#135 - Bringing Balance To The EV Space

Episode notes

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:

Building a 5,000+ strong community of women / female-identifying people
How unconscious bias and intimidating dealership environments still affect women’s car-buying experiences.
The types of real-world EV questions women ask—from charging solutions and range to family-friendly road-trip tips.
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/

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.

#143 - Sarah Gray | Dawnsongroup Vans

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)

#142 - Michael Braybrook | Zaptec

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

#141 - Nigel Allsop | BT

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/

#140 - Lisa Thomas | Motability Operations

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/

Episode notes

Building a 5,000+ strong community of women / female-identifying people
How unconscious bias and intimidating dealership environments still affect women’s car-buying experiences.
The types of real-world EV questions women ask—from charging solutions and range to family-friendly road-trip tips.
Why creating safe, supportive spaces leads to better engagement and industry change.

Michelle Breffitt

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-breffitt-automotive-professional/>

George Thurman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wde⚡%EF%B8%8F/

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.

#135 - Bringing Balance To The EV Space | Michelle Breffitt

Episode notes

Michelle Breffitt

George Thurman

Woman Drive Electric website

Michelle’s book recommendations

The Authority Gap

Invisible Women

More episodes

#143 - Sarah Gray | Dawnsongroup Vans#143 - Sarah Gray | Dawnsongroup Vans

#142 - Michael Braybrook | Zaptec#142 - Michael Braybrook | Zaptec

#141 - Nigel Allsop | BT#141 - Nigel Allsop | BT

#140 - Lisa Thomas | Motability Operations#140 - Lisa Thomas | Motability Operations

Our Partners

#135 - Bringing Balance To The EV Space | Michelle Breffitt

Episode notes

Michelle Breffitt

George Thurman

Woman Drive Electric website

Michelle’s book recommendations

The Authority Gap

Invisible Women

More episodes

#143 - Sarah Gray | Dawnsongroup Vans#143 - Sarah Gray | Dawnsongroup Vans

#142 - Michael Braybrook | Zaptec#142 - Michael Braybrook | Zaptec

#141 - Nigel Allsop | BT#141 - Nigel Allsop | BT

#140 - Lisa Thomas | Motability Operations#140 - Lisa Thomas | Motability Operations