Electric Evolution

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Episode 170: Liz Allan and Belinda Guy - Cutting Through the Noise: Making EVs Simple for Everyone.

Liz Allan speaks to Belinda Guy, founder of Belinda Automotive and a product marketing specialist who has rapidly become a recognised voice across the automotive and EV sectors.

Together, they explore the human side of communication in EV adoption, why clear, jargon-free messaging matters, how companies can better understand their audiences, and the role product marketing plays in shaping trust, confidence, and buying decisions.

Belinda shares her journey from secondary school teacher to automotive product marketer, discussing what she learned along the way and why she believes EV communication must be rooted in empathy, education, and real-world experience. The pair reflect on mindset shifts, misinformation, accessibility, and how to support consumers who are overwhelmed by unfamiliar language and big purchasing decisions.

Quote of the episode:

"If you don't understand who your product is for, how are you designing a good product? Everything starts with knowing your audience." Belinda Guy.

Belinda Guy Bio:

Belinda Guy is the founder of Belinda Automotive and a highly regarded product marketing specialist working across automotive, EV charging, and emerging mobility technologies. With a background spanning OEM environments, EV charging back-office systems, and consumer engagement, Belinda helps organisations understand their audiences, articulate value, and communicate more clearly. Her work focuses on simplifying complexity, strengthening product positioning and supporting commercial teams to sell with confidence. Belinda is also known for her accessible, educational social media content, where she breaks down automotive concepts for everyday drivers. 

Belinda Guy Links:

Website: https://www.belinda-automotive.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-automotive

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/belinda_automotive

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If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

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The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast 

We love hearing from you! After listening to an episode, if you’d like to share a comment or ask a question, just click here to send us your message.

Episode 169: Liz Allan and Craig Marsden - The Accuracy Revolution: Why EV Charging Needs a Diamond Standard.

Liz Allan speaks to Craig Marsden, CEO of EVCI Global, the team pioneering accuracy testing for public EV chargers and setting the bar with their Diamond Standard accreditation.

Craig shares the journey from his early EV adoption in 2013 (and never once successfully rapid-charging away from home!) through to heading up a company that’s quietly doing something transformative: proving whether EV chargers genuinely deliver the electricity drivers pay for.

From the surprising gaps in metrology regulations to the real-world consequences for CPOs and EV drivers, Craig explains why accuracy matters for cost, trust, fairness, and the long-term sustainability of the UK’s charging ecosystem. Liz and Craig also talk about EVCI Global’s grant collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory, the future of regulated accuracy testing, and their upcoming “Car-E-OK” road trip, complete with charger testing and singing.

Quote of the Episode:
“At the end of the day, it’s about fairness, making sure drivers get what they pay for, and CPOs know exactly what their chargers are delivering.” Craig Marsden

Craig Marsden Bio:
Craig Marsden is the CEO of EVCI Global, a UK company dedicated to bringing accuracy, fairness, and transparency to public EV charging. With a background in vehicle software optimisation, battery recycling, and environmental stewardship, Craig blends technical expertise with a genuine passion for fairness and sustainability. EVCI are currently working with the National Physical Laboratory to develop a national framework for EV charger accuracy, helping Charge Point Operators understand their networks and prepare for upcoming regulations. Craig is rapidly becoming one of the sector's most trusted voices on charger metrology and accountability. 

Craig Marsden Links:
Website: https://evci-global.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-marsden-99b71112

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast 

We love hearing from you! After listening to an episode, if you’d like to share a comment or ask a question, just click here to send us your message.

Episode 168: Liz Allan and Shamala Gadgil -  Coventry’s Blueprint for Smarter, Accessible EV Infrastructure.

Liz Allan is joined by Shamala Gadgil, Director of Decarbonising Transport Consultancy Ltd and Senior Programme Manager supporting Coventry City Council. Shamala has spent years shaping one of the UK’s most ambitious EV and transport programmes, delivering practical innovation that genuinely improves people’s lives. 

Together, Liz and Shamala discuss Coventry’s journey towards becoming one of the most forward-thinking transport authorities in the country, from running four Charge Point Operator contracts and delivering more than 2,300 public charging spaces since 2018 to transforming the city’s entire bus fleet into a near-fully electric operation. They discuss Coventry’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot models, the challenges of accessibility and PAS 1899 compliance, how to repurpose local-authority land to support residents without driveways, and why multimodal hubs are the future of sustainable travel. 

Shamala also shares her work on dynamic wireless charging, inclusive design for disabled and mobility-restricted EV drivers, and how local authorities, CPOs, manufacturers, and central government must collaborate to get this right. 

