エピソード

  • 145: Dale Eynon | Fleet Consultant

    145: Dale Eynon | Fleet Consultant
    2025/12/17
    This week, the EV Café team goes live at Fleet Mobility Live with a very special guest: Dale Eynon, former Head of Fleet at the Environment Agency and now a semi-retired consultant, passionate environmentalist, and mentor to the next generation of fleet leaders.

    With over 20 years’ experience managing 10,000+ diverse assets—from cars, vans and HGVs to marine vessels and heavy plant—Dale shares his journey from incident management into fleet, and the steep learning curve that followed. He reflects on:

    • The evolution of electric fleets – from early Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi i-MiEvs to today’s 500-mile EVs
    • Winning hearts and minds to accelerate EV adoption and break down early myths
    • The van and 4x4 challenge – why rural operations, towing, and depot-free fleets remain one of the final frontiers for electrification
    • The power of BIK incentives and TCO modelling in driving fleet transitions
    • Culture, people, and resilience – key lessons from leading through change
    Dale also opens up about his “semi-early retirement”, his love of low-carbon travel, and his commitment to supporting the next generation of fleet professionals through the AFP and industry mentorship.

    If you want insight from someone who’s seen it all in the shift to zero emissions—and still believes the best is yet to come—this episode is for you.

    Dale Eynon (LinkedIn)
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-eynon-252a644
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    28 分
  • 144: Rebecca Denyer | Sebring Works

    144: Rebecca Denyer | Sebring Works
    2025/12/10
    This week, Paul and Sara (a.k.a. The Sazmanator) sit down with Rebecca Denyer, co-founder of Sebring Works, the innovative British company hand-building retro-inspired electric sports cars!

    Rebecca shares the remarkable journey from a classic car enthusiast and accountant to an EV pioneer, creating stunning 1950s and 60s-style electric cars that combine nostalgia, performance, and sustainability. Discover how Sebring Works:

    • Builds handcrafted, zero-emission sports cars on their own EV skateboard platform
    • Balances classic car charm with modern reliability and 240+ miles of real-world range
    • Champions collaboration in the low-volume automotive sector
    • Explores sustainable manufacturing, including plant-fibre car bodies grown locally
    • Brings joy to drivers with what they now call the “Sebring Smile”

    This episode is all about innovation, resilience, and the power of pursuing your passion responsibly—while leaving a legacy for the next generation. If you’ve ever dreamed of a classic car without the oil leaks, breakdowns, or guilt, this one will make you smile.

    Rebecca Denyer (LinkedIn)
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-denyer/?originalSubdomain=uk

    Sebring Works
    https://www.sebring-design.com
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    53 分
  • 143: Sarah Gray | Dawnsongroup Vans

    143: Sarah Gray | Dawnsongroup Vans
    2025/12/03
    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/

    ### Dawnsongroup Vans
    https://www.dawsongroupvans.co.uk
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    36 分
  • 142: Michael Braybrook | Zaptec

    142: Michael Braybrook | Zaptec
    2025/11/26
    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
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    41 分
  • 141: Nigel Allsop, BT

    141: Nigel Allsop, BT
    2025/11/19
    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/
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    45 分
  • 140: Lisa Thomas | Motability Operations

    140: Lisa Thomas | Motability Operations
    2025/11/12
    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/
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    54 分
  • 139: Stuart Murphy on Royal Mail’s Zero-Emission Transition

    139: Stuart Murphy on Royal Mail’s Zero-Emission Transition
    2025/11/05
    In this special live-recorded episode of The EV Café Takeaway, Paul and John sit down at Fleet & Mobility Live with Stuart Murphy, Head of Fleet Transformation at Royal Mail, to explore how one of the UK’s most iconic organisations is delivering a cleaner, zero-emission future.

    Stuart shares his journey from growing up in the Royal Mail family to leading one of the largest electric fleet transformations in the country. With over 8,000 electric vans already on the road – and 50,000 vehicles to electrify – his team is proving that EVs aren’t just cleaner, they’re more reliable and cost-effective for the business, too.

    In this episode, you’ll discover:
    • How Royal Mail is tackling the complex challenge of electrifying a diverse fleet that delivers to 32 million addresses – from city streets to remote islands.
    • Why EVs outperform diesel for stop-start postal routes and dramatically reduce maintenance headaches.
    • Stuart’s people-first approach to leading 26,000 drivers through change, turning sceptics into enthusiastic EV advocates.
    • The organisation’s first steps into electric HGVs, depot charging, and the potential for future charger sharing.
    • Personal insights into Stuart’s leadership, resilience, and what drives him to care so deeply about the mission.

    Whether you’re running a fleet, exploring electrification, or just love hearing from passionate leaders shaping a sustainable future, this episode is packed with candid stories and practical lessons.

    🎧 Listen now to hear how Royal Mail is delivering zero-emission innovation, one red vehicle at a time.

    Stuart Murphy
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-murphy-4400a547
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    40 分
  • 138: Chris Demitriou, Islington Council

    138: Chris Demitriou, Islington Council
    2025/10/29
    Chris Demetriou, (Assistant Director of Corporate Fleet, Transport and Accessible Community Transport at Islington Borough Council) has spent over 24 years in the public sector and now leads one of the UK’s most ambitious local authority fleet decarbonisation programmes.

    Chris shares his journey from a two-week temp job to becoming a driving force behind Islington’s transition to electric vehicles, with over 140 EVs in operation and innovative vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trials underway. He opens up about the challenges of electrifying large municipal fleets, from refuse trucks to community transport buses, and why collaboration and infrastructure sharing between councils is critical for resilience and improved air quality.

    Beyond the technology, Chris speaks passionately about air quality, mental health, and resilience, drawing on his own experiences with asthma, running 11 miles to work daily, and leading by example in the fight for a zero-emission future.

    If you want to hear how a local authority can become a genuine pioneer in fleet electrification, and why bold leadership, persistence, and innovation matter, this episode is for you.

    🎧 Listen now to discover:
    • The realities of transitioning a 500+ vehicle municipal fleet to electric
    • Lessons learned from being a “guinea pig” for first- and second-gen EVs
    • How V2G and microgrids could transform fleet operations
    • The personal drive and resilience behind public sector innovation
    Chris Demetriou
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-demetriou-6a716a5a/?originalSubdomain=uk
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    54 分