What can the former head of global strategy at Avis Budget Group tell us about EVs and autonomous vehicles? It starts with learning from past mistakes.

In this episode of the The Urban EV Podcast, hosts Rob Hoffman and Scott Murphy welcome Hari Sripathi, founder of Mad Hatter Consulting to explore the inherent challenges and opportunities within the fleet mobility sector.

Hari shares insights from his extensive experience in the transformation of legacy car rental companies into the digital age, emphasizing the importance of user experience and timing in the adoption of electric vehicles. We also discuss the evolution and future of autonomous vehicles, focusing on the democratization of transport through shared mobility solutions like robo-taxis and robo-buses.

Hari analyzes past failures in transit models, the impact of electric vehicles, and the technological advancements shaping the industry. Predictions for transportation by 2030 highlight the shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and charging solutions.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Urban EV Podcast

01:56 Hari Sripathi's Journey in Mobility Innovation

05:54 The Evolution of Avis Budget Group

12:52 Challenges in Electric Vehicle Adoption

15:38 Future Outlook for Fleets and Electric Vehicles

17:17 The Role of Autonomous Vehicles in Mobility

18:36 Democratizing Autonomous Transport

21:27 Lessons from Failed Transit Models

24:20 The Future of Shared Mobility

26:42 Emerging Technologies in Autonomous Vehicles

29:33 Predictions for Transportation by 2030