Shamala Gadgil Bio:

Shamala Gadgil is the Director of Decarbonising Transport Consultancy Ltd and a Senior Programme Manager working with Coventry City Council. With more than 30 years’ experience as a civil engineer, and a researcher currently completing her PhD, she brings a rare combination of technical expertise, holistic thinking and innovation to the UK's transport transition. She has led Coventry’s major EV programmes, including rapid charging for taxis, extensive on-street charging schemes, and the city’s transformation into an all-electric bus City. Her work is centred on public health, accessibility, and long-term sustainability, and she plays an active national role as Chair of the Transport Technology Forum’s EV Charging Infrastructure Working Group. 

Quote of the Episode:
“Everything that I'm doing is about improving people's lives; reducing emissions, supporting public health, and creating transport systems that work for everyone.” – Shamala Gadgil

Shamala Gadgil Links:
Coventry City Council Website: https://www.coventry.gov.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamala-gadgil-msc-28278421

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast 

We love hearing from you! After listening to an episode, if you’d like to share a comment or ask a question, just click here to send us your message.

Episode 167: Liz Allan and Laura Wilkes - Paua-ing Real Change in EV Charging

Liz Allan speaks to Laura Wilkes, Customer Support and Operations Manager at Paua, to explore how one of the UK's most dynamic eMobility service providers is reimagining what “powering up" really means.

At the heart of Paua is a spirit of constant innovation, turning complex charging challenges into seamless, driver-friendly solutions. From Paua Access, their roaming network connecting over 69,000 chargers across the UK, to Paua Reimburse, which fairly repays fleet drivers for home charging, and Paua Share, enabling councils and depots to collaborate through shared charging infrastructure, Paua is redefining the EV experience at every level.

Laura reveals how these innovations were born from real-world problems: fleets needing fairer reimbursement, councils needing shared access, and drivers needing simplicity. She also talks about Paua's newest frontier, integrating salary sacrifice charging bundles to make public charging more accessible and affordable for employees.

Laura shares stories about helping fleet managers embrace EVs, the psychology behind charging habits, and her own journey to buying her first electric car, the MG4. 

Laura Wilkes Bio:
Laura Wilkes is the Customer Support and Operations Manager at Paua, where she helps fleets and businesses make the shift to electric with confidence and clarity. With a background in customer experience and operations, Laura brings a deep understanding of both people and process, ensuring every innovation at Paua delivers real-world value.

Known for her enthusiasm, empathy, and problem-solving mindset, Laura plays a key role in turning Paua’s ideas into practical tools that simplify EV charging for drivers nationwide. Her journey from marketing into sustainability reflects her passion for meaningful change and her belief that small actions and big ideas can transform how we move and power our world.

Quote of the episode:
“Go and test drive one. Just get behind the wheel and see if you like how it drives; that’s the starting point. Once you do, you’ll realise there’s really no difference… except it’s better.” Laura Wilkes, Paua

Laura Wilkes Links
Website: https://www.paua.com
Laura LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hustwick-wilkes-402231187
Paua LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pauatech

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast 

We love hearing from you! After listening to an episode, if you’d like to share a comment or ask a question, just click here to send us your message.

Episode 166: Liz Allan and Tim Dexter -  Tackling the UK's EV Charging Lottery.

Liz Allan speaks to Tim Dexter, UK Vehicle Policy Manager at Transport & Environment (T&E), one of Europe's leading organisations campaigning for cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable transport.

Together, they review the findings from T&E's influential "Charging Lottery" report, which used AI to analyse over 250,000 public charging reviews across the UK. The results reveal both progress and persistent challenges in reliability, repair times, and accessibility.

Tim shares insights into how air pollution shaped his career, from leading air quality campaigns at Asthma and Lung UK to influencing EV policy at the European level, and why ensuring fairness for all drivers, including those without driveways, is critical to a successful transition to net zero.

This episode explores the growing gap between regulation and repair, how local authorities can navigate funding and delivery challenges, and why public reporting of broken chargers could be a game-changer for transparency.

Liz and Tim discuss what must happen next to ensure that EV charging infrastructure becomes not just widespread, but reliable, inclusive, and fit for the future.

