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  • 125: Jack Cousens | The AA

    125: Jack Cousens | The AA
    2025/07/30
    This week we are joined by the dynamic Jack Cousens, Head of Roads Policy at the AA. Known for his appearances on BBC Travel News and transport reports, Jack shares his journey from local politics to becoming the voice of the motorist at one of Britain's most trusted motoring organisations.

    What’s Covered?
    • Behind the Scenes at the AA: Discover the dual role Jack plays – from being the AA’s media spokesperson to shaping critical road policies.
    • Road Safety Matters: A deep dive into the AA’s latest seatbelt campaigns, uncovering alarming statistics around young drivers and the behavioural shifts needed.
    • Electric Vehicles & the Transition: Jack shares how the AA is leading from the front, with EVs in their own fleet, supporting the move towards a zero-emission future.
    • Future of Motoring: Autonomous vehicles, speed regulations, and ethical dilemmas in road safety – Jack’s bold take on what lies ahead.
    • Magic Wand Moment: If Jack had one wish, what would it be?

    🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch us on YouTube.
    💛 Not an AA member yet? Learn more about how they support millions of motorists at theaa.com.
    🌍 For more episodes, visit theevcafe.org and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

    “It’s not just about driving—it’s about keeping everyone on the road safe.” 🚘✨

    Jack Cousens (LinkedIn)
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-cousens/

    The AA
    https://www.theaa.com
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    40 分
  • 124: Miles in Silence with Sarah Papamichalis

    124: Miles in Silence with Sarah Papamichalis
    2025/07/23
    This week Paul and John are joined by the dynamic Sarah Papamichalis, Head of Product at Milence, a trailblazing company revolutionising EV charging for heavy-duty vehicles across Europe.

    Sarah dives into:
    • 🚚 Milence's mission to decarbonise road freight by building Europe-wide electric truck charging corridors.
    • 🌍 Her personal sustainability journey—from biking to work for 25 years in Amsterdam to her passion for reducing environmental impact.
    • 🤝 The importance of authentic leadership, building resilient teams, and creating inclusive workplaces.
    • 📈 How Milence is offering affordable, driver-friendly charging hubs with flat-rate pricing (yes, sensible rates!) and top-notch amenities.
    • ⚡ Plus, her magic wand wish: "User-centric legislation" to simplify EV charging experiences and cut through regulatory red tape.
    We were inspired by Sarah’s authenticity, resilience, and drive to make the EV world a better place—one charging hub at a time.

    Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

    Sarah Papamichalis (LinkedIn)
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpapamichalis/

    Milence
    https://milence.com
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    56 分
  • 123: EV Blocks: As Easy as (Episode) 123

    123: EV Blocks: As Easy as (Episode) 123
    2025/07/16
    This week, Paul and Sarah sit down with Trevor Palmer, the founder and CEO of EV Blocks—the company revolutionising EV charger installations with universal, low-carbon foundations.

    Trevor shares his inspiring journey from an apprentice electrician to a global entrepreneur, detailing how his love for Lego, engineering, and a bit of hustle culture laid the foundation (pun intended!) for his innovative business. Discover how he tackled industry inefficiencies, navigated launching during the COVID, and expanded EV Blocks internationally.

    Key highlights:
    • 🌱 Decarbonisation of Concrete: How EV Blocks reduces carbon emissions by up to 35%
    • ⚡ Product Innovation: Designing adaptable, universal EV charger foundations
    • 🚀 The Entrepreneurial Hustle: Lessons from chicken coops, radio-controlled cars, and Canadian road trips
    • 🌍 Global Growth: Expanding EV Blocks to the US, Australia, and beyond

    Plus, Trevor reveals his one wish with the EV Café’s magic wand and hints at future ventures beyond EV Blocks.

    Trevor Palmer (LinkedIn)
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-palmer-b7067aa7/

    EV Blocks (website)
    https://evblocks.com

    Listen now to uncover the human side of EV innovation and why Trevor’s story is more than just a business success—it’s about passion, purpose, and problem-solving.
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    39 分
  • 122: Driving Change with Brett Howton of IVECO

    122: Driving Change with Brett Howton of IVECO
    2025/07/09
    This week we have Brett Howton from IVECO, a passionate expert at the forefront of the electric transition in the heavy vehicle sector.

