The automotive industry is at a turning point, driven by Electric Vehicles (EVs), AI advancements, and economic pressures reshaping the transport sector. Karima Haji, Managing Director at Scania Financial Services joins the latest Auto Futurecast podcast to share how Scania FS navigates these challenges while keeping customer needs front and center.

Key Takeaways

AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement

• Streamlining operations: AI is transforming credit and risk management and simplifying documentation.
• Retaining the human touch: Scania ensures personalised customer support remains central to building trust and maintaining relationships.

Driving EV Adoption: The Role of Policy

• Cost barriers: Commercial EV adoption can be expensive, making government subsidies vital.
• Policy support: Initiatives like the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate give businesses confidence to invest in EV infrastructure.
• Clear guidance: Scania FS highlights the importance of stable policies to accelerate EV adoption.

Supporting Customers Through Economic Uncertainty

• Tailored solutions: Scania FS offers flexible financial and operational support, recognising every customer's unique journey towards electrification.
• Overcoming barriers: Helping operators navigate challenges and focus on sustainable growth.

Innovation Meets Stability

• Balancing technology and expertise: Scania combines cutting-edge tools with a commitment to strong customer relationships.
• Sustainable success: A clear roadmap driven by innovation and financial stability ensures long-term industry growth.

Redefining Transport for a Sustainable Future

With a focus on innovation, policy support, and customer-centric solutions, Scania FS is setting a new standard for a greener, more efficient transport industry.

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In our latest episode, we spoke with Nikki Rimmington, a strategy expert from battery cell start-up Volklec, about UK gigafactory developments.

With experience at Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, Nikki shared insights into the UK's electrification journey. We discussed challenges and opportunities in battery production, localised supply chains, and how start-ups like Volklec compete in this industry.

What is Volklec?

Volklec is a UK start-up aiming to become the country's only independent battery cell manufacturer. While larger projects like Agratas and AESC target high-volume production, Volklec focuses on specialised markets beyond automotive.

Who Does Volklec Serve?

Volklec caters to niche markets that struggle to attract large-scale suppliers:

• High-performance, low-volume automotive
• Aerospace (drone batteries)
• Defence (land and aerospace vehicles)
• Off-highway vehicles
• Rail, marine, medical technology, and robotics

A "Start Small, Think Big" Approach

Volklec builds capabilities and customer relationships gradually, learning from challenges faced by other European battery projects. This reduces risks associated with large-scale ventures.

Key Partnerships

Partnerships are central to Volklec's strategy:

• UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC): Volklec uses UKBIC's Coventry facility to produce cells without upfront factory capital.
• Far East Battery (FEB): Partnering with this Chinese battery company provides proven technology and reduces customer risk.

Gigafactory Challenges

Location Factors

• Skilled Workforce: Proximity to manufacturing hubs like the Midlands provides advantages
• Energy Infrastructure: Gigafactories require robust power and renewable energy plans
• Community Engagement: Poor local relations can cause delays, as seen with Tesla's Berlin factory

Operational Hurdles

• Investment: Securing funding requires clear plans and proven demand
• Product Focus: Factories must align with specific chemistries and formats
• Valley of Death: Bridging the gap between ideas and market-ready products

The Battery Ecosystem

Recycling Challenges

EU regulations require increased recycled content, but batteries are lasting longer than expected, creating supply shortfalls for recycling. Innovations like replacing individual cells instead of entire modules could extend lifespans further.

Government Support

The UK government supports batteries through investment zones and funding bodies like the Advanced Propulsion Centre. However, demand remains the biggest barrier—the UK's smaller market needs critical mass to drive investment and strengthen supply chains.

Looking to 2030

For the UK battery sector to thrive, Nikki envisions:

• Stronger demand across industries
• Renewed investor confidence
• Robust ecosystem from raw materials to recycling

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After years of setbacks and overhyped promises, self-driving car revolution is quietly becoming a reality.

The latest episode of Auto Futurecast dives into this transformation, Chris and co-host Natalie Sauber, Global Ecosystems Development Director for Arcadis, were joined by Martyn Briggs, Director at Bank of America. Together, they unpack the journey of autonomous vehicles (AVs) from ambitious beginnings to their growing presence on our streets.

As Martyn puts it, “This used to be a moonshot. Now it’s a soon shot.” With technology, infrastructure, and market conditions finally aligning, widespread AV adoption is no longer a distant goal—it’s happening now.