Tim Dexter Bio:
Tim Dexter is the UK Vehicle Policy Manager at Transport & Environment (T&E), a Brussels-based NGO driving sustainable transport policy across Europe and beyond. With a background in air pollution advocacy at Asthma and Lung UK, Tim has spent his career connecting environmental data with human impact. At T&E, he focuses on decarbonising road transport, improving EV infrastructure policy, and ensuring a just transition that benefits everyone, from manufacturers to everyday drivers. His work reflects a deep commitment to cleaner air, fair access, and the future of sustainable mobility. 

Quote of the episode:
"Everybody, whether you're rich or poor, rural or urban, should have the right to affordable, reliable charging. This transition has to work for everyone." — Tim Dexter.

Tim Dexter Links:
Website: https://www.transportenvironment.org/te-united-kingdom/articles/charging-lottery-a-consumers-perspective
Tim Dexter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-dexter-88107b198

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast 

We love hearing from you! After listening to an episode, if you’d like to share a comment or ask a question, just click here to send us your message.

Episode 165: Liz Allan and Amy-Jane Marsden - Revolutionising Automotive Training for an Electric Future.

Liz Allan speaks to Amy-Jane Marsden, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy, a pioneering training centre equipping technicians, emergency services and MOT testers with the hands-on skills needed for the EV age.

Amy shares her remarkable journey from working within the DVSA and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to leading one of the UK's most innovative automotive academies. Together, Liz and Amy-Jane discuss how MOT standards must evolve to reflect the realities of electric and hybrid vehicles, why practical EV training saves lives, and how Pro-Tech's real-world approach is transforming safety culture across the industry.

They discuss the crucial need for education, communication, and confidence in EV maintenance across garages, technicians, and first responders. There are also powerful insights on MOT reform, EV safety, and the future of skills in a fast-changing automotive landscape.

Amy-Jane Marsden Bio:
Amy-Jane Marsden is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy, a leading UK training provider specialising in MOT, hybrid, and electric-vehicle qualifications. With a career spanning heavy-goods transport, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, she combines deep regulatory knowledge with real-world automotive experience. Amy-Jane is passionate about improving road safety, championing hands-on EV education, and building technician confidence through practical, high-impact training. 

Quote of the Episode:
"People are frightened of EVs because they don't understand them, but with the right training, confidence follows, and safety becomes second nature."
 — Amy-Jane Marsden.

Amy-Jane Marsden Links:
Website: https://pro-techacademy.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-jane-marsden-52198051

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast 

We love hearing from you! After listening to an episode, if you’d like to share a comment or ask a question, just click here to send us your message.

Episode 164: Liz Allan and Ralf Kernchen -  Making EV Charging Predictable with Reserve and Charge. 

Liz Allan speaks to Ralf Kernchen, Founder and CEO of Reserve and Charge. Together, they explore how predictability and planning can reshape the EV charging experience for drivers, fleets, and cities alike.

Ralf shares the journey behind Reserve and Charge, a platform designed to give drivers peace of mind by allowing them to book charge points in advance, while helping Charge Point Operators optimise utilisation and reliability. From commuter car parks in the West Midlands to complex fleet logistics, Ralf explains how data, design, and human behaviour intersect to make charging more efficient for everyone.

Liz and Ralf discuss what “good user behaviour” looks like in public charging, how reservation systems can encourage fairness and accessibility, and why collaboration between operators and local authorities is essential for achieving Net Zero goals.

They cover the psychology of planning, the technical challenges of managing infrastructure, and the customer-first principles that make innovation truly meaningful.

Quote of the Episode:
"Reservations aren’t about restriction, they’re about encouraging good habits and making charging fair for everyone.”  — Ralf Kernchen, Founder & CEO, Reserve and Charge. 

Ralf Kernchen Bio:
Ralf Kernchen is the Founder and CEO of Reserve and Charge, a UK-based technology company enabling EV drivers to reserve charge points in advance. With a background in computer science and smart mobility research at the University of Surrey, Ralf has spent over two decades developing user-centric digital solutions across Europe. His work bridges innovation and practicality — from connected-vehicle communication to parking and EV charging platforms — all with a focus on creating seamless, stress-free experiences for end users. 

Ralf Kernchen Links:
Website: https://reserveandcharge.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralfkernchen

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast 

We love hearing from you! After listening to an episode, if you’d like to share a comment or ask a question, just click here to send us your message.

Episode 163: Liz Allan and Katrin Harding - How Wokingham Is Turning Climate Plans into Action.

