This episode of EV Musings explores the evolution of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Host Gary reunites with Mark McCall, chair of the EV Association of Northern Ireland, to discuss the progress made since their last conversation in 2023. They examine the state of EV adoption, improvements in the charging network, government involvement, and challenges still facing EV drivers in the region. While significant strides have been made, Northern Ireland still lags behind the rest of the UK in terms of charger availability and government support.

Guest Details: Mark McCall

Mark's Facebook group

@nievowners on Instagram

Mark's Website

Mark on YouTube

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• First 100% Green Corridor Between Spain & Morocco — Two 100% Electric "Fast Ferries" - CleanTechnica - Cool thing
• The DfI discuss pavement crossings

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zapmap

The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers in the UK, which helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging. Zapmap is free to download and use, with Zapmap Premium providing enhanced features which include using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto and help with charging costs with both a pricing filter and 5% discount*"

This episode of EV Musings explores the concept of battery swapping for electric vehicles.

I discuss how battery swapping could address one of the biggest concerns of EV skeptics—charging time. The episode examines the benefits of battery swapping, such as speed and flexibility, while also highlighting the challenges, including infrastructure requirements and limited manufacturer adoption.

The discussion focuses on NIO, a Chinese EV company leading the way in battery swapping technology, and considers whether this approach could be viable in the UK market.

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• Renault E-Tech T semi truck gets 600 km range for 2025 - Cool Thing

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zapmap

The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers in the UK, which helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging. Zapmap is free to download and use, with Zapmap Premium providing enhanced features which include using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto and help with charging costs with both a pricing filter and 5% discount*"

In this episode of EV Musings, host Gary explores the BYD Dolphin, an affordable electric vehicle with a strong feature set. Guest Adrian Bond, an experienced EV owner, shares his insights after six months of ownership. They discuss the Dolphin’s range, charging capabilities, software updates, and practical usability.

Adrian highlights the car’s strengths, such as its spacious interior and vehicle-to-load functionality, while also pointing out minor drawbacks like the lack of a heated steering wheel and occasional software quirks. Overall, the Dolphin is positioned as a solid city car with the ability to handle longer journeys when needed.

Guest Details: Adrian studied Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering at Leeds University in the 1990s, became a Chartered Engineer with the IET in 2001, then focused his Continuous Professional Development and volunteering on practical sustainability solutions and cleaner tech.

Adrian has been driving fuel cars for over 30 years, hybrids for 15 and EVs for 5, now owning a BYD Dolphin.

Adrian’s own drive towards a low-carbon home includes having air to air heat pumps installed in 2008, home Solar PV in 2015, battery storage, IR heating, and investing in Ripple’s first cooperative owned windfarms and solar-farm.

Adrian lives in Colchester with his wife and son, and is an Admin for the Colchester Electric Vehicle Society. Adrian also started working with the Colchester Clean Air Campaign after his son was hospitalised due to a severe asthma attack when aged 8, that the Hospital attributed to local vehicle air pollution.

Adrian's Facebook group

@Tytalus7 on X

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• Fossil-free jobsite hits 50% EVs with new Volvo wheel loader - Cool Thing

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zapmap

The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers in the UK, which helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging. Zapmap is free to download and use, with Zapmap Premium providing enhanced features which include using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto and help with charging costs with both a pricing filter and 5% discount*"

This episode of EV Musings features an in-depth conversation with Vicky Edmonds, the new CEO of EVA England.

The discussion covers the organization's role in advocating for EV drivers, the challenges of EV adoption, and the policies needed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Topics include the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the cost of charging, public misinformation about EVs, and the importance of reducing the upfront cost of EVs.

Vicky also shares her personal experiences as an EV driver and outlines her vision for EVA England's future.

Guest Details: Vicky Edmonds

Vicky's Website

@vledmonds79 on X

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• Understanding Vehicle Excise Duty for Electric Vehicles - The EV Musings Podcast
• EVA England | The Voice for EV Drivers : EVA England

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zapmap

The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers in the UK, which helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging. Zapmap is free to download and use, with Zapmap Premium providing enhanced features which include using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto and help with charging costs with both a pricing filter and 5% discount*"

Zapmap - The Charge

Every month or so, Melanie Shufflebotham and Jade Edwards at Zapmap take a whistle-stop tour of the latest public charging installation insights, focus on a specific charging topic and highlight interesting charging news and foresight.

In Episode 240 Gary chats with jess Shanhan, Alec peachey and Shayne Ress on various different topics

Jess leads a discussion on misinformation and the role of journalists. Shayne talks about the economics of public charging as a CPO. Alec talks about the role of councils in the EV infrastructure roll out.

Gary talks about whether we're actually getting the charge speeds we should be from all this new high-powered kit that's being installed.

What did you think about the guests and the topics under disscusion?

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• Alpitronic - Cool thing (Gary)
• Welcome to the eSkootr Championship - Cool thing (Jess)
• Renault 5 EV Review - Cool thing (Shane)

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zap Pay

Zapmap, about Zap-Pay - your simple and convenient way to pay for EV charging.

In the final non-round-table episode of the season, we look at the new government and what they can do.

With each guest this season I've asked them the same question "With the change in government what can the new government do to increase the uptake of EVs?"

