In this episode, Mike and Kevin sit down with Rikard Boije af Gennäs, head of Implement Consulting’s e-mobility division, to reflect on the challenges of 2024 and discuss what’s on the horizon for the EV and charging sector in 2025.

Here’s what we cover:

• Lessons from 2024: Why EV demand didn’t meet expectations and what it means for the industry.
• Charging operators’ challenges: How operators are adapting to a tougher market and what strategies might work in 2025.
• Global shifts: How international politics and trade dynamics could impact EV growth.
• Consumers trends in 2025: What’s changing for buyers and how the industry is responding.
• Myth busting: Addressing a common misconception about the EV and charging industry.

Whether you’re in the business or just interested in the future of electric vehicles, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you understand where the sector is heading.

Tune in to prepare for 2025!

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just a glimpse of the future—they’re here, and transforming how we think about transportation. But the transition to electrification isn’t without its hurdles. From global policy challenges to supply chain bottlenecks and lingering misconceptions, the EV landscape is as complex as it is promising.

In this episode, Kevin and Mike discuss the dynamic shifts happening across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, including how tariffs, raw material prices, and manufacturing efficiency impact competition.

Here’s what we talk about:

• China’s EV Dominance: How China became a leader in the EV space, the intense price wars driving the market, and why their automakers are exporting more cars than ever.
• EVs vs. Traditional Cars: The Full Environmental Story: What’s the actual impact of EVs when you factor in everything—manufacturing, raw materials, and lifetime emissions?
• The Hydrogen Debate: Why hydrogen-powered vehicles have struggled to gain traction and whether they have a potential place in the future of transportation.
• Policy Gaps: Are current global policies strong enough to meet net-zero and climate goals? Spoiler: Not yet.
• Debunking EV Myths: Tackling common misconceptions about EVs and separating fact from fiction.

Whether you're in the industry or simply interested in how the global car market is shifting, this episode offers an insightful and honest look at where the EV sector stands today and where it’s headed.

Tune in and stay informed!

Happy Charging!

Electric vehicles are reshaping the way we think about transportation, and at the heart of this shift is the challenge of charging. In this episode, Kevin Spangenberg and Mike Hawkes sit down with Mads Vind, Managing Director of Stella Energy (formerly known as Viggo Energy) to discuss how the company is driving innovation in EV charging and building a future-ready infrastructure for professional drivers and beyond.

In this episode, we explore:

• Stella’s Evolution: How Stella went from being a ride-hailing app to becoming a leader in EV charging, focusing on the needs of professional drivers like taxi drivers.
• Building Strategic Partnerships: Why teaming up with companies like Alpitronic has been key to Stella’s success in creating reliable, cost-effective charging solutions.
• Standing Out in a Crowd: How Stella finds ways to shine in competitive markets like Oslo and what makes their approach unique.
• Scaling for the Future: Stella’s ambitious plans for expanding their ultra-fast urban charging networks across Europe and North America to meet growing demand.
• What’s Next for EV Charging: The challenges and opportunities in the EV world, including energy costs, pricing, and the role of government policies.

If you’re curious about where EV charging is headed or just want to hear how one company is helping to shape a greener, more connected future, this episode is for you. Tune in and get inspired!

Welcome back to In-Between Charges, we are back for season 3!

In this strong return, our hosts Mike and Kevin are joined by Pär Möller, the Global Head of Business and Partnership Development at Mer, a leading international operator in the EV charging industry. Together, they delve into Mer's journey of building a sustainable charging network across Europe, touching on the company's strategic partnerships with major brands like IKEA and McDonald's and the recent success in winning large-scale tenders like Deutschlandnetz. In this episode, Pär shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in expanding EV infrastructure, the importance of sustainability, and how Mer's unique approach is driving the electrification of transportation across different markets. Tune in to hear about the evolving landscape of EV charging and what it takes to establish a truly customer-centric and eco-friendly charging experience.

Happy listening and happy charging!

Hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg are joined by Jaap Burger, Senior Advisor on EV Grid Integration. Jaap brings his extensive experience and knowledge to discuss the nuances of smart charging for electric vehicles and the policies that maximize its potential for a decarbonized power market and grid.

Jump into the current state of smart charging in Europe, and explore with us how different regions are adopting this technology and the benefits it brings to consumers and the energy grid. Jaap explains the challenges and opportunities in integrating renewable energy sources, optimizing grid usage, and reducing costs for everybody: users, businesses and EV naysayers alike!

It’s almost impossible to discuss smart charging without vehicle-to-grid technology, so Jaap addressed the technical, regulatory, and market barriers we need to make V2G a reality. Stay till the end to hear his take and predictions for bidirectional charging and the future of a smarter relationship with the grid.

Happy charging!

Summer has arrived and it’s time for that annual road trip. Hopping in your EV and wondering how to navigate EV charging across borders? Or why the price of a kWh can vary so widely? This episode of “In-Between Charges” has the answers to all your questions. Hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg speak with famed “EV Travel Hacker” Electric Felix. Felix spends all his time driving and charging throughout Europe. They discuss the public charging scene in Europe, how certain countries have surprised him, and how charging operators are switching their focus from #MorePlugs to #MoreUsers.

As the annual tradition has become an electrified affair, drivers need to understand how to stay fueled up and charging operators need to ensure an optimal charging experience. This conversation with Felix will show how everyone involved can ensure summer 2024 is electric.

Happy charging!

In this episode of "In Between Charges," hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg sit down with Roel Visser, the Chief Commercial Officer at Milence, delving into the transformative world of electric heavy-duty vehicles. They delve into Roel's insights on the rapid growth of electric truck sales in Europe, the challenges of establishing a reliable charging infrastructure, and Mylans' strategic role in this transformative industry.

The conversation takes a deep dive into what a heavy duty CPO strategy looks like, the grid-grab vs. land-grab approach, the necessary and key collaboration among parties to develop the best sites for truck drivers and companies and more. The trio also unpacks the technological advancements that are accelerating the shift towards electric transport, including the development of megawatt charging stations and the implications for long-haul trucking. Roel offers a candid look at the regulatory landscape and its impact on the pace of electrification, sharing anecdotes from Milence's journey in pioneering a network across multiple European countries.

Tune in to discover how Europe is paving the way for a greener future on wheels, and why heavy-duty electric trucks are at the heart of this revolution.

Happy (heavy duty) charging!