Everything Electric Podcast

In this discussion, Ed Miliband, the UK's Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, aims to position Britain as a clean energy superpower by 2030. He tackles the ambitious goal of achieving 95% clean energy while addressing public concerns about rising bills. Miliband highlights the urgent reforms needed in the energy market and the importance of regulatory measures for sustainable energy efficiency. He also emphasizes balancing immediate financial relief for families with long-term green goals, sparking a captivating dialogue about the future of energy in the UK.

In this engaging discussion, Jamie Beard, the founder of Project InnerSpace, reveals how geothermal energy could provide 70-75% of global electricity and 100% of heating needs sustainably. With surprising overlaps between geothermal and oil/gas industry skills, she argues that this clean power source is primed for growth. Jamie also touches on the use of fracking technologies to boost geothermal production and emphasizes its reliability compared to traditional renewable options. Her vision includes harnessing existing infrastructure to combat climate change effectively.

Ed Porter, Director of Insights for Europe at Modo Energy and host of the Transmission podcast, dives into the booming world of battery energy storage systems (BESS). He explains the role of grid-scale batteries in balancing energy supply and demand, and how they are replacing gas to reduce costs. Ed also discusses the significance of dynamic frequency response, challenges during winter's 'dunkelflaute,' and the implications of UK battery deployment compared to Texas. His expertise sheds light on the future of clean energy and career opportunities in this growing sector.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director of Jaguar, unveils the audacious rebranding strategy that aims to reposition Jaguar as a leader in the all-electric luxury vehicle market. He shares insights on the halted UK car sales and introduces the striking Type 00 concept. Glover discusses the backlash from traditional fans and the bold marketing strategy that sparked debate, while emphasizing the importance of daring creativity in changing automotive identity. He stresses that Jaguar isn’t trying to please everyone, showcasing a future-focused vision for the iconic brand.

Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar Cars, brings a wealth of experience from iconic automakers and EV startups. He shares insights on navigating Polestar's production challenges and preparing for the launches of Polestar 5 and 7. The discussion emphasizes the brand's distinctive Scandinavian identity and bold sustainability initiatives, including the ambitious goal of creating climate-neutral vehicles. Lohscheller also tackles the impact of tariffs and the importance of strategic expansion in the European market, particularly in France.

In this conversation, Steve Beattie, Head of Sales at BYD UK, shares insights into BYD's impressive journey from battery manufacturing to becoming a top electric vehicle maker. He explains the innovative Blade Battery technology and its emphasis on safety. The discussion highlights the company’s ambitious plans for affordable EVs, particularly in Europe, and the competitive challenges posed by Chinese manufacturers. Furthermore, Steve explores the growing acceptance of electric cars in places like Australia and London's evolving electric bus fleet.

Seb Inglis-Jones, co-founder and CEO of Maeving, shares the inspiring journey of building a leading UK electric motorcycle brand, utilizing craftsmanship from former Triumph and Norton engineers. He highlights the advantages of removable batteries and the joy of electric biking, appealing to a younger demographic. The conversation covers the challenges of local manufacturing, the shift in biking perspectives, and the company's ambitions for expanding electric transport. Seb also discusses initiatives to encourage new riders through training that enhances safety and fun.

Lex Forsyth, CEO of Janus Electric, discusses his Australian company’s groundbreaking work converting diesel trucks to electric with a unique battery swapping system. He highlights the need for decarbonizing heavy-duty transport and the potential for eco-friendly logistics. Forsyth shares insights on the impact of Trump’s tariffs on clean technology investments and emphasizes the urgency of retrofitting older vehicles. He also dives into the future of battery swapping technology and innovative fundraising efforts to support sustainable transportation.

Lars Reger, CTO of NXP Semiconductors, shares his expertise on the pivotal role of semiconductors in revolutionizing electric vehicles. He reveals that an average EV has around 10,000 chips, critical for everything from power management to autonomous driving. Lars also discusses the lessons learned from the global chip shortage, emphasizing the need for innovation and better communication between manufacturers and chip producers. Plus, he enlightens listeners on the future of energy-efficient AI and the rise of new automotive players.

Euan McTurk, a consultant battery electrochemist and creator of Plug Life Television, dives into the cutting-edge world of battery technology. He discusses the evolution from lithium-ion to sodium-ion batteries, emphasizing their environmental benefits. The conversation highlights innovations in lithium iron phosphate batteries and the challenges of scaling solid-state technologies. McTurk also tackles ethical concerns around battery sourcing and explores alternative energy storage solutions, painting an exciting picture of the future of energy.