Paul and John sit down with Peter Heath of PLP—the “biggest company you’ve never heard of,” supplying critical infrastructure for energy networks, EV charging, and solar carports. From recycled-plastic EV foundations that remove the need for concrete to helical-screw solar carports that can be installed in a single day, Peter explains how PLP is cutting carbon while enabling the transition to net zero.

The conversation moves beyond technology into Peter’s personal world—his love of the countryside, commitment to environmental action, late ADHD diagnosis, and the experience of adopting his daughter. He reflects on risk-taking, resilience, and the importance of leaving the planet in better shape for the next generation.

Peter Heath
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterheath1/

PLP EV
https://www.ev.plp.com

This episode dives into the world of electric adventure travel with Tom Weiser and Kevin Murphy, co-founders of Nerpa Travel. Their company crafts low-impact, high-adventure trips that swap petrol-powered bangers for electric motorbikes and e‑bikes, combining sustainable transport with genuine cultural immersion.

Tom and Kev share:

• How COVID and COP26 inspired them to launch Nerpa Travel
• The reality of running EV adventures in places like Vietnam, Thailand, and Wales
• Charging challenges, public transport hacks, and “squeaky bum” moments on the road
• Why small group travel and community connections are at the heart of their model
• Plans for upcoming adventures, including potential West Africa expeditions

From mountain passes in rural Vietnam to the slow travel benefits of local buses, this conversation explores how EV travel can be both practical and transformative.

Find out more at https://www.nerpatravel.com and discover their upcoming Lost in Vietnam trip, 3–13 December 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/

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

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/

Palmer Energy
https://www.palmerenergytechnology.com

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

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/

Kerbo Charge
https://www.kerbocharge.com

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/