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.

















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/)

Published 31 Dec 2025
In this special episode, we take a look back at all the EV Café Takeaway guests of 2025. We hand the wand (or seashell, block of wood, or lightning bolt…) to pioneers, collaborators, and innovators across the electric vehicle and sustainability world, asking them what their one wish would be… decarbonisation * 💰 **Professor Richard Allan** (University of Reading) 🪄 Make the full value of things we buy apparent * 🚗 **Melanie Shufflebotham** (ZapMap) 🪄 For there to be 10 available models of electric cars with at least 250 mile range for under £15,000 * 🌳 **Carla Detrieux** (Volta Trucks - now MAN) 🪄 Sustainability and for people to make the right choices * 😇 **Glenn Saint** (Prospedia Media) 🪄 For people to focus on the requirement when solving a problem * 🌡️ **Jonny Berry** (Novuna Vehicle Solutions) 🪄 Stop climate change * 📺 **Gary Comerford** (EV Musings) 🪄 High visibility public service announcements that dispel myths about EVs * 👶 **Mike Costain** (Nineteen Group) 🪄 Wants his kids to be happy * 💥 **Abby Chicken** (Openreach) 🪄 Wants to explode certain people * 🗣️ **Josh Spencer** (Ford & Slater) 🪄 Compel people better into EV adoption * 🔌 **Jonas Andersen** (Spirii) 🪄 More grid connections * 🚛 **Matt Eisenegger** (CV Driver) 🪄 Recognition for commercial vehicle drivers * 📈 **Ian Mills** (Spirit EV) 🪄 Wants his business to grow * 🧠 **Stephen Hards** (RHA) 🪄 Mental Health awareness * 🙂 **Rick Boullemier** (Generate Media) 🪄 Don’t be a prat * 🔋 **Will Reeves** (SMMT) 🪄 Charging infrastructure proliferation * 🧑⚖️ **Fraser Crichton** (Dundee City Council) 🪄 An holistic approach to renewable energy in government * 🚛 **Chris Welch** (Welch Group) 🪄 More logistics operators to embrace renewables * 📣 **John Fairlie** (AW Group) 🪄 Champion positive change * 🖖 **Chris Hazell** (Felten) 🪄 Wants to bring about a global government * 🛞 **Gunnlaugur Erlendsson** (Enso Tyres) 🪄 For more tyre companies to embrace sustainability * 🧑🍳 **Adam Bishop** (Strong Man / IVECO) 🪄 Personal chef * 🤝 **Ian Plumber** (Auto Trader) 🪄 Better inclusivity and representation in the industry * 🔋 **Rosario Surace** (Drax) 🪄 Getting power locally - not nationally * 👨⚖️ **Niall Riddell** (Paua) 🪄 Charging regulation should only be passed by those who will use it * 🚗 **James Rooney** (Network Rail) 🪄 Flying cars * ⭐️ **Brett Howton** (IVECO) 🪄 Wants to give people confidence * 🧱 **Trevor Palmer** (EV Blocks) 🪄 More of the same * 🧑⚖️ **Sarah Papamichalis** (Milence) 🪄 User-centric legislation * 🚑 **Jack Cousens** (The AA) 🪄 A greater focus on road safety * 🧠 **Tom Pearson** (CPD Bodies) 🪄 For people to be able to talk openly about mental health * 🔓 **Tim Campbell** (Campbell's Consultancy) 🪄 Unlock electrification and renewables in the truck industry * 💡 **Vicky Edmonds** (EVA England) 🪄 For electrification to be done already * 📍 **Faisan Ahmed** (First Bus) 🪄 A global platform for charging * 📉 **Tim Morris** (Europcar) 🪄 Fix the economy * 🤔 **Andrees Blin** (ChargePoint) 🪄 For car buyers to have an open mind * 📈 **Chris Bunce** (IVECO) 🪄 Stability in the market * 🚐 **Stephen Briers** (Bauer Media Group) 🪄 Van electrification * 🍷 **Evelyn Tourish** (Europcar) 🪄 Personal sommelier * 🙋♀️ **Michelle Breffitt** (Women Drive Electric) 🪄 Better vehicle experiences for women * 🎓 **Paul Hollic** (AFP) 🪄 AFP apprenticeship program * ❗️ **Philip Morris** (IVECO) 🪄 Willingness for change in the industry * 🇬🇧 **Chris Demitriou** (Islington Council) 🪄 For more London authorities to embrace decarbonisation * 🚗 **Stuart Murphy** (Royal Mail) 🪄 A family car with 400 mile range * 💬 **Lisa Thomas** (Motability Operations) 🪄 Awareness of Motability Operations' positive impact * 🤗 **Nigel Allsop** (BT) 🪄 For everyone to be healthy, prosperous, and to look out for each other * 🤝 **Michael Braybrook** (Zaptec) 🪄 More synergy between OEMs and utility companies * 🧒 **Srah Gray** (Dawnsongroup Vans) 🪄 Wants her daughter to be happy * 😖 **Rebecca Denyer** (Seabring Works) 🪄 Alleviation of frustration for things outside her control * 🏆 **Dale Eynon** (Fleet Consultant) 🪄 Better recognition for the industry * 🙌 **Lyndsey Hetherington** (Drax Electric Vehicles) 🪄 Let people be themselves * ⚡️ **Paul Kirby** 🪄 Certainty from Government * ⚡️**Sam Clarke** 🪄 More EV registrations, proliferation of EHGVs, for government to listen to the science * ⚡️ **Sara Sloman** 🪄 Let's help each other to succeed * ⚡️ **John Curtis** 🪄 Price parity between EVs / ICE vehicles

