In-Between Charges

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just a glimpse of the future—they’re here, and transforming how we think about transportation. But the transition to electrification isn’t without its hurdles. From global policy challenges to supply chain bottlenecks and lingering misconceptions, the EV landscape is as complex as it is promising.  

In this episode, Kevin and Mike discuss the dynamic shifts happening across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, including how tariffs, raw material prices, and manufacturing efficiency impact competition. 

Here’s what we talk about:

• China’s EV Dominance: How China became a leader in the EV space, the intense price wars driving the market, and why their automakers are exporting more cars than ever.
• EVs vs. Traditional Cars: The Full Environmental Story: What’s the actual impact of EVs when you factor in everything—manufacturing, raw materials, and lifetime emissions?
• The Hydrogen Debate: Why hydrogen-powered vehicles have struggled to gain traction and whether they have a potential place in the future of transportation.
• Policy Gaps: Are current global policies strong enough to meet net-zero and climate goals? Spoiler: Not yet.
• Debunking EV Myths: Tackling common misconceptions about EVs and separating fact from fiction.

Whether you're in the industry or simply interested in how the global car market is shifting, this episode offers an insightful and honest look at where the EV sector stands today and where it’s headed. 

Tune in and stay informed!

Happy Charging!

Electric vehicles are reshaping the way we think about transportation, and at the heart of this shift is the challenge of charging. In this episode, Kevin Spangenberg and Mike Hawkes sit down with Mads Vind, Managing Director of Stella Energy (formerly known as Viggo Energy) to discuss how the company is driving innovation in EV charging and building a future-ready infrastructure for professional drivers and beyond. 

In this episode, we explore:

• Stella’s Evolution: How Stella went from being a ride-hailing app to becoming a leader in EV charging, focusing on the needs of professional drivers like taxi drivers.
• Building Strategic Partnerships: Why teaming up with companies like Alpitronic has been key to Stella’s success in creating reliable, cost-effective charging solutions.
• Standing Out in a Crowd: How Stella finds ways to shine in competitive markets like Oslo and what makes their approach unique.
• Scaling for the Future: Stella’s ambitious plans for expanding their ultra-fast urban charging networks across Europe and North America to meet growing demand.
• What’s Next for EV Charging: The challenges and opportunities in the EV world, including energy costs, pricing, and the role of government policies.

If you’re curious about where EV charging is headed or just want to hear how one company is helping to shape a greener, more connected future, this episode is for you. Tune in and get inspired!

Welcome back to In-Between Charges, we are back for season 3! 

In this strong return, our hosts Mike and Kevin are joined by Pär Möller, the Global Head of Business and Partnership Development at Mer, a leading international operator in the EV charging industry. Together, they delve into Mer's journey of building a sustainable charging network across Europe, touching on the company's strategic partnerships with major brands like IKEA and McDonald's and the recent success in winning large-scale tenders like Deutschlandnetz. In this episode, Pär shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in expanding EV infrastructure, the importance of sustainability, and how Mer's unique approach is driving the electrification of transportation across different markets. Tune in to hear about the evolving landscape of EV charging and what it takes to establish a truly customer-centric and eco-friendly charging experience.

Happy listening and happy charging!

Hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg are joined by Jaap Burger, Senior Advisor on EV Grid Integration. Jaap brings his extensive experience and knowledge to discuss the nuances of smart charging for electric vehicles and the policies that maximize its potential for a decarbonized power market and grid.

Jump into the current state of smart charging in Europe, and explore with us  how different regions are adopting this technology and the benefits it brings to consumers and the energy grid. Jaap explains the challenges and opportunities in integrating renewable energy sources, optimizing grid usage, and reducing costs for everybody: users, businesses and EV naysayers alike!

It’s almost impossible to discuss smart charging without vehicle-to-grid technology, so Jaap addressed the technical, regulatory, and market barriers we need to make V2G a reality. Stay till the end to hear his take and predictions for bidirectional charging and the future of a smarter relationship with the grid.

