#159 - Fiona Howarth

Episode notes

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/

Fiona’s Previous episode

https://www.evcafe.org/podcast-episodes/fiona-howarth-how-she-survives-her-toughest-moments

Octopus EV

https://octopusev.com

#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

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

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/)

#155 - Stuart Humphrey

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/)

Episode notes

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/

Fiona’s Previous episode

https://www.evcafe.org/podcast-episodes/fiona-howarth-how-she-survives-her-toughest-moments

Octopus EV

https://octopusev.com

#159 - Fiona Howarth | Octopus EV

Episode notes

Fiona Howarth (LinkedIn)

Fiona’s Previous episode

Octopus EV

More episodes

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

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

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

#155 - Stuart Humphrey#155 - Stuart Humphrey

Our Partners

#159 - Fiona Howarth | Octopus EV

Episode notes

Fiona Howarth (LinkedIn)

Fiona’s Previous episode

Octopus EV

More episodes

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

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

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

#155 - Stuart Humphrey#155 - Stuart Humphrey