Lucid Air EV Cannonball: Going Farther and Charging Less W/Janek Metzner & Julius Wilhelm

09/18/24 • 80 min

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

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.
Charging Infrastructure Reliability Remains a Key Challenge: Reliable charging networks are essential for a smooth EV experience, especially on long journeys.
Lucid Air Sets the Standard for EV Efficiency: The Lucid Air stands out as one of the most efficient electric vehicles available today.
Strategic Planning is Essential for EV Road Trips: Careful route planning and charging strategy are critical for a successful long-distance EV trip.
Multiple Chargers at Each Location Reduce Charging Delays: Charging stations with multiple chargers help prevent downtime and keep journeys on track.
High Temperatures Impact EV Charging Performance: Hot weather can slow charging and affect the reliability of charging stations.
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.
Affordable EVs Needed for Widespread Adoption: Lower-cost electric vehicles are essential to make EVs accessible to a wider audience.
Efficiency Can Offset the Need for Bigger Batteries: Highly efficient EVs reduce the necessity for large battery packs, making them more practical.
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

Takeaways

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.
Charging Infrastructure Reliability Remains a Key Challenge: Reliable charging networks are essential for a smooth EV experience, especially on long journeys.
Lucid Air Sets the Standard for EV Efficiency: The Lucid Air stands out as one of the most efficient electric vehicles available today.
Strategic Planning is Essential for EV Road Trips: Careful route planning and charging strategy are critical for a successful long-distance EV trip.
Multiple Chargers at Each Location Reduce Charging Delays: Charging stations with multiple chargers help prevent downtime and keep journeys on track.
High Temperatures Impact EV Charging Performance: Hot weather can slow charging and affect the reliability of charging stations.
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.
Affordable EVs Needed for Widespread Adoption: Lower-cost electric vehicles are essential to make EVs accessible to a wider audience.
Efficiency Can Offset the Need for Bigger Batteries: Highly efficient EVs reduce the necessity for large battery packs, making them more practical.
Faster Charging and Better Infrastructure Are the Future of EVs: Increasing charging speeds and expanding infrastructure will be key to improving the EV experience.

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

Previous Episode

Training the Next Generation of Auto Techs for EVs: Brandon Watt of Switch Vehicles & Chuck Kauffman from WSU Tech

Summary
In this episode of Grid Connections, Chase sits down with Brandon Watt from Switch Vehicles and Chuck Kauffman from WSU Tech to explore how they're bringing electric vehicle (EV) education to students. Through the SwitchLab EV kit—a hands-on curriculum with real-world applications—students gain valuable experience in EV mechanics, prepping them for the fast-growing EV industry. They dive into the certification process, future program expansions, and the importance of support from schools and the EV industry to ensure success. Tune in to learn how this innovative program is shaping the next generation of EV experts!

Takeaways

Switch Vehicles offers the SwitchLab EV kit, which includes a curriculum and lab kits for teaching EVs.
The program provides hands-on experience and prepares students for careers in the EV industry.
The Switch Vehicles program generates interest and excitement among students, leading to increased enrollment and retention. EV education programs are expanding, with certifications and master's programs being offered.
Safety measures and proper tools are taught and used in the program.
Admin support and industry backing are crucial for successful implementation of EV programs in schools.

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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Keywords
electric vehicles, EV education, Switch Vehicles, SwitchLab EV, curriculum, hands-on experience, EV mechanics, Armyman theory of electricity, EV certification, NC3 certification, EV education programs, ADOS lab kits, motorsports version, safety measures, admin support, industry backing

Next Episode

The Future of EVs: Insights on Electrification, Autonomous Vehicles, and Global Competition with John McElroy

Summary
In this episode of the Grid Connections podcast, Chase and John McElroy of Autoline Network, dive into the shifting automotive landscape, with a spotlight on electrification and autonomous vehicles. They examine China’s growing dominance in the EV market, the role of tariffs, and the importance of automaker collaboration to remain competitive. The discussion covers key hurdles to EV adoption, such as public perception and underdeveloped charging infrastructure. Additionally, they explore how rising interest rates affect vehicle sales, the future of automotive manufacturing, and the critical need for regulatory reform to drive innovation and streamline industry efficiency.

Takeaways

The auto industry is rapidly shifting towards electrification and autonomous tech.
China’s dominance in the EV market pressures traditional automakers.
Tariffs offer short-term relief but aren't a sustainable solution for global competitiveness.
Automaker collaborations can drive cost efficiency and innovation.
Extended Range EVs (EREVs) are emerging as a practical alternative to full EVs.
Public skepticism of autonomous vehicles highlights the need for education and trust-building.
U.S. EV adoption is heavily shaped by political dynamics and policies.
EV charging infrastructure requires major upgrades to enable mass adoption.
Vehicle prices are rising, making affordability a key concern for buyers.
Regulatory reform is crucial for streamlining innovation and growth in the auto industry.

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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Keywords
auto industry, electrification, autonomous vehicles, EV market, tariffs, collaboration, extended range EVs, public perception, regulation, charging infrastructure