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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.

















Published 03 Dec 2025
In another live-recorded episode, Paul and John sit down with Sarah Gray, Head of Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy & Development at Dawsongroup Vans. We talk about: * Falling into the automotive world and never looking back * Overcoming redundancy and imposter syndrome with the help of a business coach * Supporting fleets on their transition to electric vans * The real challenges of productivity and charging infrastructure for commercial EVs * Dawson Group’s bold investment in renewable energy, solar canopies, and large-scale charging solutions * The importance of confidence-building, collaboration, and thinking outside the box Sarah’s passion for helping fleets decarbonise, coupled with her infectious energy, makes this a must-listen for anyone navigating the road to zero-emission transport. And yes, the episode wraps with the EV Café magic wand tradition (or is it a 2 by 4?) ### Sarah Gray (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-gray-aa62a92/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-gray-aa62a92/) ### Dawnsongroup Vans [https://www.dawsongroupvans.co.uk](https://www.dawsongroupvans.co.uk)

Published 26 Nov 2025
From lasers bound for Mars to leading the charge in EV infrastructure, Zaptec’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this week’s episode, Paul and Sarah sit down with Michael Braybrook to explore how a company that once supported NASA pivoted to become one of the few profitable EV hardware manufacturers in the world. ### Michael shares: - The fascinating origin story of Zaptec, from space technology to smart EV charging. - Insights on V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) and how it can unlock free driving and a smarter energy ecosystem. - The launch of the Zaptec Go 2, a future-proof, beautifully designed home charger that’s V2G-ready, solar-integrated, and built for long-term reliability. - His leadership philosophy, rooted in empathy, resilience, and creative problem-solving, and how he’s building a passionate UK team to accelerate the zero-emission future. If you’ve ever wondered how EV charging fits into a cleaner, more cost-effective energy system—or how a company can make sustainability both practical and profitable—this episode is packed with value. ### Michael Braybrook (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/braybrook/ ### Zaptec UK https://www.zaptec.com

Published 19 Nov 2025
In this special live-recorded episode of The EV Café Takeaway, we sit down with Nigel Allsop, Fleet Account Director for BT, who manages one of the UK’s largest and most complex fleets—over 36,000 vehicles and 5,000 company cars. Nigel shares the inside story of BT and Openreach’s journey to net zero by 2030, including how they’ve already electrified 5,500 vehicles, predominantly vans, and the strategy behind prioritising commercial EVs first. ### Join us as we explore: - The unique challenges of electrifying a diverse fleet of 72 vehicle types with 172 racking configurations. - How data, telematics, and behavioural change are key to tackling range anxiety and winning hearts and minds internally. - The role of collaboration across the industry and why partnerships are critical for infrastructure and operational success. - Nigel’s personal reflections on leadership, resilience, and staying inquisitive when tackling one of the toughest transitions in fleet management. From EV testing with sandbags to navigating rural charging challenges, and from the politics of net zero to the human side of managing change, this episode is packed with insights for fleet managers, sustainability leaders, and anyone invested in the future of zero-emission transport. ### Nigel Allsop (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-allsop-a52509a1/

Published 12 Nov 2025
Did you know that 1 in 4 EVs currently bought are for Motability Operations? Neither did Paul Kirby! Join Paul and John (aka W.C.) as they sit down with Lisa Thomas—Chief Marketing Officer at Motability Operations—the organisation behind the life‑changing Motability Scheme. Lisa shares the incredible story of how Motability Operations supports over 800,000 drivers across the UK, providing affordable, accessible vehicles that unlock freedom, independence, and opportunity. From drive‑from‑wheelchair vans to pioneering EV adoption for disabled users, Lisa explains how the scheme is transforming lives while driving the transition to zero‑emission transport. ### Topics include: - The life‑changing impact of the Motability Scheme for people and their families - Overcoming public misconceptions and addressing the tiny fraction of misuse cases - Leading the EV transition with 100,000+ electric vehicles already on fleet - Innovative accessibility projects like cross‑pavement charging and the Evita concept vehicle - Lisa’s personal journey through creative leadership, marketing, and purpose‑driven work - Why empathy, partnership, and community are at the heart of Motability Operations From emotional customer stories to future‑facing EV strategy, this conversation shines a light on one of the UK’s most impactful and forward‑thinking organisations. ### Lisa Thomas https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-thomas-2858598 ### Motability Operations https://www.mo.co.uk ### (Discussed) eVITA concept vehicle https://callumdesigns.com/motability-evita ### (Discussed) Motability Scheme Live https://motabilityschemelive.co.uk ### (Discussed) Kia PB5 https://www.kia.com/uk/pbv/premiere/

