Stu's EV Universe

In this episode, Stu speaks with Michael Benson, co-owner of Command Consulting, LLC.  Michael, a retired fire chief, talks about the myths of frequent EV fires, the safety (or lack thereof) of hybrids, and the how the physics of different types of vehicles comes in to play for both safety and performance.  We also talk about why EVs can be extremely beneficial for both city and emergency fleets and can save tons of money for taxpayers.  We even take a deeper dive into the features and benefits of microgrids. Lots to unpack and learn!   

Visit Command Consulting LLC's website: www.commandconsultingllc.com 

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU 

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org 

Topics: EVs, Hybrids, Fire Trucks, Emergency Vehicles, Electric Fire Trucks, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3, Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles, Microgrids, City Fleets, Emergency Fleets, Tesla Cybertruck, Electrification, Emergency Services, Shared Services, Charging Infrastructure, EVSE, Level 2 Chargers, hybrids

Stu ends up ending the year on a bittersweet note-- unexpectedly having to say goodbye to his trusty blue Nissan Leaf. He reflects on his time with the car he dubbed "Betty Blue" as he looks towards an exciting new year (perhaps with a new electric car).  Thank you everyone who has listened to this podcast for the past two years, we are excited to continue making it and sharing it with you-- and we already have some exciting things planned! A special thank you to our Patrons and to anyone who has shared this podcast with their friends and family. We wish everyone an amazing New Years filled with happiness and hope!

Check out the article in CleanTechnica: cleantechnica.com/2022/12/21/saying-goodbye-to-betty/ 

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU 

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org 

Topics: Electric cars, electric vehicles, Nissan Leaf, New Years, Holiday episode

This week, Stu chats with Todd Jackson, the team manager of the University of Kentucky Solar Car Team! They discuss the history of the team and how solar cars have evolved over the years. Todd talks about the culture of the team and about how their experience can transfer to electric cars and other engineering careers. They even discuss how the Aptera vehicle is influenced by the work that these universities are doing in the field of solar-powered vehicles. Here comes the solar car! 

Check out the UK Solar Car Team at: solarcar.engr.uky.edu 

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU 

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org 

Topics: Solar car, University of Kentucky, Blue Origin, Tesla, Aptera, EVs, Electric Vehicles, solar panels, battery chemistry, engineering, UK, racing, STEM, software, over-the-air updates

This week, Stu speaks with Reverend John Odom about how electric transportation fits into the fabric of creation care. We explore a specific EV charging collaborative program, how a greater global view often leads to increased care for the planet, the need for all humankind to protect the earth and there is even a brief shoutout to William Shatner!   

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU   

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org  

Topics: Creation Care, Presbyterian, EVs, Transportation, Faith, Electric Vehicles, EV chargers, Adopt a Charger, Churches, Presbyterian, Unitarian, William Shatner, Pollution, Climate Change, Fossil Fuels, Oil, Petroleum, Community Gardens, Community, Christianity, Christian Faith, Rivian, Nissan LEAF, Chevy Volt, Tesla, Equity, PlugShare

This week, Stu talks to Michael Bream about the EV Learning Center (EV-LC). Through conversations at his business, EV West, a non-profit STEM school was born. At EV-LC, they teach kids about electric vehicles, how they work, how to fix them, and more!  How hard is it to teach young kids about tech? How is this school helping kids get a head start in the ever-changing car industry? Listen and find out! 

Check out EV LC at: www.ev-lc.org 

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU 

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org

Topics: kids, STEM, Science Technology Engineering Math, Education, STEAM, Arts, EV Conversions, Electric Vehicles, EV Batteries, Coding, Classic Cars, Tesla

This week, Stu talks to Dana Briggs, owner of EVentures EV car rentals  in Dayton, Ohio. Through a generational love of cars, he found his  niche… his “car calling” if you will. He manages a large and diversified  stable of electric rides. Find out more about this unique and electric  business! 

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU 

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org 

Topics: EVs, Electric Vehicles, EV Rentals, Tesla Model S, Rivian, Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Bolt EUV, Volkswagen ID4, VW, Polestar 2

This week, Stu talks with Joel Levin, Executive Director of Plug in America.  We discuss many specifics about the Inflation Reduction Act and how it will effect the future of electric vehicles.  We also discuss the history and importance of Plug in America as the voice of the EV consumer.  What are the immediate challenges in the short term for EV adoption and what will be the biggest challenges as we move forward?   

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU  

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org 

Topics: Tesla, GM, Nissan LEAF, Chevy Volt, Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats, Republicans, Congress, Supply Issues, Electric Trucks, Supply Chain Issues, EV Tax Credits, Kentucky, Ohio, Midwest, Chip Shortage, Car dealerships, Batteries, Lithium Ion Batteries, National Drive Electric Week, Drive Electric Earth Day, NDEW, DEED, RIvian, Ford F-150 Lightning EV, EV Charging, Solar Panels

This week, Stu talks with Jeff Stoll! Stoll has worked for Tesla in various roles for several years. He chats about his personal journey and how above all, Tesla values his drive and ambition. Hear his thoughts on where we are now on our electric journey and what is in store on the road ahead! Will advances in technology lead to a more just and equitable society and the luxury of us all having more time?   

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU  

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org  

Topics: Tesla, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model 3, EV, Electric Vehicle, Rivian, Fisker, Lucid, Toyota, Lexus, Tesla Bot, FSD, Full Self Driving, Technology, Homelessness, Tesla Ranger, Tesla Service Center, Kentucky, Ohio, Farms, Electric Tractors, Time, Equity, Ford, GM, Honda, Chip shortage, Chips, Car dealerships

Stu speaks with Elaine Borseth, President of the Electric Vehicle Association about the group’s roots, where they are now and what is in store for the future. 

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU 

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org   

Topics: EVA, EVs, Tesla, National Drive Electric Week, NDEW, Earth Day, Electric Vehicles, Equity

Stu has his first ever round-table discussion with past guests Spencer Rhoden and Eden Ungar, along with new guests Kelly Parker and Dylan Mears. These four 20-year-olds and Stu discuss the future of electric vehicles, public transportation, climate change, and more! They talk about the next generation of drivers and how transportation -- and the world --  is changing. This fascinating conversation is full of twists and turns, showing that we all need to work together to drive into a better world.  

Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU 

Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org  

Topics: Gen Z, Electric Vehicles, climate change, public transportation, scooters, electric buses, charging infrastructure