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#167 - Tanya Sinclair | Electric Vehicles UK#167 - Tanya Sinclair | Electric Vehicles UK

Published 20 May 2026

This week: Tanya Sinclair, Chief Executive of Electric Vehicles UK (EVUK). Tanya shares how EVUK is tackling misinformation about electric vehicles, supporting both current and future drivers, and working with the wider e-mobility sector to build collaboration rather than competition. She discusses the organisation’s approach to public engagement, from hosting hands-on events like Everything Electric to street-level outreach in city centres and even driving Members of Parliament around Westminster in EVs. Tanya explains how EVUK balances the need to educate hesitant drivers with the fast-paced innovation happening in the industry, all while building a sustainable organisation from the ground up. **There’s insights on:** - Combating EV myths and online “guff” - Engaging millions of future EV drivers beyond the enthusiast bubble - The role of vans, taxis, and fleets in accelerating adoption - Collaborating across the entire e-mobility ecosystem - Bringing joy and positivity to serious industry work Events mentioned include Everything Electric West (12–13 June in Cheltenham) and upcoming city-centre activations in Manchester, plus EVUK’s continued presence at political and industry showcases. ## Tanya Sinclair (LinkedIn) <https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyasinclair/> ## Electric Vehicles UK <https://electricvehicles.uk> ## Everything Electric <https://uk.everythingelectric.show>

#166 - Becky Lalanne | Voqa#166 - Becky Lalanne | Voqa

Published 13 May 2026

This week, Paul and Sara sit down with Becky Lalanne, Managing Director of Voqa, a new entrant in the UK EV charging market. Becky shares how Voqa is tackling the challenge of destination charging, introducing a 7–22kW AC charger with built-in contactless payments, designed to make charging effortless for drivers and more commercially viable for venues. **The conversation covers:** - The frustrations of current destination charging and how Voqa addresses them - Why tethered AC chargers and tap-to-pay improve the driver experience - Voqa's approach to designing its own hardware for reliability and ease of maintenance - The revenue-share model and business case for hotels, co-working spaces, and leisure venues - Insights into Becky's career journey from Red Bull cliff diving events to EV innovation They also discuss future-proofing the UK charging network, the role of installers, and why putting the driver at the heart of design is key to accelerating electrification. ## Becky Lalanne (LinkedIn) <https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lalanne/> ## Voqa <https://www.voqa.com>

#165 - Mike Seymour | Truecharge#165 - Mike Seymour | Truecharge

Published 06 May 2026

This week we sit down with Mike Seymour, the driving force behind TrueCharge, part of the TrueForm Group. With 50 years of experience in street furniture—think bus shelters, tram stops, and digital displays—TrueForm is now turning its expertise to the EV world, focusing on the often-overlooked infrastructure that protects and enhances charging sites. **Mike dives into:** - Why many UK charging sites are underused, exposed, or already looking tired. - How protecting EV chargers with shelters, canopies, and smart street furniture improves driver experience, utilisation, and long-term ROI. - Lessons from his background in the military, sales, and early EV adoption—and how those experiences shaped his approach to business and problem-solving. - The importance of moving the industry from talking and over-promising to actually delivering sustainable infrastructure. If you’ve ever arrived at a windswept charger in the rain and thought, “There must be a better way,” this conversation shows why the solution is already here—and why it matters for the future of EV adoption. ## Mike Seymour (LinkedIn) <https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeseymour1/> ## TrueCharge <https://www.truecharge.co.uk>

#164 - Peter Heath | PLP#164 - Peter Heath | PLP

Published 29 Apr 2026

Paul and John sit down with Peter Heath of PLP—the “biggest company you’ve never heard of,” supplying critical infrastructure for energy networks, EV charging, and solar carports. From recycled-plastic EV foundations that remove the need for concrete to helical-screw solar carports that can be installed in a single day, Peter explains how PLP is cutting carbon while enabling the transition to net zero. The conversation moves beyond technology into Peter’s personal world—his love of the countryside, commitment to environmental action, late ADHD diagnosis, and the experience of adopting his daughter. He reflects on risk-taking, resilience, and the importance of leaving the planet in better shape for the next generation. ## Peter Heath <https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterheath1/> ## PLP EV <https://www.ev.plp.com>