    Brett shares his fascinating journey—from his early days in retail (yes, including tales from Dixons and even being one of the first to get his hands on a PlayStation 2!), to his unique stint as a prison officer, and ultimately, finding his true calling in the world of electric trucks. 🚚✨

    We dive deep into:
    • The electrification of trucks: How Brett’s geeky passion for innovation and tech led him to IVECO.
    • Real-world EV experiences: Insights from his trip to see IVECO’s groundbreaking SE Way for the first time.
    • Breaking industry stereotypes: The impact of EVs on gender diversity in the trucking sector.
    • The emotional side of transport: Brett’s reflections on life lessons, the power of human connection, and building trust in business.
    • And yes, even emotional film moments that brought tears to our hosts’ eyes (spoiler: it’s not just Titanic 🚢😭).

    Brett Howton
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-howton-729780b5/

    View all of The EV Café’s—including those mentioned by Paul on our YouTube channel
    https://www.youtube.com/@theevcafe/videos
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    49 分
  • 121: James Rooney, Network Rail

    121: James Rooney, Network Rail
    2025/07/02
    Join us for a conversation with James Rooney, Head of Road Fleet at Network Rail, as he shares the real challenges and triumphs of transitioning Britain's largest rail infrastructure fleet to electric vehicles. With 9,800 vehicles under his management and a government mandate for 100% electric by 2027, James reveals the honest truth about meeting ambitious targets, the technology gaps holding back small van adoption, and why EVs are proving more reliable than traditional vehicles in real-world fleet operations. From his pioneering work at British Gas to managing the UK's biggest landowner's fleet, discover how a self-proclaimed petrol head became one of the industry's most passionate EV advocates.

    James Rooney
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rooney-fafp-bb601861/

    Network Rail
    https://www.networkrail.co.uk

    James' Ford Capri's Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/clapped_out_to_classic/
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    46 分
  • 120: Go Go Paua Rangers! Niall Riddell on Making EV Charging Easier

    120: Go Go Paua Rangers! Niall Riddell on Making EV Charging Easier
    2025/06/25
    Join us this week on The EV Café Podcast as we sit down with Niall Riddell, CEO and Co-Founder of Paua, to explore the critical role of payment and charging solutions in accelerating business EV adoption. Niall shares insights into how Paua is revolutionising the fleet charging experience, making it seamless for businesses to manage their electric vehicle operations. From simplifying payment processes to optimising charging networks, discover how innovative fintech solutions are breaking down barriers for companies transitioning to electric fleets. Whether you're a fleet manager, business owner, or EV enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the future of commercial electric mobility and the infrastructure needed to support it.

    Niall Riddell
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/nialliriddell/

    Paua
    https://www.paua.com
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    48 分
  • 119: Rosario Surace: Navigating EV Infrastructure with Drax

    119: Rosario Surace: Navigating EV Infrastructure with Drax
    2025/06/18
    This week we're joined by Rosario Surace, EV Charging Specialist at Drax Group. Rosario shares his expertise on supporting organisations with their transition to electric vehicles, from infrastructure planning to fleet management. We dive into the challenges of commercial vehicle charging, the importance of destination charging, and how Drax is helping businesses navigate the complex world of EV infrastructure. With over 11 years in the industry, Rosario brings valuable insights into power management, OCPP protocols, and the future of charging solutions. Discover how customer-centric approaches and innovative thinking are driving the UK's transition to electric mobility.

    Rosario Surace
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosario-surace-70b8a959/

    Drax Business EV Solutions
    https://energy.drax.com/electric-vehicles/
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    36 分
  • 118: Ian Plummer, Auto Trader UK

    118: Ian Plummer, Auto Trader UK
    2025/06/11
    This week we're joined by Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader UK, who shares his extensive automotive industry expertise and vision for an electric future. Ian discusses Auto Trader's pivotal role in the UK's automotive marketplace, offering fascinating insights into EV adoption trends, the impact of Chinese manufacturers, and the evolving consumer behavior in the electric vehicle space. Drawing from his international experience and recent observations from Shanghai's auto show, Ian provides a compelling perspective on the future of mobility, while also addressing the critical need for greater diversity in the automotive industry.

    Ian Plumber
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plummer-4b0a2a1/

    Auto Trader
    https://www.autotrader.co.uk
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    58 分