
Grid Connections Podcast (and Life) Updates
08/14/24 • 13 min
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.
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.
Previous Episode

Francie Saunders from Out of Spec Podcast
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:
- It's take awhile but now automakers prioritize reliable EV infrastructure and its effect on EV sales.
- Market needs more small EV options and diverse models.
- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles many challenges, however hydrogen truck show more promise, but still face challenges compared to EV semis.
- Leasing EVs can be a cost-effective ownership trial.
- Understanding EVs is crucial for informed industry decisions. Executives and industry leaders should drive EVs to understand the full ownership experience.
- Tesla's superior route planning and charging still set industry standards around reliability, usability and ease.
- Tech forward features like dog mode are significant consumer selling points, especially with younger buyers.
Videos Referred to in this podcast:
- Part 1 of my conversation with Francie on Out of Spec Podcast
- Out of Spec Podcast: Thoughts on Toyota's EV Strategy
- Out of Spec Podcast: Modernizing the Grid with Kevin Hernandez
- Out of Spec Reviews: Challenges of Buying a Vinfast VF8
- 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.
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
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
Next Episode

Summer EV Road Trip W/Steve Birkett
Summary
Steve Birkett from @plugandplayEV shares his experience of an 8,500 mile road trip in an electric vehicle (EV) across the US. Ranging from level 2 charging at over night stops to the different fast charging networks he used, including Electrify America, ChargePoint, and regional providers. We discuss the gaps in charging infrastructure in the middle of the country and the need for more fast chargers in those areas. Steve also highlights the impact of extreme heat on EV charging and the importance of planning for weather conditions during a road trip.We also discussed the need for more charging infrastructure near national parks and the benefits of level 2 charging in those areas. Overall, Steve's trip was uneventful and he highlighted the incremental improvements in the charging network. He shared some statistics from his trip, including the number of miles driven, charging sessions, and the cost of charging.
Upcoming Coast-to-Coast EVs Episode discussing EV Fast Charging Challenges.
Takeaways
- Finding level 2 charging at hotels is more challenging than expected in summer of 2024, especially in the middle of the country.
- Extreme heat can impact EV charging efficiency, especially when temperatures reach the mid-90s and above.
- Dealership charging, such as Ford Charge, can be a convenient option for fast charging, with good site design and high-power stations. Dealerships are becoming more EV-friendly by providing multiple charging stalls and amenities.
- Planning for weather conditions, including extreme heat, is important when embarking on a long road trip in an EV.
- Positive interactions with people at charging stations during road trips help dispel skepticism about EVs.
- Charger vandalism is a problem impacting EV ownership in cities and especially in the Northwest of the US.
- More charging infrastructure is needed near national parks, and level 2 charging can be beneficial in those areas.
- Steve's road trip was overall uneventful, highlighting the incremental improvements in the charging network.
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.
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