Autonomous Vehicles Are Already Here
AVs are no longer an experiment. In several cities, you can already hail a self-driving car, just like you would with Uber or Lyft. Companies like Waymo operate fleets of over 1,500 vehicles in the U.S., with plans to expand to 3,500 by the end of the year.

The market potential is massive. As Martyn notes, “We’re looking at a $1.2 trillion total addressable market for the tech alone, with the broader impact reaching $10 to $20 trillion or more when you consider the entire task economy.”

What’s Driving the AV Revolution?
Three key breakthroughs have made AVs commercially viable:

1. AI and Machine Learning:
   Modern AVs use advanced AI to process sensor data in real-time, making quick decisions that rival human drivers. These systems continuously improve with every mile driven, creating a feedback loop that boosts safety and efficiency.
2. Virtual Simulation:
   Developers use advanced simulation tools to test millions of scenarios virtually, speeding up development. Scenarios too dangerous to test on the road can be safely recreated, and generative AI helps explain how these systems make decisions—critical for gaining public trust.
3. Lower Hardware Costs:
   Sensors like LiDAR, once prohibitively expensive, are now produced at a fraction of their original cost. This affordability makes large-scale deployment economically feasible.

Collaboration is Key
Natalie Sauber emphasises the importance of collaboration: “It’s an ecosystem thing. No single entity can do it alone, it requires tech providers, OEMs, governments, and urban planners working together.”

Sustainability Fuels Adoption
Beyond convenience, AVs promise significant environmental benefits. By optimizing ride-sharing and fleet usage, they can reduce the total number of cars on the road. Autonomous systems also encourage efficient driving patterns, minimizing aggressive acceleration, optimizing routes, and smoothing traffic flow, all of which reduce emissions and energy consumption.

Building Social Acceptance
Technological advancements are only half the battle; societal acceptance is just as crucial. Gradual integration is key. As Martyn explains, early examples like robotic delivery services in residential areas initially drew curiosity but quickly became commonplace. This shows that when benefits are clear, people adapt quickly to new technology.

The Future of Transportation
After years of uncertainty, the autonomous vehicle industry is entering its next chapter. The technology is ready, the business models are maturing, and the ecosystem is coming together. While challenges remain, the question is no longer if AVs will transform transportation, it’s when.

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Electric vehicles are transforming the automotive landscape, but many fleet managers are hitting an unexpected roadblock: skyrocketing insurance premiums. While the long-term benefits of electrification are clear, the short-term insurance costs can be up to 25% higher than for traditional vehicles. So, what’s driving this trend?

In our latest episode Marc Spurling from Aon breaks down the complexities:

Why is EV Insurance So Expensive?
The insurance industry is grappling with what Aon calls "four megatrends"—weather, technology, trade, and people which complicate risk assessment for everyone. For EVs, this creates a few specific hurdles:

• Limited Historical Data: Compared to petrol or diesel cars with decades of claims history, EVs are still the new kids on the block. With less data to work from, insurers tend to play it safe and set higher premiums. As Marc puts it, "With limited data, trends are amplified into perceived substantial risks."
• Supply Chain and Repair Complexity: Modern EVs are essentially computers on wheels. A minor bump can damage sophisticated sensors or LIDAR systems, requiring specialist technicians and manufacturer-approved parts, both of which are in short supply. This complexity drives up repair costs and vehicle downtime, which in turn inflates insurance rates.

The Hidden Risk: Charging Infrastructure
Beyond the vehicles themselves, transitioning to an electric fleet introduces a new layer of risk that many fleet managers overlook: the charging infrastructure.

Property insurers are still cautious about the fire risks associated with EV charging, often imposing strict restrictions or hiking up premiums. Many businesses only discover these hurdles after they’ve started their electrification journey, leading to unexpected costs and delays. Furthermore, installing multiple charging points can strain a building’s power grid, and the space needed for a safe setup is often underestimated.

However, some forward-thinking companies are turning this challenge into a revenue stream. First Bus, for example, has created multi-use charging hubs that generate income by charging other vehicles during off-peak hours.

Is Data-Driven Insurance the Answer?
The idea that connected vehicle data would revolutionise insurance with pay-per-use models sounded promising, but the reality is more complicated.

Marc offers a sharp insight: "Data is the new oil, but crude oil needs to be refined to be useful, and the same goes for data." Early models that simply tracked mileage were too simplistic, three miles in central London carries far more risk than three miles on a rural motorway. Today, the focus is shifting to behavioural data to create a more accurate picture of risk.

