iLikeBatteries

Mike and Jeff host entrepreneur and founder of Sunbolt, Ian Jones. In the devastating aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Ian Jones watched as over 8 million homes lost power in 17 states. With thousands of people draining their car batteries to charge their phones, he instinctively recognized the need for an off-grid solution that would provide electricity during major power outages. He founded Sunbolt to create the solution. Sunbolt is the leading manufacturer for solar powered charging solutions, including workstations, tables, and stand-up charging stations.

Ian earned his Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School. Earlier in his career, he was an international designer, builder and operator of municipal scale water desalination plants and utilities. He went on to become widely regarded as a prominent Northeast real estate developer, responsible for development of over 15,000 homes and 10 million square feet of commercial real estate. He resides in CT, frequently enjoys skiing, cycling, car racing and scuba diving. He was a member of the US Cycling Team, Pan American Games Team, Road Cycling and 1980 Olympic Team but his proudest achievement is being father to three wonderful children.

Jeff shares a fun home repair story. Mike finds himself looking more seriously at used EV's. Jeff comes across a YouTube video that the guys will be digging deeper into in future episodes.

Mike and Jeff have a follow-up to our great episode with Will Lenharth; Batteries in the News segment covers biodegradable batteries, zombie lithium, and experimental anode material that enables 10x battery charging rates; Jeff has a battery rant.

Jeff and Mike start 2022 with special guest Will Lenharth. Will runs a local computer business in Barrington, New Hampshire, but he's also been a firefighter for 30 years. Will shares his firefighting wisdom with us, including: how they prepare to handle modern fire hazards (like, you know, battery fires), as well as what you can do to make sure you, and your home, are prepared should a first responder need to pay you a visit.

Mike and Jeff wrap up 2021 with some follow-ups to Episode 100 where they looked at battery production costs and how that relates to lifetime costs for EVs. Jeff test drives a Taycan 4S. Looking ahead to 2022. 

Jeff and Mike conclude their conversation with Jim Gregory of PedalPC.com. Jim has been powering his laptop, internet (modem + router), and web server for the last 10 years using a custom rig that he designed, built, and evolved himself. In this episode we explore the origin story and get into the details of his amazing setup. Head on over to PedalPC.com to see the LIVE battery status!

Mike and Jeff host Jim Gregory of PedalPC.com. Jim has been powering his laptop, internet (modem + router), and web server for the last 10 years using a custom rig that he designed, built, and evolved himself. In this episode we explore the origin story and get into the details of his amazing setup. Head on over to PedalPC.com to see the LIVE battery status!

Jeff and Mike are grateful to have reached episode 100 and reflect on making it to this point. Listen to hear about show statistics, and how we produce the podcast. Then we have a quick discussion of battery costs and what we're looking forward to. And plenty of thanks!

Mike and Jeff get all charged up about chargers. Or are they power adapters? Or power supplies?

Jeff and Mike are joined by Matt Lamontagne for the third time! Matt answers listener EV questions, tells us about his new Mustang Mach-E, how to have fun by voiding the warranty in your Tesla, a right to repair discussion, and what's up with lead acid batteries in EVs.