Grid Connections

Summary
In this episode, we speak with Janek Metzner and Julius Wilhelm, founders of the Electric Avenue newsletter, about their record-setting EV charging Cannonball Run in a Lucid Air. They share the challenges they faced with charging infrastructure, compare US and European charging experiences, and reveal their strategies for maximizing efficiency. Tune in to hear how this journey showcases the potential of EVs for long-distance travel and why improving charging networks is crucial for the future of electric vehicles.

Takeaways

1. EV Cannonball Run Highlights Long-Distance Potential of Electric Cars: Electric vehicles are capable of completing cross-country trips, proving their viability for long-distance travel.
2. Charging Infrastructure Reliability Remains a Key Challenge: Reliable charging networks are essential for a smooth EV experience, especially on long journeys.
3. Lucid Air Sets the Standard for EV Efficiency: The Lucid Air stands out as one of the most efficient electric vehicles available today.
4. Strategic Planning is Essential for EV Road Trips: Careful route planning and charging strategy are critical for a successful long-distance EV trip.
5. Multiple Chargers at Each Location Reduce Charging Delays: Charging stations with multiple chargers help prevent downtime and keep journeys on track.
6. High Temperatures Impact EV Charging Performance: Hot weather can slow charging and affect the reliability of charging stations.
7. EV Charging Experience Varies Widely Between U.S. and Europe: Charging in the U.S. poses different challenges compared to Europe, from payment methods to charger reliability.
8. Affordable EVs Needed for Widespread Adoption: Lower-cost electric vehicles are essential to make EVs accessible to a wider audience.
9. Efficiency Can Offset the Need for Bigger Batteries: Highly efficient EVs reduce the necessity for large battery packs, making them more practical.
10. Faster Charging and Better Infrastructure Are the Future of EVs: Increasing charging speeds and expanding infrastructure will be key to improving the EV experience.

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Keywords
EV, electric vehicles, Cannonball Run, charging infrastructure, road trip, Lucid Air, efficiency, travel, sustainability, technology

Summary
In today's episode, I’m sharing some updates on what’s in store for the podcast moving forward (and recent personal update: I am moving!). I’m looking to increase the number of episodes per week with more episodes involving different panels of guests. Along with exploring partnerships with other teams for more upcoming collaborations like last week's episode with Francie of the Out of Spec Podcast.

I’m also thrilled to announce that I’ll be attending the Electrify Expo in San Francisco later this month, and I’d love to meet some of you there!

I’m always looking for ways to improve the podcast, so I’d really appreciate your feedback and suggestions for future guests and topics. Reach out on Twitter or email me!

Plus, in this episode I shared my thoughts on a recent test drive of the Tesla Model 3 Performance and my search for a second car.

Watch the full episode of this podcast episode on Youtube

Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.

Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.

Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.

Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

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Summary

In this episode of Grid Connections, we sit down with Mike Murphy, CEO of the EV Politics Project, to explore the growing political divide in EV adoption and how automakers can reframe their messaging for wider appeal. With a background in Republican politics and deep ties to the auto industry, Mike shares exclusive insights from EV polling data, revealing why traditional climate-focused marketing is failing to resonate with mainstream and conservative buyers. We also discuss China’s dominance in the global auto market, how dealership incentives slow EV adoption, and why multifamily home charging remains one of the biggest obstacles to widespread electrification. Plus, we break down the real impact of EV tax credits, why peer influence is key to adoption, and the future of direct EV sales in states still protecting the dealership model. If you care about the future of EVs, energy policy, and how political perceptions shape the industry, this episode is a must-listen. 🚗⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!

Links from the Episode

• EV Politics Project's Opinions of Elon Musk Poll.
• EV Politics Project's Merch Store
• EV Politics Project's Blog & Reports
• American EV Jobs Alliance

Takeaways

1. EV Messaging Needs a Shift – Traditional climate-focused marketing fails to attract mainstream and conservative buyers. Automakers must highlight performance, cost savings, energy independence, and American jobs instead.
2. China’s Growing Auto Dominance – China produces three times as many cars as the U.S., posing a major threat to domestic automakers and American manufacturing jobs.
3. Dealerships Are Slowing EV Adoption – Sales incentives and commission structures discourage dealers from promoting EVs, while home charging confusion pushes buyers back to gas cars.
4. Multifamily Home Charging is a Critical Barrier – Lack of Level 2 charging in apartments and condos prevents millions from considering EV ownership, making it a top policy priority.
5. Peer Influence Drives EV Adoption – People with friends or family who own EVs are significantly more likely to consider one themselves, making extended test drives and loaner programs more effective than ads.
6. The NEVI Program Faces Political Roadblocks – EV infrastructure funding is stalled in many red states, while bureaucratic delays hinder fast charger deployment in major EV markets like California.
7. Direct EV Sales Laws Must Change – States like Washington still require dealership sales, limiting consumer choice and slowing EV adoption from startups like Rivian and Lucid.
8. Tesla’s Brand Is Becoming More Partisan – New polling shows Tesla’s favorability has dropped among EV buyers, while growing among conservative pickup truck owners, creating long-term market challenges.
9. EV Tax Credits Are Essential – The $7,500 federal EV credit, primarily accessed through leasing, is critical to maintaining strong EV sales—removing it could cause a major market downturn.
10. Battery-Backed Charging Could Solve Urban Infrastructure Issues – Companies like Electric Era and ADS Tech are innovating fast-charging solutions that bypass long grid upgrade delays, making urban EV charging more reliable.

Support or Connect with Grid Connections

• Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
• Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,...

Summary
If you’re curious how utilities can break through outdated processes and accelerate grid modernization, this episode is a must-listen. Kim Getgen, CEO of InnovationForce, joins us to share how her AI-powered platform is helping utilities overcome “pilotitis,” streamline innovation workflows, and bring game-changing technologies to life faster. From aligning with fast-moving startups to addressing cybersecurity bottlenecks and making frontline workers part of the solution, Kim offers real-world strategies for scaling innovation in complex, regulated industries. Whether you work in clean energy, electric vehicles, or digital transformation, this episode is packed with insights on how AI is reshaping the future of utility innovation—one pilot at a time.
⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!
Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections Consulting

Takeaways

1. Innovation starts with a challenge—not a shiny object.
Kim Getgen explains why utility innovation efforts often fail when they don’t begin with a clearly defined problem, and how starting with challenge statements leads to better alignment, faster pilots, and higher success rates.
2. Time is the silent killer of innovation.
More than budgets or resources, it's indecision and delays that stall progress. Kim shares why utilities must act quickly to match the pace of startups—and how AI can help accelerate that decision-making process.
3. Culture change comes after capability building—not before.
Drawing from Harvard-backed research, Kim breaks down why utility culture improves organically when employees are empowered with the right innovation tools and clear processes—not just buzzwords or slogans.
4. Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a bottleneck.
Kim dives into how standardized procurement workflows, better staffing, and proactive preparation from startups can reduce cyber delays—without compromising safety or compliance.
5. InnovationForce’s “airports and captains” model makes innovation accessible.
By ditching jargon and using aviation-inspired language, utilities can decentralize innovation and engage employees at all levels—especially those closest to the problem.
6. AI is changing the game for solution discovery and pilot matching.
InnovationWorks AI can read hundreds of pages of grid modernization filings in seconds, identify critical challenges, and instantly match them to vetted startup solutions—replacing months of manual research.

Support or Connect with Grid Connections

• Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
• Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
• Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.
• Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

Summary
Corey Cantor, Research Director at the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), joins us to break down the data behind the electric vehicle (EV) transition in the U.S. We explore how falling battery prices, expanding public charging infrastructure, and landmark policies like the 30D EV tax credit and 45X manufacturing incentives are accelerating EV adoption and reshaping the auto industry. Corey shares insights on shifting consumer perceptions, domestic supply chain investments, and how visibility of chargers directly impacts buyer intent. Whether you're curious about EV market growth, U.S. competitiveness in clean transportation, or the broader electrification ecosystem—from lithium mines to school buses—this conversation is packed with data-driven takeaways and future-forward perspective.
⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!
Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections Consulting

Takeaways

1. U.S. EV Sales Grew Despite a Shrinking Auto Market
   While the overall U.S. automotive market contracted in 2024, EV sales continued to grow, highlighting strong consumer interest and resilience even in challenging conditions.
2. EV Battery Prices Have Dropped Nearly 90% Since 2010
   This dramatic reduction in lithium-ion battery costs is unlocking new affordability and accelerating adoption across passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, and grid storage.
3. Charging Station Visibility Boosts EV Purchase Intent
   Pew Research data reveals that people living within one mile of a public EV charger are 20% more likely to consider buying an EV, proving that visibility matters as much as access.
4. Most EV Charging Happens at Home—But DC Fast Charging Still Has a Key Role
   With 80% of EV charging occurring at home, the conversation around infrastructure must balance fast charging buildout with scalable, everyday solutions like Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
5. $190 Billion+ Invested in U.S. EV Supply Chain Since 2020
   Corey breaks down how investment in domestic EV manufacturing—spanning critical minerals, battery production, and vehicle assembly—is translating into tens of thousands of American jobs.
6. Electric School Buses Offer Massive Public Health and Cost Savings Potential
   With over 500,000 school buses in the U.S., electrifying this fleet isn’t just an emissions play—it’s a public health and operational cost win for school districts across the country.
7. Bipartisan Support for EV Manufacturing Is Rising
   New polling shows that a majority of U.S. voters—across political lines—support government action to back domestic EV production, signaling long-term policy momentum.

Support or Connect with Grid Connections

• Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
• Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
• Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.
• Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging