The EVs for Everyone Podcast

If you listen to just one podcast episode this summer, this is it. Expert guest, Mike Murphy, a seasoned political media consultant renowned for his work in high-profile campaigns, including those for Sen. John McCain and governors like Mitt Romney and Arnold Schwarzenegger joins the show today to talk about the intersection of politics and the EV market. We dive into a new challenge impacting EV adoption in the United States: a growing political and cultural rift that influences how consumers perceive EVs based on their political identities. Mike Murphy shares his insights on why this divide is emerging, its potential effects on widespread EV acceptance, and strategies to overcome these barriers at the retail level. Press play on this episode to laugh, learn and get fired up about EV adoption in America!

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This episode is sponsored by The EV Politics Project, a bipartisan effort to better understand the growing divide between Republicans and Democrats (and Independents) over Electric Vehicle adoption. Learn more at https://www.evpolitics.org/

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Mike Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelemurphy

Connect with Mike Murphy on X: https://x.com/evpoliticsusa

Listen and Subscribe to the Hacks On Tap Podcast: https://www.hacksontap.com/

Be prepared to chuck everything you know about renting EVs out the window because Jared Kinnaird, Rental Car Operations and Revenue Manager at Tom Wood Automotive is on the show today to give us an absolute masterclass on what's *actually* possible with EV rentals today. Remember all those headlines back in January when Hertz dumped 20k EVs onto the market? Jared gives us his unfiltered commentary on what really went down. Can't imagine playing with EV residual values right now? Jared keeps it real and tells us exactly how he's navigating this profitably. Hit play to learn from one of the best and the brightest rental car operators out there!

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Jared Kinnaird on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-kinnaird/

Neeraj Saini, Senior Manager of Connected Car Services & EV Charging, joins me for a quick interview all about EV charging during AutoTech Detroit. Luckily, Neeraj and I had the opportunity to record this episode while sitting inside the Nissan Ariya (on the showroom floor) while we talked all things customer expectations vs. reality in charging speeds, and most importantly, future improvements in public charging and reliability. We all know public charging is a bit of a *cluster* right now, so it’s good to know that really smart industry leaders like Neeraj are tackling the (many) problems of EV charging head on! Also, is it bad that I wanted to drive the Ariya out of the expo center and around the block a few times after the interview? *How will they know? They’re gonna know.*

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This episode is sponsored by DriveItAway. If you’re a franchise dealer, you can now launch a profitable (and scalable) micro-lease to own program with zero upfront costs, to transform your unsold inventory into monthly revenue, effortlessly. And if you want to support DriveItAway’s mission directly, check out their stock on the OTC markets, "DWAY." Learn more at https://www.driveitaway.com/dealers/

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Neeraj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neeraj-saini-6386a397/

Dr. John Heinlein, Chief Marketing Officer of Sonatus, joined me on-site last week during AutoTech Detroit to set the record straight on what a software-defined vehicle (SDV) is and how OEMs like Hyundai are using SDVs to innovate on some of the most impressive vehicle features in 2024. Hit play on this episode to demystify complex tech jargon so you can truly grasp the significance of SDVs in the ongoing electrification movement. Dr. John uses relatable analogies to clarify concepts, making them so memorable, you might find yourself referencing them in your next team discussion. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!

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This episode is sponsored by Sonatus. Sonatus is accelerating vehicle software innovation and the transition towards software-defined vehicles. The diverse products comprising the Sonatus Vehicle Platform serve as the key building blocks that allow automotive companies and their ecosystem to fast forward to the future of mobility and deliver continuous improvements in costs, capabilities, reliability, and user experience over the vehicle lifespan. Sonatus’ award-winning software platform is in mass production in over 1 million vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis today and will grow to millions of cars by 2024.

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with John Heinlein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnheinlein/

Subscribe to the The Garage by Sonatus on Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-garage-by-sonatus/id1685868594

Richard Bustillo, GM of Brickell Motors in Miami, FL and Scott Lear, President of Dealer Benefit are on the show today to talk about the dreaded EV battery repair. Scott points out that the common kneejerk response at the business office, (aka "call the OEM" or "google it") just won't cut it these days with customers who expect an Amazon-like experience in the F&I department, while Richard gives additional commentary on the state of EVs at Brickell Motors and how he's giving first time EV owners peace of mind with new warranty options. Also, Richard also gives us his hot take on the all new electric Honda Prologue and how his customers are reacting to it!

