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Published on 12 April 2023
Lee talks to us about his exciting business brainchild that is set to grow into a network providing zero emission deliveries. Lee also shares some of the challenges he has faced both in his business and personal life with both courage and transparency. Fascinating conversation.
Scheduled for 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/>
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)
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)
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)