Published 24 Dec 2025
This week Paul and John welcome Lyndsey Hetherington, EV Charging Specialist at Drax Electric Vehicles. Lyndsey shares her unique journey from starting out in van and truck marketing to becoming a key player in helping fleets transition to zero-emission transport. She reflects on her formative years at Elmtronics, the challenges of building trust in a new industry, and how she balances career ambitions with the joys and chaos of family life. Discover: * The North East’s pioneering role as the home of EVs in the UK. * How real relationships, trust, and open advice can drive fleet electrification. * Insights into Drax’s renewable energy mission and the truth behind the headlines. * Lyndsey’s personal journey of growth and embracing change. * Why her magic wand wish is simply for a world filled with positive vibes and less negativity around EVs! ### Lyndsey Hetherington (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndseyhetherington/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndseyhetherington/) ### Drax Electric Vehicles (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/drax-electric-vehicles/?originalSubdomain\=uk](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/drax-electric-vehicles/?originalSubdomain=uk)

Published 17 Dec 2025
This week, the EV Café team goes live at Fleet Mobility Live with a very special guest: Dale Eynon, former Head of Fleet at the Environment Agency and now a semi-retired consultant, passionate environmentalist, and mentor to the next generation of fleet leaders. With over 20 years’ experience managing 10,000+ diverse assets—from cars, vans and HGVs to marine vessels and heavy plant—Dale shares his journey from incident management into fleet, and the steep learning curve that followed. He reflects on: * The evolution of electric fleets – from early Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi i-MiEvs to today’s 500-mile EVs * Winning hearts and minds to accelerate EV adoption and break down early myths * The van and 4x4 challenge – why rural operations, towing, and depot-free fleets remain one of the final frontiers for electrification * The power of BIK incentives and TCO modelling in driving fleet transitions * Culture, people, and resilience – key lessons from leading through change Dale also opens up about his “semi-early retirement”, his love of low-carbon travel, and his commitment to supporting the next generation of fleet professionals through the AFP and industry mentorship. If you want insight from someone who’s seen it all in the shift to zero emissions—and still believes the best is yet to come—this episode is for you. ## Dale Eynon (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-eynon-252a644](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-eynon-252a644)

Published 10 Dec 2025
This week, Paul and Sara (a.k.a. The Sazmanator) sit down with Rebecca Denyer, co-founder of Sebring Works, the innovative British company hand-building retro-inspired electric sports cars! Rebecca shares the remarkable journey from a classic car enthusiast and accountant to an EV pioneer, creating stunning 1950s and 60s-style electric cars that combine nostalgia, performance, and sustainability. Discover how Sebring Works: * Builds handcrafted, zero-emission sports cars on their own EV skateboard platform * Balances classic car charm with modern reliability and 240+ miles of real-world range * Champions collaboration in the low-volume automotive sector * Explores sustainable manufacturing, including plant-fibre car bodies grown locally * Brings joy to drivers with what they now call the “Sebring Smile” This episode is all about innovation, resilience, and the power of pursuing your passion responsibly—while leaving a legacy for the next generation. If you’ve ever dreamed of a classic car without the oil leaks, breakdowns, or guilt, this one will make you smile. ## Rebecca Denyer (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-denyer/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-denyer/) ## Sebring Works [https://www.sebring-design.com](https://www.sebring-design.com/)

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