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This episode is sponsored by Dealer Benefit's Battery 4 Life Program, the automotive industry's first new and pre-owned Electric Vehicle Battery Warranty. This coverage allows your dealership to offer your consumer peace of mind with their vehicle's battery life and generates a customer for life in service. Learn more at https://www.dealerbenefit.com/ev-b4l.html

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Scott Lear on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lear/

Connect with Richard Bustillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-bustillo-62417212/

Alan Brown, GM at Sam Pack's Five Star Chevrolet in Dallas, TX and Scott Case, CEO of Recurrent, are on the show today to banter back and forth about the state of the used EV marketplace, pricing fluctuations (aka my EV is worth how much right now?!) and ways in which we can all continue to push EV adoption forward as an industry. This is the conversation about used EVs you had no idea you needed, until now, so do not sleep on this episode! Plus, hear Scott's exciting announcement that may or may not have something to do with EVs and Washington D.C.

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This episode is sponsored by Recurrent, an EV analytics provider with 500 million recorded miles of range and battery insights on used electric cars. Explore solutions for wholesalers and retailers at https://www.recurrentauto.com/dealers

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Alan Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-brown-a2936aab/

Connect with Scott Case on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-case-193139/

Jimmy Douglas, CEO of Plug, Heather Graham, Digital Director for Bob Bell Automotive and Ed Mallard, Ford Sales Consultant at Bob Bell Ford join me for a quick test drive of the Ford F-150 Lightning during ASOTU CON (with a pitstop at the Starbucks drive-thru). If you're curious about all things Ford Lightning or just some general knowledge on what's available on an electric pick-up truck, don't sleep on this episode! Colorful commentary and ridiculous antics are also included at no cost. The Ford F-150 Lightning used in this episode was generously on loan from Bob Bell Ford in Glen Burnie, MD. Thank you, Bob Bell Automotive and FordDirect for helping to coordinate this test drive!

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Jimmy Douglas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmydou/

Connect with Heather Graham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathergrahamlive/

Dave Colletti, President of ACC Consumer Finance joins me for a quick test drive of the Ford Mustang Mach-E (courtesy of Ciocca Ford of Flemington) as we talk about our early days of working with rideshare drivers (Dave at ACC and for me at Lyft). Dave points out that the game has *completely* changed and it's so much easier now to help experienced rideshare / TNC drivers get into an EV. Press play and joyride around town with us as we tackle some of the negative press around EVs and rideshare drivers and hear our unedited reaction to driving the Ford Mustang Mach-E for the first time. Again, feel free to @ me if you're not feeling the Mach-E because I think you're wrong : )

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This episode is sponsored by ACC Consumer Finance. ACC is helping TNC and rideshare drivers obtain the $7,500 government tax credit for owning an electric vehicle for gig driving. Learn more for drivers at: https://accconsumer.com/drivers/ and for dealers at: https://accconsumer.com/dealers/

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Dave Colletti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-colletti-b858b27/

Gregg Ciocca, Regional VP of Ciocca Dealerships and Dave Colletti, President of ACC Consumer Finance join me for a super fun Ford Mustang Mach-E Starbucks run in beautiful Flemington, NJ (right before Memorial Day Weekend!) Hear all about the cool features of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, some really random Philly / South Jersey trivia, and of course, how Gregg's family legacy in auto retail has helped the Ciocca Dealerships become an award-winning auto group with a focus on their people and their community. Spoiler alert: there's some parts in this episode where I laugh just a *little* too hard, so you might wanna adjust your volume occasionally. Enjoy!

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This episode is sponsored by ACC Consumer Finance. ACC is helping TNC and rideshare drivers obtain the $7,500 government tax credit for owning an electric vehicle for gig driving. Learn more for drivers at: https://accconsumer.com/drivers/ and for dealers at: https://accconsumer.com/dealers/

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Gregg Ciocca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-ciocca-2a25911a/

Connect with Dave Colletti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-colletti-b858b27/

Michael Wood, GM of Jaguar and Land Rover of Virginia Beach and Checkered Flag Volkswagen, along with Susan O'Rourke, VP of Sales and Business Development at Plug, join me during ASOTU CON for an in-depth exploration of EVs in auto retail today. Michael Wood, renowned for his management acumen, and Susan O'Rourke, a seasoned expert in used EVs, unpack the benefits of the single point of contact sales approach implemented at Checkered Flag and how offering test drives of EVs can generate new customer leads. With some dealers now creatively marketing EVs as "spaceships on wheels," this conversation highlights some of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for dealers. I think it's safe to say we're at a crossroads now in auto retail and it's conversations like these that keep me optimistic about dealers embracing technological advancements to stay ahead of the curve and exceed customer expectations!

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This episode is sponsored by Plug, an online auction that facilitates wholesale buying and selling of used EVs among a network of dealers and fleet operators. Learn more here: https://plug.vin/

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Michael Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-l-wood-3a053a43/

Connect with Susan O'Rourke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorourke1231/