Happy charging!

Summer has arrived and it’s time for that annual road trip. Hopping in your EV and wondering how to navigate EV charging across borders? Or why the price of a kWh can vary so widely? This episode of “In-Between Charges” has the answers to all your questions. Hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg speak with famed “EV Travel Hacker” Electric Felix. Felix spends all his time driving and charging throughout Europe. They discuss the public charging scene in Europe, how certain countries have surprised him, and how charging operators are switching their focus from #MorePlugs to #MoreUsers.

As the annual tradition has become an electrified affair, drivers need to understand how to stay fueled up and charging operators need to ensure an optimal charging experience. This conversation with Felix will show how everyone involved can ensure summer 2024 is electric.

Happy charging!

In this episode of "In Between Charges," hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg sit down with Roel Visser, the Chief Commercial Officer at Milence, delving into the transformative world of electric heavy-duty vehicles. They delve into Roel's insights on the rapid growth of electric truck sales in Europe, the challenges of establishing a reliable charging infrastructure, and Mylans' strategic role in this transformative industry.

The conversation takes a deep dive into what a heavy duty CPO strategy looks like, the grid-grab vs. land-grab approach, the necessary and key collaboration among parties to develop the best sites for truck drivers and companies and more. The trio also unpacks the technological advancements that are accelerating the shift towards electric transport, including the development of megawatt charging stations and the implications for long-haul trucking. Roel offers a candid look at the regulatory landscape and its impact on the pace of electrification, sharing anecdotes from Milence's journey in pioneering a network across multiple European countries.

Tune in to discover how Europe is paving the way for a greener future on wheels, and why heavy-duty electric trucks are at the heart of this revolution.

Happy (heavy duty) charging!

In this episode of "In Between Charges," hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg chat with Dr. Andreas Barnekov Thingvad from Hybrid Greentech. Andreas brings his expertise in hybrid energy systems to the table, discussing how these technologies are revolutionizing our approach to energy storage and making renewable sources more effective. He simplifies complex concepts, making it easy to understand how integrating new and traditional energy solutions can lead to a more sustainable future.

Our guest also addresses common myths around battery technology and hybrid systems, explaining their real-world applications and benefits. The conversation sheds light on how these innovations are paving the way for more reliable and efficient energy usage globally.

Tune into this latest episode of In Between Charges to get a clear view of the future of energy.

Happy charging!

Joining Kevin and Mike for this episode of "In Between Charges" is Ryan Fisher, an electrified transport analyst for Bloomberg NEF. From his early days working on projects like the I-PACE and Second Life Batteries to analyzing the rapid evolution of charging technologies and corporate strategies, Ryan illuminates the intricate web of developments shaping the future of electric mobility.

The episode dives into the vibrant investment landscape of the EV charging infrastructure, insights into private and public market trends, the complexities of funding and consolidation, the strategic shifts of companies and much more. 

Our trio ventures into the realms of charging technology, battery swapping, and the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. They unravel the layers of innovation driving the adoption of EVs, from ultra-fast charging solutions to battery swapping stations, and how these advancements are redefining consumer experiences and expectations.

Don't miss this high-voltage episode that shines a spotlight on the road ahead for electric vehicles and the dynamic world of EV charging. Happy charging!

In this episode of "In Between Charges," Mike and Kevin engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Andreas Piepenbrink from E3/DC and the Hager Group, who shares his transition from the automotive industry to leading the charge in home energy management. The discussion illuminates the progress and potential of renewable energy, the role of electric vehicles in energy systems, and the dream of a carbon-neutral home. 

This episode is packed with insights into the evolving landscape of sustainable energy, highlighting innovations and the impact of technology like bi-directional charging in our energy ecosystem. Join us for a journey into the future of energy, where homes and vehicles play a critical role in a greener world.

And as always, happy charging!