Everything Electric Podcast

In this week’s episode Imogen talks to Ruban Yogarajah, a Sustainability Partner at FGS Global - a stakeholder strategy firm helping companies and climate groups win support for the energy transition. They discuss why enthusiasm for "net zero" is declining, the messaging crisis that is undermining the clean energy transition and the need to rebuild public trust.    00:00 - Introduction: The Net Zero PR problem  02:01 - Who is Ruban and what does FGS Global do? 04:46 - What the UK public really thinks  06:46 - Why "net zero" doesn't work as a term  09:17 - Perception vs reality on climate costs  11:35 - The messy middle: Transition economics  14:25 - Reframing costs and making them tangible  16:35 - Energy security as a winning message  20:45 - Who should deliver these messages?  23:02 - Learning from EVs and practical technology adoption  27:05 - Local opportunities and green jobs  30:25 - Rebranding and new language  33:15 - Energy security vs fossil fuel myths  37:10 - Fighting misinformation  40:30 - Quick advice for different industries  43:54 - Final thoughts   Why not come and join us at our next Everything Electric expo: https://everythingelectric.show   Check out our sister channel Everything Electric CARS: https://www.youtube.com/@fullychargedshow   Support our StopBurningStuff campaign: https://www.patreon.com/STOPBurningStuff   Become an Everything Electric Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fullychargedshow   Become a YouTube member: use JOIN button above   Buy the Fully Charged Guide to Electric Vehicles & Clean Energy : https://buff.ly/2GybGt0   Subscribe for episode alerts and the Everything Electric newsletter: https://fullycharged.show/zap-sign-up/   Visit: https://FullyCharged.Show   Find us on X: https://x.com/Everyth1ngElec   Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialeverythingelectric   To partner, exhibit or sponsor at our award-winning expos email: commercial@fullycharged.show   Everything Electric FARNBOROUGH - Farnborough International - 11th & 12th October 2025 Everything Electric MELBOURNE  - Melbourne Showgrounds 14th, 15th & 16th November 2025 Everything Electric SYDNEY - Sydney Olympic Park 6th, 7th & 8th March 2026

Kristian Aquilina, President and Managing Director of General Motors Canada, discusses the future of EVs in Canada, as Canada rethinks its zero-emission vehicle ambitions. He shares insights on GM's thriving EV portfolio and challenges like range anxiety and charging infrastructure. Aquilina emphasizes collaboration between industry and government to facilitate EV transitions and the significance of public policy in driving support. He also highlights innovations like GM Energy, which enables EVs to power homes, and the necessity for robust manufacturing and dealer networks.

RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, dives into the company's evolution from ambitious startup to electric vehicle powerhouse. He elaborates on the upcoming R2, aimed at affordability while retaining Rivian's adventurous spirit. Scaringe addresses intricate supply chain hurdles and the impact of global trade dynamics, especially in relation to Chinese competitors. The conversation also covers Rivian’s strategic partnership with Volkswagen to enhance efficiency and innovation in EV manufacturing, along with talks on retrofitting classic cars with modern electric tech.

Join Dan Caesar, CEO of Everything Electric and a champion of clean technology, as he dives into the current state of electric vehicle (EV) sales worldwide. He tackles misconceptions about EV adoption and emphasizes the need for clear communication to boost public confidence. Explore the economic advantages of switching to EVs and the vibrant community surrounding them. Dan also debunks common myths, highlighting advancements in battery technology and encouraging everyone to test drive an EV for a firsthand experience.

Charlotte Mitha, the President and CEO of BC Hydro, shares her insights on the future of clean energy in British Columbia. With an impressive 98% of electricity from clean sources, she discusses the challenges of rising demand and the importance of infrastructure investments. Charlotte emphasizes community engagement and lessons learned from projects like Site C. The conversation also dives into the complexities of energy trading with California and the crucial role of partnerships, particularly with First Nations, in making future energy endeavors sustainable.

