Episodes

  • 88: Rock, Race, and Recharge: A Conversation with Rick Parfitt Jr

    88: Rock, Race, and Recharge: A Conversation with Rick Parfitt Jr
    Nov 13 2024
    Join John Curtis and Paul Kirby as they sit down with the multifaceted Rick Parfitt Jr—musician, racing champion, and electric vehicle enthusiast. Rick shares his exhilarating journey from the racetrack to the stage, revealing how his passion for cars evolved from classic engines to electric powerhouses like his Porsche Taycan. Dive into Rick’s insights on sustainability, the future of EV technology, and how electric vehicles have seamlessly integrated into his high-octane lifestyle. Plus, hear about his personal battles with Crohn’s disease and how they’ve shaped his authentic approach to life and career.

    Rick Parfitt Junior
    https://www.instagram.com/rickparfittjnr/?hl=en
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 87: Naomi Nye: A Journey of Resilience and Innovation in EV

    87: Naomi Nye: A Journey of Resilience and Innovation in EV
    Nov 6 2024
    In this episode, Naomi Nye of Drax Energy Solutions shares her transformative journey from finance to a leadership role in EV infrastructure, blending technical expertise with a customer-focused mindset. Naomi reflects on how early personal hardships, like a serious accident at sixteen, taught her resilience and shaped her proactive, collaborative approach. With Drax, Naomi advances renewable, flexible energy solutions tailored for EV transitions, emphasising the importance of decarbonisation and customer-centered, adaptable infrastructure. She advocates for greater EV education, aiming to dispel myths and encourage widespread adoption.

    Naomi Jane Nye
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomijanenye/

    Drax
    https://www.drax.com
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    54 mins
  • 86: Dr Isobel Sheldon OBE: Breaking Ground in Battery Innovation

    86: Dr Isobel Sheldon OBE: Breaking Ground in Battery Innovation
    Oct 30 2024
    Dr. Isobel Sheldon OBE, a self-taught pioneer in battery technology, has dedicated her career to advancing sustainable transportation and cleaner air. Driven by childhood asthma and a fascination with electric vehicles, she broke into battery engineering without a traditional Ph.D., instead receiving an honorary doctorate recognising her lifelong contributions. Her journey spans early plug-in hybrids to today’s cutting-edge EV batteries, where she pushes for efficiency, supply chain resilience, and public understanding. Reflecting on setbacks like Britishvolt’s collapse, Isobel remains committed to decentralising the battery industry, advocating that true progress demands both innovation and a shared commitment to sustainability.

    Elizabeth Sheldon
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-isobel-sheldon-obe-dsc-h-c-62a0b987/

    Western CAM
    https://www.western-cam.com
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    50 mins
  • 85: Jess Shanahan: Championing EV Motorsport

    85: Jess Shanahan: Championing EV Motorsport
    Oct 23 2024
    Jess Shanahan takes us through her exciting career spanning motorsport and journalism, up to recently becoming a team principal in the E-Scooter Championship. After a transformative 2,500-mile EV road trip, Jess transitioned into the e-mobility space, focusing on sustainability and combating EV misinformation. Now, as the head of RM Electric, she blends her motorsport experience with her passion for clean transport.

    Jess Shanahan
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessshanahan/

    Jet Social
    https://www.jetsocial.co.uk
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    55 mins
  • 84: Adam Hall, Drax Electric Vehicles

    84: Adam Hall, Drax Electric Vehicles
    Oct 16 2024
    Join Paul Kirby and John Curtis as they welcome Adam Hall, Director of Energy Services at Drax. They explore how Drax has evolved from traditional coal power generation to pioneering sustainable biomass energy solutions. Adam discusses Drax Electric Vehicles’ comprehensive services, offering businesses a full turnkey solution for fleet electrification—from vehicle suitability assessments to long-term charge point operation and maintenance. The conversation delves into the challenges of decarbonising fleets, especially vans, and the crucial role of driver engagement and education. They also tackle the impact of negative media on EV adoption and highlight the importance of sharing positive stories to balance the narrative. Tune in to learn how Drax is empowering businesses on the journey to a net-zero future.

    Adam Hall
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hall-drax/

    Drax
    https://www.drax.com
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    45 mins
  • 83: Transport, Energy, and a Peachy Future: Bridging the Gap with Alec Peachey

    83: Transport, Energy, and a Peachy Future: Bridging the Gap with Alec Peachey
    Oct 9 2024
    In this episode of The EV Café Takeaway, hosts Paul and John chat with Alec Peachey, founder of the popular industry news website Transport and Energy and annual event Transport & Energy Forum. Alec shares his journey from local journalism to uniting the transport and energy sectors. After facing redundancy during the pandemic, he turned challenges into opportunities, fostering collaboration in traditionally siloed industries. Alec discusses the importance of education, combating misinformation, and the inspiring stories that drive his passion, including that of clean air campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah. Tune in for inspiration and insights on accelerating the transition to a cleaner, zero-emission future.

    Alec Peachey
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-p-58632320/

    Transport & Energy
    https://transportandenergy.com
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    49 mins
  • 82: From Trials to Triumphs: The EV Rally with Colin Boyton

    82: From Trials to Triumphs: The EV Rally with Colin Boyton
    Oct 2 2024
    Join hosts Paul Kirby and John Curtis as they sit down with Colin Boyton from GreenFleet, one of the masterminds behind the EV Rally. Colin shares the inspiring story of how he pioneered the EV Rally of Scotland during COP26 and grew it into a major event showcasing electric vehicle capabilities and infrastructure across the UK. Beyond his professional achievements, Colin opens up about his personal journey overcoming addiction and health challenges, highlighting the resilience and passion that drive his work in the EV industry. Listen in to hear about the future of the EV Rally, plans for 2025, and Colin’s insights on collaboration and innovation in the push towards a zero-emission future.

    Colin Boyton
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/🔋colin-boyton🔋-931a4213/

    GreenFleet
    https://greenfleet.net
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    58 mins
  • 81: Breaking EV Records with Webfleet: 569 Miles on a Single Charge

    81: Breaking EV Records with Webfleet: 569 Miles on a Single Charge
    Sep 25 2024
    Join Sara Sloman as she sits down with Guinness World Record holders Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker, and Richard Parker. Discover how Sam and Kevin achieved not one but two EV world records: the longest journey by an electric vehicle on a single charge and the greatest distance traveled by an electric van. Learn about the meticulous planning, efficient driving techniques, and cutting-edge telematics from Webfleet that made this possible. The team shares their insights on maximising EV range, overcoming challenges, and what these achievements mean for the future of electric mobility. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or just curious, this episode showcases the art of the possible in electric transportation.

    Webfleet
    https://www.webfleet.com/

    Kevin Booker
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-booker-442b53b1/

    Sam Clarke
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/samclarke946/

    Richard Parker
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjparker1/
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    40 mins