What Are Smart Fleet Managers Doing?
Leading fleet managers aren’t waiting for the market to change; they’re taking control.

1. Embracing Early Adoption: Businesses already operating EV fleets are seeing the benefits of lower maintenance costs and improved reliability. As they build a positive risk profile, their insurance premiums are gradually coming down.
2. Practising Proactive Risk Management: Top performers work with specialised brokers to create tailored policies. By highlighting proactive measures like advanced driver training and vehicle monitoring, they can secure better terms.
3. Planning Infrastructure Early: A successful transition involves collaborating with property insurers and engineers before installing charging stations to address power, space, and safety requirements from the start.

The Road Ahead
Despite the hurdles, the future for electric fleets is bright. Advances in battery technology are reducing fire risks, and as the market matures, premiums are expected to stabilise.

Curious what goes into powering up the EV revolution? In the latest Auto Futurecast episode, we unpack the nuts and bolts of charging infrastructure with Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV.

Fast Facts from Our Conversation with Asif:

• Start-Up to Scale: Founded in 2021, Be.EV now operates across Greater Manchester, backed by £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation.
• Reality Check: Building charging sites isn’t plug-and-play—it involves site leases for 20-25 years, up to two years of development, and patient capital.
• Field Research: Be.EV’s team studies user behavior by spending hours in car parks, ensuring chargers fit people’s real routines.
• User Experience: Expectations have shifted:
• Early adopters loved to chat; today’s users just want quick, fuss-free charging.
• Supports contactless, app, and chip-and-pin payments to minimize friction.
• Auto-charge is the goal—a seamless, “just plug in and go” experience.
• Oasis Concept: The new Charging Oasis in Manchester breaks the petrol-station mold:
• Circular layout maximizes space and safety.
• Designed for how people actually behave during longer charging stops.
• Costs & Returns:
• £500K–£1M per site with a seven-year payback.
• Only 4% of cars are EVs now, but the real growth comes as numbers reach 30%.
• Lean core team (30–40 people); construction and maintenance are outsourced.
• Market Trends:
• Around 150 charge point operators in the UK—but consolidation is likely.
• Some seek site contracts first and hope funding follows; Be.EV secured funding up front for more stability.

Why It Matters:

• Cleaner Air: Cutting road emissions is core to Be.EV’s mission. Infrastructure is the foundation of a more sustainable transport future.
• Patience Required: Building for tomorrow’s demand means investing ahead of the curve and obsessing over the customer experience.

Want more?

We release a new episode every two weeks focussing on the latest trends in automotive, technology and the mobility space. Expect lots of talk around EVs, AI and AVs.

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The UK automotive market is at a turning point, with electric vehicles (EVs), new retail models, and Chinese competition reshaping the landscape. Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader, joined Auto Futurecast to share his perspective on affordability, consumer behaviour, and how retailers can adapt in this fast-moving environment.

⚡ EV Affordability and Adoption

• Price gap between ICE and EVs has narrowed from 36% to 23%.
• Greater model availability, especially under £30k, is driving demand.
• Used EVs are fuelling broader adoption.
• Salary sacrifice remains a powerful, underappreciated driver of uptake.

🔋 Multi-Life Vehicles and Residual Values

• EV depreciation steepened in early 2023, but stabilised once parity was reached with ICE.
• 2–5 year old EVs are now the fastest turning segment on Auto Trader.
• Longer lifecycles, refurbishment, and second-life battery value will underpin sustainable growth.

🇨🇳 Lessons from China

• China’s EV market is already at mass adoption—quality, affordability, and tech are givens.
• The new battleground is autonomous features, with “Level 2++” fast becoming the norm.
• Chinese brands are setting the pace in over-the-air updates, voice-first interfaces, and customer feedback loops.

🏪 The Future of Automotive Retail

• Despite challenges, UK retailers remain resilient, averaging 1.5% long-term profitability.
• Digital transformation and AI offer efficiency gains in finance, service booking, and lead management.
• Consumer-controlled booking tools (e.g., test drives) boost conversion by up to 50%.
• The biggest untapped opportunity? Retention of used car customers into aftersales and repeat purchases.

🧭 Key Takeaways

Retailers must rethink retention, embrace digital, and prepare for a more complex, multi-brand EV market. Success will come from meeting consumers where they are, whether on price, tech, or ownership flexibility.

Subscribe to catch up and listen to all of our episodes where we talk all things EV, AV and the innovative tech shaping the future of mobility.