Published 05 Nov 2025
In this special live-recorded episode of The EV Café Takeaway, Paul and John sit down at _Fleet & Mobility Live_ with Stuart Murphy, Head of Fleet Transformation at Royal Mail, to explore how one of the UK’s most iconic organisations is delivering a cleaner, zero-emission future. Stuart shares his journey from growing up in the Royal Mail family to leading one of the largest electric fleet transformations in the country. With over 8,000 electric vans already on the road – and 50,000 vehicles to electrify – his team is proving that EVs aren’t just cleaner, they’re more reliable and cost-effective for the business, too. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. How Royal Mail is tackling the complex challenge of electrifying a diverse fleet that delivers to 32 million addresses – from city streets to remote islands. 2. Why EVs outperform diesel for stop-start postal routes and dramatically reduce maintenance headaches. 3. Stuart’s people-first approach to leading 26,000 drivers through change, turning sceptics into enthusiastic EV advocates. 4. The organisation’s first steps into electric HGVs, depot charging, and the potential for future charger sharing. 5. Personal insights into Stuart’s leadership, resilience, and what drives him to care so deeply about the mission. Whether you’re running a fleet, exploring electrification, or just love hearing from passionate leaders shaping a sustainable future, this episode is packed with candid stories and practical lessons. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Royal Mail is delivering zero-emission innovation, one red vehicle at a time. **Stuart Murphy** <https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-murphy-4400a547>

Published 29 Oct 2025
Chris Demetriou, (Assistant Director of Corporate Fleet, Transport and Accessible Community Transport at Islington Borough Council) has spent over 24 years in the public sector and now leads one of the UK’s most ambitious local authority fleet decarbonisation programmes. Chris shares his journey from a two-week temp job to becoming a driving force behind Islington’s transition to electric vehicles, with over 140 EVs in operation and innovative vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trials underway. He opens up about the challenges of electrifying large municipal fleets, from refuse trucks to community transport buses, and why collaboration and infrastructure sharing between councils is critical for resilience and improved air quality. Beyond the technology, Chris speaks passionately about air quality, mental health, and resilience, drawing on his own experiences with asthma, running 11 miles to work daily, and leading by example in the fight for a zero-emission future. If you want to hear how a local authority can become a genuine pioneer in fleet electrification, and why bold leadership, persistence, and innovation matter, this episode is for you. ### 🎧 Listen now to discover: 1. The realities of transitioning a 500+ vehicle municipal fleet to electric 2. Lessons learned from being a “guinea pig” for first- and second-gen EVs 3. How V2G and microgrids could transform fleet operations 4. The personal drive and resilience behind public sector innovation ## Chris Demetriou <https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-demetriou-6a716a5a/?originalSubdomain=uk>

Published 22 Oct 2025
This week, Phil Morris - Key Account Manager at Iveco on the ever-evolving world of zero and low-emission commercial vehicles. Phil shares his journey from working in his family’s butcher shop to becoming a passionate advocate for sustainable transport solutions. He takes us behind the scenes of heavy vehicle sales, explaining the jargon of six-by-fours, fifth wheels, and CNG. We dive deep into the future of decarbonising fleets, discussing the roles of battery-electric trucks, hydrogen, CNG/LNG, and HVO, and how operators can make a real difference now—not just in 2035 or 2040. ### Highlights: 1. Demystifying truck jargon like 6x2s, 6x4s, and fifth wheels 2. The real-world case for CNG, HVO, and EV trucks in logistics 3. Why fleet operators need solutions tailored to their mission 4. How Iveco is driving change without compromising customer operations 5. Phil’s personal mission to make a lasting difference ### Philip Morris (LinkedIn) <https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-morris-30173463/>

Published 15 Oct 2025
We dive into a conversation with Paul Hollick, Chairman of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) and CEO of Lightfoot. Paul shares his journey from a young, unconfident teenager in the New Forest to a dynamic leader driving the UK fleet industry toward a zero-emission future. He opens up about: 1. Balancing his dual roles at AFP and Lightfoot 2. His passion for people, collaboration, and doing good 3. How driver behaviour and education are at the heart of decarbonising fleets 4. The importance of training, networking, and creating future-ready fleet apprenticeships 5. The challenges of EV adoption, including downtime and charging infrastructure From his candid reflections on leadership and family life to his vision for the fleet industry’s apprenticeship programme, Paul’s story is packed with wisdom and purpose. If you’re in the fleet, EV, or sustainability space—or just love hearing from people making a real impact—this episode will leave you informed and inspired. ## Paul Hollick <https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhollick/> ## Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) <https://www.theafp.co.uk> ## Lightfoot [https://www.lightfoot.co.uk](https://www.lightfoot.co.uk/)

