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
























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

























Scheduled for 04 Feb 2026
This week we have the multi-talented Jess Shanahan! Jess discusses running a Porsche race team and teaching motorsport sponsorship to becoming a key figure in the EV and e-mobility space—creating content, hosting events, and speaking passionately about mental health and neurodiversity. What’s discussed: - Jess’s path through motorsport and e-mobility, and how she built her own thriving businesses, including Jet Social and Charge Happy. - Her mental health and ADHD journey, and how embracing her authentic self has shaped her career and creativity. - The power of vulnerability, self-expression, and collaboration, both in personal life and in driving the EV sector forward. - Creative passions beyond EVs, including her historical romance novel, poetry, and the dream of making space for more writing. This conversation goes beyond electric vehicles to the people who are shaping a zero-emission future, showing how authenticity and emotional safety can drive meaningful impact. ## Jess Shanahan (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessshanahan/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessshanahan/) ## Charge Happy [https://www.chargehappy.co.uk](https://www.chargehappy.co.uk) ## Jet Social [https://www.jetsocial.co.uk](https://www.jetsocial.co.uk) ## Bonus [The Picture Paul was referencing](https://mswmpwdwfsebytqupoit.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/media/1/1770024536046-69b3b40e-889a-4f9f-ad86-dc7b61f1316c.png)

By The EV Café Team
By The EV Café Team

By The EV Café Team
By The EV Café Team
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By The EV Café Team
Gridserve opens UK’s first public electric HGV charging hubs

By John Curtis
The UK government has completely overhauled the Plug-in Truck Grant (PiTrG) and tightened the screws on the Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG). It’s a classic "carrot and stick" move

By The EV Café Team
Europcar has published its "Sustainable Evolution" report for 2025, which includes information on their eVan initiatives, and special input from our our own Paul Kirby. Click for full article and link to the report

By Paul Kirby
The extension of the plug-in van and truck grant is undeniably good news. It provides the financial certainty needed to spark a new wave of electric vehicle adoption in the commercial sector. However, for this momentum to be sustained, the government must now act with the same urgency to build the infrastructure that will enable these vehicles to be a productive and profitable part of the UK's economy.

Published 28 Jan 2026
Richard Guy, Fleet & Plant Director at Amey uncovers how he led one of the UK’s largest strategic government suppliers on a remarkable fleet electrification journey. Amey operates 4,000 vehicles—cars, vans, and trucks—across highways, rail, facilities management, and consultancy services. Richard shares how his team successfully transitioned from just 5% EV adoption to over 90% in the company car fleet—three years ahead of target—all without mandating EVs - what a Guy! **Discover how Richard:** - Tackled driver objections with a behavioural, not just financial, approach - Removed key barriers like home charger costs, mileage reimbursement fears, and lease timing - Built trust and engagement through hands-on driver support and ambassador networks - Navigates the “clay layer” of operational managers in the complex world of electric vans and trucks - Balances decarbonisation ambitions with operational realities, mental health, and neurodiverse communication needs We also dive into the challenges of commercial vehicle electrification, temporary charging solutions, the future of HGV decarbonisation, and why Richard’s magic wand wish is to change the mainstream media narrative on EVs. ## Richard Guy (LinkedIn) <https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-guy-6195189a> ## Amey [https://www.amey.co.uk](https://www.amey.co.uk/)

Published 21 Jan 2026
Matt Cleevely, the driving force behind Cleevely Motors and Cleevely Electric Vehicles—and an industry personality—joins JC & Paul this week. Matt shares how a family business founded in 1962 has transformed into a hub for EV repair, sales, and advocacy, all while staying rooted in the values passed down from his grandfather. He talks openly about: * Building a multi-generational, family-led business in the age of electrification * Overcoming industry resistance and championing EV adoption * The challenges and rewards of running three intertwined businesses * His personal journey with mental health, and how hobbies like golf and strong family support helped him overcome depression * Why kindness, honesty, and community are at the heart of everything he does ## Matt Cleevely (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cleevely-aae-mimi-2792b367/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cleevely-aae-mimi-2792b367/) ## Cleevely Electric Vehicles [https://www.cleevelyev.co.uk](https://www.cleevelyev.co.uk) ## HEVRA (Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Alliance) [https://hevra.org.uk](https://hevra.org.uk/)

Published 14 Jan 2026
Paul and JC sit down with Caroline Watson, Director of Transport at C40 Cities—a global network of mayors leading the charge toward a zero-emission future. Caroline shares her incredible journey in the world of transport decarbonisation, from her early days at the Energy Saving Trust to spearheading international initiatives that are transforming city mobility. She reveals how C40 supports nearly 100 cities worldwide in tackling climate change, rolling out zero-emission buses and freight corridors, and creating healthier, more liveable urban spaces. ## Highlights include: * The story behind C40 Cities and its evolution from London’s climate initiative to a global force. * How cities like Shenzhen, Oslo, and Amsterdam are setting the standard for electrification and clean transport. * Groundbreaking projects like the ZEBRA initiative in Latin America and electric freight corridors in India. * The power of city policies, heat-mapping for EV infrastructure, and the vital role of public transport in reducing congestion and emissions. * Caroline’s personal passion for climate action, her vision for reaching the 1.5°C target, and why tangible solutions like electric vehicles keep her motivated. ## Caroline Watson (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-watson-53609125](https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-watson-53609125) ## C40 Cities [https://www.c40.org](https://www.c40.org/)

Published 07 Jan 2026
Kicking off 2026, Paul and John are joined by one of the true legends of the UK fleet and rental industry – Tim Bailey. Fresh into retirement after a 37-year career spanning Alamo, National Car & Rental, Europcar, Redde, and Northgate. Tim shares his fascinating journey from petrol pump attendant in Dublin to leading fleets, shaping policy, and guiding the UK’s transition to electric vehicles—particularly vans. ## We cover: * Falling into fleet: how Tim accidentally discovered his lifelong career. * The EV van challenge: why decarbonising the commercial vehicle sector is so critical, and what must change. * Hall of Fame moments: how it felt to be recognised by Fleet News and the BVRLA for outstanding contribution. * Leadership lessons & life perspective: from navigating 9/11 and business administration in Europe to balancing family and career. * A wish for the industry: Tim’s EV Café Magic Wand moment for the future of zero-emission transport. ## Tim Bailey (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-bailey-9454502/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-bailey-9454502/)