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, and Lotus is navigating this shift with a distinct strategy that bridges its legacy and the future of electrification. Frederik Gollob, COO of Lotus Cars Europe, recently shared his vision on Auto Futurecast, revealing how the iconic British brand balances heritage with cutting-edge technology to serve a diverse customer base.

Lotus's Dual Strategy: Heritage Meets Innovation

• Two pathways for customer engagement:
  • Heritage Line: Iconic models like the Elise, Evora, and Emira (manual, V6-powered sports car).
  • Electrification Line: Premium EVs like the Eletre SUV and Emeya sports sedan.
• Balances traditional driving experience with cutting-edge electric performance.

⚡ Redefining the Driving Experience

• The Emeya transforms driving into a seamless, relaxed experience—even for speed enthusiasts.
• Over-the-air updates continuously improve vehicle performance and systems.
• Creates an evolving customer relationship similar to smartphone tech.

🏪 Retail Strategy: Dealer-First Approach

• Lotus remains committed to its dealer network, resisting a direct-to-consumer model.
• Belief that premium vehicles require tangible, in-person experiences.
• Dealers play a crucial role in showcasing craftsmanship and fostering strong customer relationships.

👨‍💻 Target Customer Profile

• Typically tech-savvy entrepreneurs, aged 40–60.
• Customers are highly informed and do extensive research before visiting a dealership.
• Lotus benefits from word-of-mouth advocacy from this knowledgeable customer base.

🌱 Optimism in the EV Market

• Positive outlook for premium EV adoption, especially in Europe.
• Tax incentives (e.g., Germany’s benefits for EVs under €100,000) support market growth.
• Aligns well with the needs and tastes of Lotus’s core demographic.

🧭 Lessons from Lotus’s Dual-Path Strategy

• A blueprint for legacy automakers:
  • Preserve traditional models.
  • Introduce modern EVs to broaden appeal.
• Strengthens brand loyalty, supports long-term growth, and meets diverse consumer needs.

Subscribe to catch up and listen to all of our episodes where we talk all things EV, AV and the innovative tech shaping the future of mobility.

The EV transition is well underway—but it’s not without turbulence.

While automakers race to innovate and new players enter the global stage, the electric vehicle (EV) landscape is increasingly clouded by confusion, mistrust, and misinformation. From viral myths about battery life to political narratives shaping public opinion, the EV sector faces challenges that go far beyond hardware and horsepower.

In this episode of Fake News, Real Cars, we sit down with Dan Caesar, CEO of Fully Charged, one of the world’s most influential platforms advocating for clean energy and electric mobility. Dan brings a refreshing, no-nonsense perspective to what’s really happening behind the scenes of the EV revolution. With his trademark clarity and insight, he unpacks the complex interplay between technology, consumer psychology, and global economics driving today’s electric vehicle movement.

What we cover in this episode:

1. Misinformation and media spin:
Dan opens up about the rising tide of anti-EV sentiment, particularly in the UK and US, where political agendas and media narratives are distorting public understanding. He highlights how organizations like Electric Vehicles UK are pushing back with data-driven, positive storytelling.

2. Global competition heats up:
With nearly 70 automotive brands now fighting for market share in the UK alone, Dan describes the current environment as “a game of musical chairs.” He also details how Chinese automakers are leveraging markets like Australia to prepare for broader global dominance—particularly in right-hand-drive territories.

3. The new EV buyer is digitally native:
Forget the dealership. Today’s EV customers are getting their information from YouTube, influencers, and peer reviews—not TV ads or glossy brochures. Dan explains how this shift in behavior presents both challenges and massive opportunities for brands to connect with new audiences.

4. Closing the perception gap:
Outdated myths around charging anxiety and poor range are losing their grip as real-world EV ownership proves otherwise. Improved infrastructure, falling costs, and practical experiences are gradually replacing fear with confidence.

5. Innovations on the horizon:
Dan explores promising new technologies like vehicle-to-grid integration and sodium-ion batteries—breakthroughs that could redefine both the economics and accessibility of EVs in the near future.

Why this episode matters:
The world is at an inflection point. As governments, manufacturers, and consumers move toward decarbonised transport, the battle for hearts and minds is as important as the battle for better batteries. Dan Caesar offers a grounded, experienced take on how the industry can cut through the noise and accelerate meaningful change.

Whether you're an EV enthusiast, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode gives you the clarity and context to understand what’s really going on—and where things are heading.