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The EV Café is extremely grateful to our partners for their support in making this happen.

























Scheduled for 11 Mar 2026
In this episode, hosts Paul and John welcome Neil Hughes, Head of Business Development at Utility Line, to explore the complex but critical world of powering the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. Neil shares insights from over 25 years in the electrical industry, including his work behind the scenes on the “grey boxes” and infrastructure that make EV charging possible. He discusses how Utility Line, an independent connection provider, is helping businesses simplify grid connections, overcome red tape, and prepare for the electrification of fleets, trucks, buses, and industrial sites. The conversation ranges from: - Real-world challenges of connecting EV infrastructure to the grid - Using battery storage to bridge power gaps and future-proof sites - Balancing sustainability with wildlife and land protection during development - The importance of trust, relationships, and determination in driving change And yes, there’s also talk of Wrexham’s Hollywood moment, Neil’s personal goal to complete a 10k, and a wish to cut through the red tape holding back the UK’s net zero ambitions. If you’re curious about how EV charging infrastructure really gets powered—and the people working to make it happen—this episode is packed with practical insight and candid conversation. [Utility Line | Specialist Independent Connection Provider](https://www.utilityline.co.uk/) [Adler & Allan | Environmental Risk Reduction](https://www.adlerandallan.co.uk/)

By The EV Café Team
By The EV Café Team

By The EV Café Team
By The EV Café Team

By The EV Café Team
Construction has begun on what is believed to be the UK’s first fully off-grid renewable-powered commercial vehicle conversion facility, being developed by CPD Bodies at its headquarters in Stockton-on-Tees.

By The EV Café Team
Electric van sales surge by 46% in 2025 but it's not enough!

By The EV Café Team
If we want to get people out of cars and into mass transit, we have to look at the "Problem Children" of the sector: Coaches and Minibuses.

By The EV Café Team
In our latest briefing from The EV Cafe sofa, Sam Clarke Paul Kirby and JC deconstruct the latest SMMT figures. On the surface, it looks like a victory: HGV registrations jumped 170% in 2025. But zoom out, and the reality is a tactical nightmare. Electric trucks still represent less than 2% of the market. The vehicles are ready. The fleets are ready. The Grid is not.

Published 04 Mar 2026
Graeme Cooper returns to The EV Café Takeaway for a conversation that spans life, energy, and the future of zero-emission transport, this time from his new home in snowy Massachusetts. Once the very first guest on the podcast, Graeme reflects on leaving National Grid, navigating a transatlantic relocation, and adapting to the realities of the US energy and EV market. From the rise of “greenhushing” to the challenges of electrifying vast American fleets, Graeme pulls apart the complex relationship between federal and state policies, the unintended consequences of political decisions, and why pragmatism and emotional resilience matter in the energy transition. Along the way, he shares candid insights about personal change, building a sustainable home, and why the human side of the net-zero story can’t be ignored. Topics include: * Living and working in the US under shifting political winds * How state vs. federal rules drive (or hinder) EV adoption * The concept of **greenhushing** and why clean energy is happening quietly * Pragmatism in large-scale energy projects, from data centres to EV fleets * Personal lessons in resilience, adaptability, and finding “home” abroad A thoughtful look at the zero-emission journey from both sides of the Atlantic—delivered in true Graeme Cooper style. ## Graeme Cooper (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemecooper/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemecooper/)

Published 25 Feb 2026
This week on The EV Café Takeaway, we welcome Stuart Humphrey – a passionate electric vehicle advocate, wellbeing champion, and winner of the EV Café Christmas Cracker Wellbeing Award. Stuart shares how a simple financial decision to lease a Nissan Leaf in 2014 sparked 12 years of EV driving and inspired him to become a vocal supporter of accessibility and inclusion in the EV community. In this episode, he talks about: - Making EVs fun, simple, and affordable for everyone - Tackling misinformation and building confidence for new drivers - The link between mental health, neurodiversity, and community advocacy - Why inclusivity – from women in EVs to young drivers – is key to mass adoption - Practical insights on home solar, battery storage, and living with EVs day-to-day From sharing strategies for managing difficult days to highlighting gaps in public charging, Stuart brings a refreshingly honest and practical perspective on driving change in the zero-emission space. Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn, and explore more conversations at evcafe.org or on Apple and Spotify. ## Stuart Humphrey (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-humphrey-974205166/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-humphrey-974205166/)

Published 18 Feb 2026
It’s the award‑winning Ben Travis! A true champion of customer experience and electric vehicle education. Ben joined the automotive industry in 2019 and became a trusted EV specialist, guiding customers through the transition from internal combustion to electric. During the first lockdown, while many settled into furlough, Ben immersed himself in EV knowledge—devouring YouTube videos, manuals, and guides—to ensure he could deliver confident, first‑hand advice to customers. **Ben opens up about:** - His passion for customer‑first service and why empathy is at the heart of electrification. - Building confidence in EV adoption through real‑world experience and storytelling. - How LinkedIn and YouTube gave him a platform to educate and inspire. - Staying grounded in the face of recognition, negativity, and life’s challenges. - His personal “magic wand” wish for a better world. ## Ben Traviss (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentraviss/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentraviss/) ## LLoyd Motor Group [https://www.lloydmotorgroup.com](https://www.lloydmotorgroup.com) ## Ben’s YouTube Channel (Electric Ben) [https://www.youtube.com/@ElectricBenYT](https://www.youtube.com/@ElectricBenYT)

Published 11 Feb 2026
Anne Snelson (Lead With Sustainability) shares her journey from government statistician and AA policy researcher to senior marketing roles at Vodafone and RingGo, before finding her purpose in sustainability. She takes us through her work championing emissions-based parking, her role in influencing corporate sustainability at companies like BMW and Nissan, and how her Carbon Literacy Project training is sparking meaningful change across the automotive and built environment sectors. Anne opens up about: * Her personal motivations for tackling climate change and the influence of her parents, a statistician father and ecologist mother. * The emotional moments from delivering her sustainability training, and the ripple effects it creates in corporate and personal lives alike. * The importance of circularity, AI-driven innovation, and co-benefits in building a zero-emission future. * Life lessons in resilience, building a purpose-led business in her 50s, and finding joy in making a difference. Oh, and there’s talk of Climate Change Countdown, EV road trips to Italy, and why cheap renewable electricity is top of Anne’s “magic wand” wish list. ## Lead With Sustainability <https://leadwithsustainability.co.uk> EV Cafe listeners can get a **20% discount** off the full price by entering promo code EVC2026 at the [Ticket Tailor checkout](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/leadwithsustainability) ## Anne Snelson <https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-snelson-bsc-dipm-mba-93a6701/>