Published 08 Oct 2025
In this inspiring episode of The EV Café Takeaway Podcast, we welcome Michelle Breffitt, co-founder of Women Drive Electric, the thriving community dedicated to helping women confidently make the switch to electric vehicles. Michelle shares her journey from starting in the automotive world as a teenager to becoming a leading advocate for inclusivity, EV adoption, and authentic conversations around driving electric. She opens up about: 1. Building a 5,000+ strong community of women / female-identifying people 2. How unconscious bias and intimidating dealership environments still affect women’s car-buying experiences. 3. The types of real-world EV questions women ask—from charging solutions and range to family-friendly road-trip tips. 4. Why creating safe, supportive spaces leads to better engagement and industry change. Join hosts Paul and John for a conversation that is equal parts insightful, funny, and motivating—spotlighting how collaboration between communities, allies, and the wider EV industry can accelerate positive change. ## Michelle Breffitt <https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-breffitt-automotive-professional/> ## George Thurman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wde⚡%EF%B8%8F/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/wde%E2%9A%A1%25EF%25B8%258F/) ## Woman Drive Electric website <https://womendriveelectric.co.uk> ## Michelle’s book recommendations #### The Authority Gap <https://www.amazon.co.uk/Authority-Gap-women-still-seriously/dp/1784165883/> #### **Invisible Women** <https://www.amazon.co.uk/Invisible-Women-Exposing-World-Designed/dp/1784706280/ref=asc_df_1784706280> If you want to see the automotive world become more inclusive, informed, and electrified—this episode is for you.

Published 01 Oct 2025
Paul and John sit down with the unstoppable Evelyn Torrish, Customer Experience Director at Europcar Mobility Group UK. With 32 years at Europcar, Evelyn shares her journey from rental sales agent to leading the company’s customer experience and spearheading the electrification of their UK network. Her passion for EV adoption, customer care, and building resilient teams shines through as she talks about: 1. How Europcar is driving the transition to electric vehicles 🚗⚡ 2. Creating a frictionless, digital-first customer experience 3. The resilience and tenacity needed to thrive through industry challenges 4. Winning two consecutive Gold Awards for customer experience innovation 5. Why caring for customers and colleagues is at the heart of everything she does **Evelyn Tourish** <https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-tourish-16929824/> **Europcar Mobility Group** <https://www.europcar-mobility-group.com>

Published 24 Sep 2025
Paul and John sit down with Stephen Briers, the highly respected Group Editor for Fleet News, AM, and Rail at Bauer Media. Stephen brings a wealth of insight into journalism, industry objectivity, and the fast-moving world of fleet electrification. ## We Explore 1. Stephen’s journey from humble beginnings to leading Bauer’s B2B automotive titles. 2. The responsibility of journalism in a rapidly changing transport landscape. 3. How to balance objectivity with passion when covering EVs and decarbonisation. 4. Behind-the-scenes of Fleet Mobility Live and why it’s one of the industry’s must-attend events. 5. The future of fleet electrification, government clarity, and why van adoption is the next big frontier. Plus, Stephen takes on the EV Café Magic Wand Challenge, wishing for the breakthroughs our industry needs most (and a little help for Bristol Rovers along the way!). If you’re passionate about sustainable transport, fleet management, and the people shaping the EV revolution, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and a few laughs. 🎧 Listen now for industry wisdom, magic wand wishes, and why Fleet News’ newsletter is a must-read for every fleet professional. ## Stephen Briers <https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-briers-b1986415/> ## Fleet News <https://www.fleetnews.co.uk> ## Bauer Media Group <https://www.bauermedia.com> ## Fleet & Mobility Live [https://fleetandmobilitylive.com](https://fleetandmobilitylive.com/)

Published 17 Sep 2025
This week JC and Sara (stepping in with her best Paul Kirby impression!) are joined by the brilliant Chris Bunce, Network Sales Manager for Iveco’s Light Business Line in the UK and Ireland. Chris takes us behind the job title to share a refreshingly open and often hilarious conversation about: 1. His 30-year journey through the motor trade, from Yellow Pages cold calls to leading network sales at Iveco. 2. The delicate transition from diesel to electric, the challenges for dealer networks, and why education and driver engagement are critical to EV adoption. 3. Iveco’s innovative line-up, including the E-Daily with its electric power take-off (EPTO) and the incoming Jolly and Super Jolly models. 4. The importance of people-first leadership, mentoring, and building a legacy for the next generation in the commercial vehicle industry. 5. Life lessons from football, cricket, golf—and raising a family of four with six grandchildren! From heartfelt reflections on resilience and mental health to light-hearted tales of EV rallies, strongman brand ambassador Adam Bishop, and even Driving Miss Daisy moments on the M40, this episode is packed with insight, humour, and inspiration. If you love stories that go _beyond the job title_ and showcase the humans powering the EV revolution, this one’s for you. ## Chris Bunce (LinkedIn) <https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bunce-53972080> ## Iveco <https://www.iveco.com/uk/>