I've collated all the answers and summarised the key themes. What I've also done is asked Matt Adams from the REA to comment on the likelihood of things happening and to discuss what the REA are currently doing in the governmental realm.

Matt Adams: Matt's Website

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• Pope Francis receives first electric G-Class “Popemobile” from Mercedes-Benz - Cool Thing
• Episode 89 - Matthew Adams: Powering the Future of EV Policy | The EV Café

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zap Pay

Zapmap, about Zap-Pay - your simple and convenient way to pay for EV charging.

This episode of EV Musings explores the history, evolution, and current state of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the UK, with a focus on its implications for electric vehicles.

The discussion covers the origins of VED, its transition from engine size-based taxation to emissions-based bands, and the recent changes introduced in the 2024 budget.

This episode also examines how these changes impact EV owners, particularly regarding costs for vehicles under and over £40,000. Additionally, it highlights the broader implications for leasing and the potential future of VED as EV adoption grows.

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• Volkswagen launches bidirectional charging in Switzerland - electrive.com - Cool thing

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zap Map

The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers in the UK, which helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging. Zapmap is free to download and use, with Zapmap Premium providing enhanced features which include using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto and help with charging costs with both a pricing filter and 5% discount*"

This episode of EV Musings reflects on five years of podcasting about electric vehicles and renewable energy.

Gary discusses the evolution of EVs, charging infrastructure, and public perception since 2019. Topics include the growth of Chargepoint Operators (CPOs), the challenges of misinformation, and the increasing integration of EVs with renewable energy systems.

Gary also highlights key milestones in EV development, such as the rise of Tesla, the BMW i3, and the Korean EV market.

Guest Details: Alex Lowe

Alex's Website

@alex.theinterface on Instagram

Alex on YouTube

@alexlowe30 on Twitter

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• Making Zero Bill homes the new normal | Octopus Energy | Octopus Energy
• Constituency EV Map | EVA England : EVA England

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zap Map

The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers in the UK, which helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging. Zapmap is free to download and use, with Zapmap Premium providing enhanced features which include using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto and help with charging costs with both a pricing filter and 5% discount*"

This episode of EV Musings dives into the topic of electric vehicle (EV) fires, addressing common misconceptions and providing detailed insights into the causes, risks, and methods of extinguishing such fires.

The discussion highlights several high-profile incidents, such as the Fremantle Highway and Luton Airport fires, which were falsely attributed to EVs.

The episode also explores the chemistry behind battery fires, the likelihood of EV fires compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) fires, and the various firefighting techniques used to manage EV fires, including water submersion, fire blankets, and lance systems.

Guest Details: Euan McTurk

Dr Euan McTurk is a Consultant Battery Electrochemist who has been working on - and driving - electric vehicles since 2009. Having worked on next-generation cell chemistries at the University of Oxford, developed ways to study how electric vehicle cells fail and how to stop them failing (at WMG, University of Warwick) and built up a state-of-the-art 200 kW battery test facility in Edinburgh, Euan founded Plug Life Consulting, which provides technical, strategic and public outreach services to projects involving battery electrochemistry, electric vehicles, energy storage systems and charging infrastructure. Euan is also the creator of Plug Life Television, a YouTube channel on batteries and EVs that explains complex electrochemistry in a way that anyone can understand, and busts common myths and misconceptions about electric vehicles.

@106Euan on Twitter

Euan's Website

Euan on YouTube

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• L.A. To NYC In An EV? This Proves It’s Easier Than You Think - Cool thing
• EV Fire Blanket Demo

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zap Map

The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers in the UK, which helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging. Zapmap is free to download and use, with Zapmap Premium providing enhanced features which include using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto and help with charging costs with both a pricing filter and 5% discount*"

This episode of EV Musings delves into the challenges and opportunities surrounding electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the United States. Despite being the birthplace of Tesla, the U.S. lags behind other countries like Norway in terms of EV uptake.

The discussion covers the complexities of the U.S. charging infrastructure, the dominance of Tesla, the role of politics in EV adoption, and the importance of education for consumers.

It touches on the potential impact of Chinese EVs on the U.S. market and the role of incentives in promoting EV adoption.

We know that the US is 'a different beast' when it comes to EVs. But how much different is it really?

Guest Details:

Chris George - Chris's Website

Kevin Prince - Kevin Prince is a dedicated leader with 23 years of experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He has a proven track record of building and leading teams to creatively develop, implement and close complex projects. Kevin currently serves as Vice President of Fleet Electrification Solutions at Revolv, where he oversees the strategic direction, growth and execution of the company’s sales and development practice. Prior to this, he held leadership roles at Nextracker, Black & Veatch, NRG Energy, and SunPower Corporation, where he consistently drove growth and innovation in the renewable energy sector.

Kevin's Website

This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.

Links in the show notes:

• NASCAR selects ABB as electricity mobility provider. - Cool thing

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

(C) 2019-2024 Gary Comerford

Support me:

Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings

Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings 

The Books:

'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X

'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck

Social Media:

EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv

Instagram: @EVmusings

Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460

Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium

Mentioned in this episode:

Zap Map

The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers in the UK, which helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging. Zapmap is free to download and use, with Zapmap Premium providing enhanced features which include using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto and help with charging costs with both a pricing filter and 5% discount*"