand his generosity in sharing invaluable knowledge and lessons learned - with everyone he encounters. And now it's your turn! 

This is a 15 minute walk and talk we recorded  at the show (initially shared as a video on my LinkedIn channel)... and if you operate anywhere in the orbit of energy, electric vehicles, batteries...there's surely something in it for YOU! 🔋

BACKGROUND: (From LinkedIn) Bob is an Energy Storage technology executive with experience in large corporations (ATL, CATL, Magna, Delphi, GM) and small entrepreneurial businesses (Tawas, Indy Power Systems, World Energy Labs). He recently received the prestigious China "Friendship Award"​ in 2015 and received the title "National Distinguished Expert"​ from the Peoples Republic of China Government Talent 1000 Plan in 2014. Bob is currently CTO of Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited in NingDe, Fujian Province, PRC. CATL specializes in clean technology lithium ion battery systems used in electric vehicles and high efficiency storage systems. He one of the favored speakers on the xEV and ESS conference programs. In professional organizations he has held the Chairmanship of SAE International Battery Standards Steering Committee for 8 years (with 22 Committees reporting to him) and is Chairman of NAATBatt International. He also serves on Senator Lugar’s Advisory Board for Renewable Energy at IUPUI, the Dean’s Executive Advisory Council at Ball State University and the National Fire Protection Agencies Board of Advisers. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry and has 40 years experience in battery technology. Bob was first ever front cover individual feature story for Batteries International and has feature articles on a regular basis. He serves on Board of Directors and Technology Advisory Boards for multiple companies. 

2006's 'Who Killed The Electric Car' with its 2011 sequel 'Revenge Of The Electric Car' are chronicles of the trials and tribulations of the nascent electric vehicle proposition - with the latter movie featuring Dr. Andy Palmer CMG working alongside Nissan Motor Corporation's enigmatic CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Fast forward to June 2023 and I spend 60 minutes onstage with Andy in front of a live audience at Vehicle Electrification Expo/Battery Cells & Systems Expo talking about how and when the Nissan Leaf came about, how Mr Ghosn inspired and influenced him...and where he didn't, about tribalism, engineering, energy, batteries - and the UK's 1st BIG battery plant which went up in Sunderland over a decade ago in 2012 (and Andy shares the story of how that almost didn't happen...sounds like an uncannily familiar scenario to where we are today with Tata Group/JLR to my mind!)

Battery swap gets an airing too btw! (and the back story to the Better Place gets an interesting reference) - as does the charging standards journey from CHAdeMO to CCS to NACS, including a noteworthy fact that Andy had the World's 1st EV with a V2H connection - in 2011! 😳

...and great to hear Andy give Serbia a BIG shout out when it comes lithium supplies as that augers well for my friends at Euro Lithium+Borates - as well as the folks closer to home at British Lithium Limited & Cornish Lithium Plc!

And, Dr. Palmer makes a trio of intriguing comments on the shelf life of ICE vehicles I've listened to this month - joining Mate Rimac & Jigar Shah in saying it as they see it! (happy to point to you to those remarks as they are all on the record)

In the meantime, I appreciate 60 minutes of your time is a BIG ask these days, but if you do make the investment - I'm confident you wont be disappointed...