#163 - Tom Weiser & Kevin Murphy | Nerpa Travel#163 - Tom Weiser & Kevin Murphy | Nerpa Travel

Published 22 Apr 2026

This episode dives into the world of electric adventure travel with Tom Weiser and Kevin Murphy, co-founders of Nerpa Travel. Their company crafts low-impact, high-adventure trips that swap petrol-powered bangers for electric motorbikes and e‑bikes, combining sustainable transport with genuine cultural immersion. Tom and Kev share: * How COVID and COP26 inspired them to launch Nerpa Travel * The reality of running EV adventures in places like Vietnam, Thailand, and Wales * Charging challenges, public transport hacks, and “squeaky bum” moments on the road * Why small group travel and community connections are at the heart of their model * Plans for upcoming adventures, including potential West Africa expeditions From mountain passes in rural Vietnam to the slow travel benefits of local buses, this conversation explores how EV travel can be both practical and transformative. Find out more at [nerpatravel.com](https://www.nerpatravel.com) and discover their upcoming Lost in Vietnam trip, 3–13 December 2026.

#162 - The CV Show | Nick Davison & Mike Costain#162 - The CV Show | Nick Davison & Mike Costain

Published 15 Apr 2026

Paul Kirby and John Curtis are joined by Mike Costain and Nick Davison from Nineteen Group, the organisers of the Commercial Vehicle Show (CV Show). Recorded in the run-up to the 2026 event (21–23 April at Birmingham NEC), the conversation dives into: - The growth of the CV Show, with over 330 exhibitors and a 30–35% increase from last year. - The EV Café Village and its 26 exhibitors, highlighting innovation in decarbonisation and electric vehicles. - New entrants to the UK market including Cherry, BYD, and returning brands like Stellantis, Renault, Ford, Maxus, and IVECO. - The launch of Bus & Coach Expo and the Ride & Drive experience, letting visitors test vehicles directly. - Why creating a buzzing, community-driven event matters for trade shows and how Nineteen Group builds that atmosphere. - The future of fleet electrification, the importance of infrastructure, and the role of the CV Show in supporting UK logistics and decarbonisation. From magicians and networking to new product launches and industry insight, this episode captures the energy behind the UK’s leading commercial vehicle event. ## CV Show <https://www.cvshow.com> ## Nineteen Group <https://www.nineteengroup.com> ## Nick Davison <https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-davison-94796614/> ## Mike Costain <https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-costain-794b8412/>

#161 - Alexander Millinger | AVILOO Battery Diagnostics#161 - Alexander Millinger | AVILOO Battery Diagnostics

Published 08 Apr 2026

Buying a used electric car or van can feel like a leap of faith—how do you really know if the battery is healthy, how far it will go, or whether it will hold its charge? In this episode, we get to the heart of the current EV landscape with Alex Millinger of AVILOO, who specialise in plug‑and‑play battery diagnostics for EVs and PHEVs. From the surge in UK demand for battery health certificates, to the role of auctions and dealers in building buyer confidence, Alex explains how AVILOO’s technology delivers a full state‑of‑health report in just three minutes. We explore: - Why used EV buyers are now demanding battery certification - How AVILOO’s diagnostics and “battery cloud” turn data into actionable insight - Lessons from supporting fleets, dealers, and even private EV owners - The global challenge of keeping up with new models, including the flood of Chinese EVs - How better battery transparency is unlocking the second‑hand EV market If you’ve ever hesitated to buy a pre‑owned electric car or wondered how to protect the value of a fleet, this conversation offers a clear view of what’s possible—and how the right data can remove the fear factor from going electric. ## AVILOO Battery Diagnotics [https://aviloo.com](https://aviloo.com)