Liz Allan speaks to Katrin Harding, the elected Lead Member responsible for environment and climate work at Wokingham Borough Council. Together, they explore how a climate emergency declaration becomes practical delivery: a live Climate Emergency Action Plan, transparent annual reporting, and resident-focused initiatives from EV education days to micro-mobility and e-bike trials. Katrin discusses why shifting from petrol/diesel to EVs is Wokingham’s biggest lever for emissions reduction, how salary-sacrifice schemes are accelerating adoption, and where canopy solar and charging hubs fit into local energy plans. They also discuss heat pumps and home upgrades, the role of trust and clear information, and why solutions must be designed with communities, not imposed on them. 

Katrin Harding Bio:
Katrin Harding steers Wokingham’s environment and climate portfolio, overseeing countryside services, renewable energy projects and delivery of the borough’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. A Cambridge-educated mathematician, she built her early career in energy trading and environmental markets before turning to local public service. Her priorities centre on practical measures residents can feel safer, active travel, accessible EV charging, and local generation, such as canopy solar, all underpinned by clear reporting and community engagement. 

Quote of the Episode:
“We need solutions that work for people and that people want, because otherwise they won’t stick.” — Katrin Harding.

Katrin Harding Links:
Website: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrin-h-a98262101

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast 

We love hearing from you! After listening to an episode, if you’d like to share a comment or ask a question, just click here to send us your message.

Episode 162: Liz Allan and Niall Riddell - Interoperability, EHGVs & Price

Liz Allan speaks to Niall Riddell, CEO and Co-Founder of Paua, to unpack what interoperability really means in the real world, and why the end goal is simple: charging that just works. They explore the driver-first view versus the technical layers behind the scenes, from networks and firmware to payments and pricing. Niall shares his “unpopular opinions” on utilisation, the rural rollout challenge, and how investment horizons and targeted subsidies could unlock equitable access outside urban hotspots.

Niall also discusses why comparing home tariffs to public pricing is like comparing apples to oranges, the compliance and service layers you pay for in public, and how fleets can fairly reimburse drivers across home, workplace, and public charging. They touch on EHGVs (and those all-important pins on the map), the policy journey on VAT and road-use charging, and the data “holy trinity” that will help fleets prove total cost-per-mile and accelerate adoption. Plus: Niall’s grin-inducing test drive of the Mercedes eActros, and why many drivers don’t want to go back to diesel once they've tried electric trucks.

Quote of the Episode

 “Interoperability sounds complex, but the driver's definition is simple: make charging just work, push the complexity into the background so they never see it.” — Niall Riddell

Niall Riddell Bio

Niall Riddell is the Co-Founder and CEO of Paua, the UK fleet charging platform connecting drivers to a nationwide roaming network while simplifying payment, policy and reimbursement for businesses. Before Paua, he led EV and smart-systems work at EDF and SSE, bringing a deep utility perspective to the fleet electrification challenge. Today, his team focuses on practical tools for business: public-network access, home-charging reimbursement, and opening up shared depot charging to trusted partners, all designed to make EV operations seamless for both drivers and finance teams.

Niall Riddell Links

Website: https://www.paua.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nialliriddell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauaev

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast 

We love hearing from you! After listening to an episode, if you’d like to share a comment or ask a question, just click here to send us your message.

Episode 161: Liz Allan and Asif Ghafoor - Building Community, Not Just Chargers

Liz Allan speaks to Asif Ghafoor, CEO and Co-Founder of Be.EV, about his mission to build an EV charging network that does more than just deliver power, it creates community.

From his early career in banking and infrastructure to co-founding Be.EV during lockdown, Asif shares how lived experience and big-picture thinking shaped his vision for a customer-first, community-led network. They discuss Asif's philosophy behind Be.EV’s landmark Charging Oasis in Manchester, a site designed to be as welcoming and accessible as it is functional.

Asif also explains why partnerships, empowerment, and culture matter just as much as kilowatts and uptime, and why being the “CPO of choice” is about creating that warm glow for drivers. 

Asif Ghafoor Bio

Asif Ghafoor is the CEO of Be.EV, where he leads with a clear focus on community, culture, and customer experience. Drawing on years in infrastructure and investment, he has built a reputation for challenging industry norms and putting people at the heart of EV charging. Known as the “roving CEO,” Asif is often on the road, meeting drivers, visiting testing sites, and sharing candid insights on social media. Under his leadership, Be.EV has become recognised for bold design choices, strong partnerships, and a mission to make public charging welcoming, reliable, and accessible for everyone. 

Quote of the Episode

“Who wants 50,000 chargers if the experience is terrible? The real prize is building a network people actually want to use.” Asif Ghafoor

Asif Ghafoor Links:

Website: https://be-ev.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asif-ghafoor-095486

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard. 

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast