Grid Connections

Summary
Ed Bernardon, Host of the Future Car Podcast, delves into the impact of motorsports on electric vehicle innovation, focusing on sustainability, lightweight materials, and safety advancements. Alongside Chase, he discusses the role of carbon fiber, battery technology, and the future of e-fuels in shaping a sustainable automotive industry, emphasizing a balanced approach to fuel sources for the future.

Takeaways

1. Motorsports must stay relevant to younger audiences, driving sustainability through electrification.
2. Formula E leads advancements in EV technology, with innovations benefiting consumer vehicles.
3. E-fuels and battery tech, including solid-state developments, aim to reduce racing emissions.
4. Electric systems outperform combustion engines for light vehicles, while hydrogen may suit heavy industry.
5. The future of racing (and transportation) will likely blend electric, hydrogen, and e-fuel technologies for a balanced approach.

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Keywords
electric vehicles, motorsports, technology, sustainability, innovation, carbon fiber, Formula E, racing, hybrid vehicles, automotive industry, automotive, motorsports, sustainability, electric vehicles, e-fuels, battery technology, carbon fiber, lightweight design, innovation, performance

Summary
We sit down with BJ Birtwell, the CEO and Founder of Electrify Expo. North America's largest touring EV festival that showcases all things electric: cars, bikes, scooters, skateboards, watercraft, and more. The festival aims to provide real-world experiences with electric products to help people determine if going electric is right for them. The festival stands out from traditional auto shows by creating a festival environment with music, food, and a wide range of activities. The festival attracts a diverse range of consumers, including EV enthusiasts, skeptics, and mainstream consumers. The conversation covers various topics related to electric vehicles (EVs) and the electrification of different modes of transportation. The guests discuss the advantages of electric boats, including reduced pollution and noise. They also touch on the benefits of e-bikes, such as quick torque and increased safety in urban settings. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for improved EV charging infrastructure and the importance of EV education for consumers.

Takeaways

1. Electrify Expo offers a pressure-free, festival environment with music, food, and a wide range of activities for attendees with electric products to help people determine if going electric is right for them.
2. Electrify Expo is not just about electric cars, it has a variety of electric options, including cars, bikes, scooters, skateboards, and watercraft, to cater to different interests for the whole family.
3. The festival attracts a diverse range of consumers, including EV enthusiasts, skeptics, and mainstream consumers.
4. EV infrastructure is a challenge that needs to be addressed to drive broader EV adoption.
5. The messaging around EVs should focus on the benefits and features of electric vehicles, rather than solely on environmental factors, to appeal to a wider audience. Electric boats offer advantages such as reduced pollution, noise, and environmental impact.
6. Electric motorcycles provide a smooth ride, instant acceleration, and a more immersive experience for riders.
7. E-bikes offer quick torque and increased safety in urban settings.
8. There is a need for improved EV charging infrastructure and better communication with consumers about charging options.

Watch the full episode on Youtube

Also if you are looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, feel free to use our referral code.

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Keywords
Electrify Expo, EV festival, electric vehicles, real-world experiences, festival environment, EV adoption, dealership experience, e-bikes, EV infrastructure, mainstream consumers, electric vehicles, EVs, electric boats, electric surf boats, wake surfing, electric motorcycles, e-bikes, EV charging infrastructure, EV education

Summary:
Francie Saunders, host of the Out of Spec podcast, discusses her role at Out of Spec Studios and her passion for electric vehicles (EVs). The podcast covers topics like EV reviews, charging behavior, and expert interviews. Francie, with a background in natural sciences and teaching, aims to make EV content accessible. The conversation explores automakers' challenges, the need for a seamless charging experience, and more small EV options. They also discuss public transportation, hydrogen fuel cell technology for trucks, and Francie's experience leasing a Vinfast VF8. The conversation emphasizes the importance of firsthand EV experience for industry professionals and policymakers to understand the market's challenges and opportunities.

Takeaways:

1. It's take awhile but now automakers prioritize reliable EV infrastructure and its effect on EV sales.
2. Market needs more small EV options and diverse models.
3. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles many challenges, however hydrogen truck show more promise, but still face challenges compared to EV semis.
4. Leasing EVs can be a cost-effective ownership trial.
5. Understanding EVs is crucial for informed industry decisions. Executives and industry leaders should drive EVs to understand the full ownership experience.
6. Tesla's superior route planning and charging still set industry standards around reliability, usability and ease.
7. Tech forward features like dog mode are significant consumer selling points, especially with younger buyers.

Videos Referred to in this podcast:

1. Part 1 of my conversation with Francie on Out of Spec Podcast
2. Out of Spec Podcast: Thoughts on Toyota's EV Strategy
3. Out of Spec Podcast: Modernizing the Grid with Kevin Hernandez
4. Out of Spec Reviews: Challenges of Buying a Vinfast VF8
5. Out of Spec Motoring: Roadtripping the Vinfast VF8 from Tennessee to Colorado

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.

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Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

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Keywords
Out of Spec podcast, EVs, electric vehicles, EV infrastructure, charging behavior, expert interviews, automakers, charging experience, small EVs, public transportation, personal vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell, trucks, Vinfast VF8, EV leasing, Vinfast, driver assistance systems, electric vehicles, EVs, industry professionals, regulations, infrastructure, firsthand experience, senior executives, policymakers, Tesla, route planning, charging experience, dog mode

Quincy Lee, the CEO and founder of Electric Era, discusses the company's mission to build EV fast charging stations and improve the charging experience for EV drivers. They focus on reliability and aim to achieve a 99.9% success rate. Electric Era uses a battery-backed system, edge compute technology, and a vertically integrated software stack to ensure reliable and seamless charging. They are expanding their charging network across the country, with a focus on high EV density areas. The company also provides a machine learning model to help customers determine the best locations for charging stations based on driver density and financial viability. Electric Era is focused on providing reliable and efficient EV charging infrastructure. They prioritize the driver experience and aim to make charging seamless and hassle-free. They have a vertically integrated software system that ensures the stations are online and operational, and they monitor the fleet in real-time to quickly address any issues. Their charging stations currently have a peak power of 200 kW, but they are working on a V3 product that will have even higher power capabilities. Electric Era is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in the EV charging space.

Takeaways

1. Electric Era prioritizes reliability and aims for a 99.9% success rate in charging sessions.
2. Electric Era uses a battery-backed system, edge compute technology, and a vertically integrated software stack to ensure seamless charging experiences, with a focus on high EV density areas. Along with leveraging software to ensure the stations are online, operational and haven't been tampered with.
3. Customers can use a machine learning model provided by Electric Era to determine financial viability along with the best locations for charging stations.
4. Their charging stations currently have a peak power of 200 kW, but they are working on a V3 product with even higher power capabilities.

Watch the full episode on Youtube

Also if you are looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, feel free to use our referral code.

Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

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Keywords
EVs, EV charging, Electric Era, reliability, battery-backed system, edge compute, software stack, charging network, machine learning, driver density, financial viability, EV charging, reliability, driver experience, software, power capabilities, innovation

Summary
Bill Ferro, CTO and co-founder of Paren, discusses the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and Paren's innovative solutions to improve charger reliability and the driver experience. Ferro highlights the critical role of reliable data in optimizing route planning, especially during emergencies like natural disasters. Bill discusses the critical role of data in the growth of EV charging infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of site planning and effective charging locations. He highlights the need to enhance the EV driver experience and the significance of dealership experiences to boost EV adoption. Additionally, Ferro sheds light on North Carolina's growing role as an EV innovation hub, fueled by supportive business policies and a strong EV community.

Takeaways

1. Paren focuses on enhancing the driver experience with data-driven solutions.
2. Natural disasters highlight the need for robust charging infrastructure.
3. Improved route planning is crucial for the future of EV charging.
4. Driver preferences shape charging station choices.
5. Rapid technological advancements are driving the EV market.
6. Fleet electrification is a growing focus.
7. Eliminating charger anxiety is a key industry goal.
8. Strategically placed chargers see higher usage.
9. Dealership experiences play a role in EV adoption.
10. North Carolina is becoming a hub for EV innovation.
11. Electric buses should be standard in schools.
12. Despite media narratives, the EV market continues to grow.

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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Keywords
Bill Ferro, EV technology, charger reliability, electric vehicles, Paren, API, driver experience, EV infrastructure, fleet electrification, natural disasters, EV charging, Electric Vehicles, EVs, data utilization, site planning, driver experience, dealership experience, North Carolina, electric vehicles, ride share, charging infrastructure