Asif Ghafoor, the spirited force behind Be.EV., shares his journey of pioneering a customer-centric revolution in the EV charging infrastructure space. Initiated during the 2020 lockdown, Be.EV. aims not just to build an extensive charging network but to intricately weave it into the community fabric, ensuring the technological leap benefits all, not just a few. Asif's narrative is a testament to the transformative power of community engagement and relentless innovation in crafting a future where technology serves humanity.

https://youtu.be/STdaVuJURbI

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

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

Will Reeves, Commercial Vehicle & Bus and Coach Section Manager at SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) joins us on the EV Café for a wide-ranging conversation ahead of April’s Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

As a passionate advocate within the automotive industry, Will underscores the vital roles of hydrogen and electric vehicles in achieving net-zero goals—pointing to the UK's leading position in zero-emission infrastructure.

Will underscores the significance of the Commercial Vehicle Show (CV Show), slated for 23 - 25 April 2024 at NEC, Birmingham, UK. This event is in many circles known as THE platform for the commercial vehicle industry in the UK, showcasing the latest and greatest in CVs.

https://youtu.be/5k3ZMCSvz28

https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-reeves-3a079627/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://www.smmt.co.uk/

https://cvshow.com/

Guy Haydon, Chief Commercial Officer of AeroVolt, delves into the pioneering world of electric aircraft charging. AeroVolt is a startup building a public network for electric aircraft charging, akin to EV charging for cars. Despite the nascent market, with AeroVolt owning 10% of the UK's electric aircraft (a total of one plane), the industry's future looks promising with many manufacturers exploring electric and hybrid models. The focus is initially on light aircraft and flight schools, with electric offering significant operational cost savings. Haydon's journey from aspiring Navy pilot thwarted by a peanut allergy to leading roles in the electric vehicle and now electric aircraft sectors is a testament to his adaptability and drive. Despite the challenges, including overcoming range anxiety and infrastructural hurdles, AeroVolt's strategy involves deploying chargers and fostering industry growth through partnerships and technology. Haydon’s entrepreneurial spirit shines as he discusses future plans, emphasising the need for capital to scale operations and make the UK a leader in electric aviation.

https://youtu.be/BLABfvC-Vdc

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-haydon/

https://aerovolt.co.uk/

Paul Allera, Technical Director at the RHA (The Road Haulage Association) shares his journey in the transport industry, emphasising the significance of giving back and supporting the SMEs within the road haulage sector. His rich background, beginning as an apprentice mechanic and evolving through various roles, highlights a deep-rooted passion for the sector. He underlines the importance of mentorship and development within the industry, showcasing a commitment to enriching the SMEs that form the backbone of transport logistics. The conversation also ventures into the realm of electric vehicles and the challenges and opportunities presented by the shift towards a zero-emission future. The need for government support, better infrastructure, and a community-driven approach to tackle these challenges is underscored. Allera's infectious positivity and dedication to the transport sector shine through, offering insights into the evolving landscape of road haulage and the collective effort required to navigate towards a sustainable future.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-allera-b7b5501a/

https://www.rha.uk.net/

https://youtu.be/qheT8bJSvO4

In this episode, we delve into the journey of electrification in the commercial vehicle sector with Mike Cutts, Business Line Director at Iveco. With a focus on transitioning from diesel to electric vehicles, Mike highlights Iveco's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The conversation covers the launch of the E-Daily, Iveco's electric vehicle that boasts impressive capabilities, such as a 3.5-ton towing capacity, showcasing how Iveco is not just meeting but exceeding market expectations. Mike's background, from his initial foray into the automotive industry to his passion for extreme sports, reveals a leader driven by perfectionism and a desire to make a positive, lasting impact. Under his leadership, Iveco has doubled its market share, emphasising the importance of team effort and the role of people in business success. The episode also touches on the future of Iveco, aiming to increase awareness and continue growth in the electric vehicle sector.

https://youtu.be/eeTBJu44SRY

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-cutts/

https://www.iveco.com/uk

Emma Thompson, distinct from her Hollywood namesake, highlights her journey and passion in the engineering sector, particularly her role at the Society of Operations Engineers. This episode dives into the evolution of the engineering field, emphasising diversity, inclusion, and the significant shifts towards sustainability. Thompson shares insights on the crucial support systems for engineers, the importance of professional development, and how engineering conventions like the Commercial Vehicle Show serve as pivotal networking and innovation hubs. Her discussion underscores the evolving landscape of engineering, including the impact of AI and the push towards greener technologies, while stressing the importance of engaging the next generation through modern platforms.

https://youtu.be/7cuSg34DB-A

soe.org.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-thompson-msoe-8900302b/

Tomas Edwards, who transitioned from financial services to business strategy and consulting, discusses his journey and passion for the EV sector. He highlights the significance of software in optimising EV charging networks, emphasising the need for future-proofing infrastructure with advanced protocols like OCPP 2.0.1. Edwards shares insights into the evolving landscape of EV adoption, stressing the importance of accessible and efficient charging solutions to support the growing number of electric vehicles. His commitment to sustainability and vision for a cleaner future shines through, inspiring listeners to consider the broader impacts of their career choices and the role of technology in driving environmental progress.

https://youtu.be/u5c1cGeMJPU

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasgedwards/

In this episode, Mark Newberry, Commercial Director for Europcar Mobility Group, shares his journey from a working-class upbringing to being a key player in the EV rental sector. With a history steeped in challenging norms and a personal discovery of dyslexia later in life, Mark highlights the importance of adaptability, resilience, and passion in driving both personal and industry-wide change. His account delves into the transformative power of embracing neurodiversity, the pursuit of sustainable mobility, and the vital role of ethical leadership in fostering inclusive growth. Mark's narrative is a testament to the impact of visionary thinking and perseverance in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future in the electric vehicle landscape.

https://youtu.be/BFHu8_d5beI

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-newberry/

https://www.europcar-mobility-group.com/

In this captivating episode, Fraser Crichton from Dundee City Council takes us through Dundee's ambitious journey towards electric vehicle (EV) integration, highlighting the city's innovative approach to EV infrastructure and fleet electrification. With a focus on reducing pollution and enhancing air quality, Fraser shares insights into Dundee's strategic deployment of electric taxis, refuse collection vehicles, and the creation of EV charging hubs. His narrative is driven by a passion for sustainable transport and a deep commitment to community engagement, showcasing Dundee's leadership in green fleet management and infrastructure development. Through collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to tackling challenges, Dundee exemplifies a city at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution.

https://youtu.be/sDEAWK2tMyc

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraser-crichton-1a804152/

Renee Rogers, CEO and founder of ONO, discussed her journey from managing a fleet of vehicles to creating a tech company aimed at streamlining the reporting and management of road traffic incidents for fleet owners and drivers. With a background that transitioned from the wedding industry to fleet management, Renee identified a gap in the efficient handling of accidents. This realisation led her to develop ONO, a solution designed to aid drivers in reporting accidents quickly and efficiently. Launching after extensive beta testing, ONO promises a revolutionary approach to fleet management, emphasising data transparency and the empowerment of fleet owners. Renee's resilience and determination shine through as she outlines her vision for taking ONO global, starting with English-speaking markets and expanding with a multilingual app. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the importance of data in transforming fleet safety and efficiency.

https://youtu.be/andOJRgMI3U

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneerogers1986/