Robert catches up with Elliot Richards for an in-depth discussion on the global automotive market, exploring China's growing influence, the current state of the U.S. industry, and the impact of tariffs on American manufacturers. They discuss the challenges facing the industry, recent technology advancements, and what the next few years could bring.  00:00 Discussion Points 05:00 Developments in China   13:00 Global Developments 14:50 CATL Batteries 17:25 Windrose Trucks  18:15 Industry Challenges  22:15 Technology Advancements  25:30 XPENG  29:00 Jaecoo & Chery 30:45 Jaguar Land Rover  34:30 Jaecoo 36:00 Chery History 38:00 Xiaomi 42:15 Maturing of China's Automotive Industry 44:00 Current Economy  46:30 Solar 47:20 Jim Farley (Ford) 50:00 USA & China Automotive Industry 53:00 Canadian Market  54:50 Korea  56:00 Next Few Years  57:30 Hybrid and EVs in China Sales & Charging  @fullychargedshow   @EverythingElectricShow   Why not come and join us at our next Everything Electric expo: https://everythingelectric.show Check out our sister channel Everything Electric CARS: https://www.youtube.com/@fullychargedshow Support our StopBurningStuff campaign: https://www.patreon.com/STOPBurningStuff Become an Everything Electric Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fullychargedshow Buy the Fully Charged Guide to Electric Vehicles & Clean Energy : https://buff.ly/2GybGt0 Subscribe for episode alerts and the Everything Electric newsletter: https://fullycharged.show/zap-sign-up/ Visit: https://FullyCharged.Show Find us on X: https://x.com/Everyth1ngElec Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialeverythingelectric To partner, exhibit or sponsor at our award-winning expos email: commercial@fullycharged.show Everything Electric VANCOUVER - Vancouver Convention Center - 5th, 6th & 7th September 2025 Everything Electric FARNBOROUGH - Farnborough International - 11th & 12th October 2025 Everything Electric MELBOURNE - Melbourne Showgrounds 14th, 15th & 16th November 2025 #fullychargedshow #everythingelectricshow #homeenergy #cleanenergy #battery #electriccars #electric-vehicles-uk #electricvehicles #evs #renewableenergy

Sandy Munro, a renowned automotive engineer and advocate for electric vehicles, joins the discussion to dissect the pressing shortage of skilled workers in engineering and trades. They explore Telo’s compact electric truck and Redwood’s groundbreaking battery recycling methods. The pair debunk myths around EV costs and highlight the importance of transitioning businesses to sustainable energy. Additionally, they critique outdated regulations that hinder progress in the fast-evolving EV landscape.

Glenn Garry, the President of the Victoria Electric Vehicle Association, is a passionate advocate for electric vehicles in Canada. He discusses the nation's impressive growth in EV adoption, despite challenges from its proximity to the U.S. Glenn delves into the impact of political lobbying on environmental policies and the importance of grassroots advocacy. He also highlights the shifting landscape of Canada’s auto industry and the high stakes of adopting electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for sustainable infrastructure and collaboration among stakeholders.

Ben Sullins, a former Tesla and Rivian driver now based in Madrid, shares his transformative journey from car-centric California to an urban, car-free lifestyle. He discusses the cultural shift living in Spain, emphasizing the benefits of public transport and walkable cities. The conversation touches on Spain's recent blackout, the challenges of integrating renewable energy, and the evolving electric vehicle market. Sullins also sheds light on the role of media in shaping perceptions of clean tech and the unexpected joy of raising bilingual children in a vibrant European city.

Join a delightful behind-the-scenes chat as the hosts share their experiences filming 'Zapheap' and reminisce about the camaraderie built over the years. Get the scoop on secretive EV launches in Europe and their electric adventures in Canada. The conversation takes a humorous turn with parenting anecdotes and the trials of household chores. Dive into the implications of the new £3,750 EV grant and tease upcoming reveals of high-end electric vehicles. Excitement builds for a live competition event as they encourage community engagement!