#160 - Michael Kent | Palmer Energy#160 - Michael Kent | Palmer Energy

Published 01 Apr 2026

This week, we dive into the reality of energy as a strategic asset for businesses making the shift to electric vehicles. JC is joined by Michael Kent, Managing Director of Palmer Energy, a company designing and manufacturing battery energy storage systems in partnership with Oxford spin-out Brill Power. Michael unpacks: - How businesses can move from reacting to volatile energy markets to actively mastering them - The role of battery storage in overcoming grid constraints and unlocking EV fleet potential - Integrating solar, wind, and grid power into optimised energy strategies - The commercial realities of cost reduction, energy trading, and long-term resilience for fleets From small cabinet batteries to full 20-foot containerised systems, learn how Palmer Energy is helping companies future-proof their operations, reduce costs, and accelerate the transition to electrification—without waiting for perfect grid conditions. ## Michael Kent (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kent-15b75746/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kent-15b75746/) ## Palmer Energy [https://www.palmerenergytechnology.com](https://www.palmerenergytechnology.com)

#159 - Fiona Howarth | Octopus EV#159 - Fiona Howarth | Octopus EV

Published 25 Mar 2026

Paul and John sit down with Fiona Howarth, founder of Octopus Electric Vehicles and part of the Octopus Energy Group, for a wide-ranging conversation that spans electric mobility, leadership, and the importance of living in the present. Fiona reflects on: - Building and scaling Octopus EV from concept to leasing hundreds of millions of pounds in vehicles. - Taking a transformative sabbatical to reconnect with her children, explore philosophy, and embrace “treasure time.” - How thinking differently—questioning societal “rules” and activating her creative side shapes innovation in EVs and beyond. - Leading with human connection, cultivating teams like a “dry stone wall,” and helping people discover their superpowers. - Earthset and Stellar Set, her initiatives fostering collaboration and leadership for a sustainable future. - Insights from Davos, battery circularity, and why the UK underestimates the personal benefits of green tech. ## Fiona Howarth (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-howarth/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-howarth/) ## Fiona’s Previous episode [https://www.evcafe.org/podcast-episodes/fiona-howarth-how-she-survives-her-toughest-moments](https://www.evcafe.org/podcast-episodes/fiona-howarth-how-she-survives-her-toughest-moments) ## Octopus EV [https://octopusev.com](https://octopusev.com)

#158 - Ben Whitaker | Kerbo Charge#158 - Ben Whitaker | Kerbo Charge

Published 18 Mar 2026

This week we dive into the practical world of electric vehicle innovation with Ben Whittaker, Chief Technology Officer at Kerbo Charge. Ben explains how a simple pavement channel could solve one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption—charging for the majority of drivers without off-street parking—and why making technology “boring” is often the ultimate goal. From his early days salvaging components from skips to powering up a self-built computer, Ben shares how curiosity and hands-on problem-solving shaped his career. He talks about: - How Kerbo Charge enables safe, cost-effective home EV charging without a driveway - Navigating legislation and council approvals to make cross-pavement charging a reality - The importance of timing, failure, and resilience in building successful startups - Taking lessons from drama and storytelling to communicate complex ideas clearly - Why the goal is to make game-changing technology feel effortless and everyday Along the way, Ben reflects on his first business failures, the lessons in persistence and humility, and how to create solutions that become invisible parts of daily life. ## Ben Whittaker (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjdw/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjdw/) ## Kerbo Charge [https://www.kerbocharge.com](https://www.kerbocharge.com)

#157 - Neil Hughes | Utility Line#157 - Neil Hughes | Utility Line

Published 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/)

#156 - Graeme Cooper | AECOM#156 - Graeme Cooper | AECOM

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/)