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Episode 161: Liz Allan and Asif Ghafoor - Building Community, Not Just Chargers

Liz Allan speaks to Asif Ghafoor, CEO and Co-Founder of Be.EV, about his mission to build an EV charging network that does more than just deliver power, it creates community.

From his early career in banking and infrastructure to co-founding Be.EV during lockdown, Asif shares how lived experience and big-picture thinking shaped his vision for a customer-first, community-led network. They discuss Asif's philosophy behind Be.EV’s landmark Charging Oasis in Manchester, a site designed to be as welcoming and accessible as it is functional.

Asif also explains why partnerships, empowerment, and culture matter just as much as kilowatts and uptime, and why being the “CPO of choice” is about creating that warm glow for drivers.

Asif Ghafoor Bio

Asif Ghafoor is the CEO of Be.EV, where he leads with a clear focus on community, culture, and customer experience. Drawing on years in infrastructure and investment, he has built a reputation for challenging industry norms and putting people at the heart of EV charging. Known as the “roving CEO,” Asif is often on the road, meeting drivers, visiting testing sites, and sharing candid insights on social media. Under his leadership, Be.EV has become recognised for bold design choices, strong partnerships, and a mission to make public charging welcoming, reliable, and accessible for everyone.

Quote of the Episode

“Who wants 50,000 chargers if the experience is terrible? The real prize is building a network people actually want to use.” Asif Ghafoor

Asif Ghafoor Links:

Website: https://be-ev.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asif-ghafoor-095486

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The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard.

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Episode 160: Liz Allan and Rachel Morrison - The Hidden Story of Sustainable Studios.

Liz Allan speaks to Rachel Morrison, Director of Farnborough International Studios. They explore how film and TV production is embracing sustainability, from cutting diesel use and powering unit bases through on-site solar, to rehoming sets with charities and local partners.

Film and TV might look like magic on screen, but behind the scenes, there’s a serious sustainability shift underway. Rachel shares how Farnborough is integrating low-carbon practices into everyday production, from BAFTA’s Albert accreditation to why “plan the reuse at day one” saves both money and materials, and what a large, multi-use site like Farnborough can achieve while hosting The British Motor Show, Everything Electric, and major productions.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens to sets after wrap, how batteries and on-grid power are changing location work, or how studios can support EV adoption on site, this one will open your eyes.

Rachel Morrison Bio:
Rachel Morrison is Director of Farnborough International Studios, where she leads one of the UK’s most versatile filming and events sites. With two 22,000 sq ft sound stages, 210,000 sq ft of filming space and 3,500 parking spaces, Farnborough has hosted productions from Mission: Impossible and Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw to BBC documentaries and Stacey Solomon’s Sort Your Life Out.

Rachel has built her career in studio and event management, previously holding roles at Fountain Studios (home to The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent), Twickenham Film Studios, Stage 50, and on large-scale BBC events such as the Proms and election coverage. She is passionate about embedding sustainability into studio operations, from achieving BAFTA Albert accreditation to forging community partnerships that reduce the environmental footprint of productions.

Rachel Morrison Links:
Website: https://www.farnboroughinternational.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-morrisonuk222

Quote of the episode:
“We’re trying to save the world just a tiny bit more, one production at a time.” Rachel Morrison, Director, Farnborough International Studios.

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If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

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The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard.

Links for Full Circle CI:
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Episode 159: Liz Allan and Tracy Kearns - Driving Wales's Net Zero Future.

Liz Allan speaks to Tracy Kearns, the Head of EV Charging Infrastructure for the Welsh Government. They discuss Tracy's diverse career journey, her current role in promoting electric vehicle infrastructure, and the importance of community engagement and innovation in the EV sector. Tracy shares insights from her involvement with the EV Rally Cymru, from gap-filling on strategic routes to community moments with school pupils discovering EVs for the first time, and why events like these help demystify electric mobility for the public and decision-makers alike.

Tracy Kearns Bio:
Tracy Kearns brings a wealth of experience from across various sectors, having worked in finance, HR, consultancy, and major transport projects before stepping into the EV world. Her varied career has given her a unique perspective on how to connect policy with practical delivery and how to bring different stakeholders together to make change happen. Passionate about inclusion and innovation, she champions projects that not only accelerate the transition to electric mobility but also ensure communities are actively involved and benefit along the way. Recognised as part of the GREENFLEET 100, Tracy is known for her collaborative style and genuine enthusiasm for shaping a fairer, cleaner transport future.

Quote of the Episode:
“My main job is turning policy into delivery, working with Transport for Wales and councils so the right charging gets built, and it's accessible for everyone.”

Tracy Kearns Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyjkearns

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

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The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard.

Links for Full Circle CI:
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Episode 158: Liz Allan and Steve Robinson - Driving Talent for Net Zero: Recruitment’s Role in the EV Transition.

Liz Allan speaks to Steve Robinson, Director of EV and Future Mobility at Hyperion Search. Steve shares his remarkable journey from early beginnings in retail and oil & gas recruitment to becoming a leader in clean energy, electric vehicles, and future mobility.

Together, Liz and Stephen explore how the EV and renewable energy sectors are powered not only by infrastructure and technology but by the people behind them. Stephen explains how Hyperion Search partners with startups, scale-ups, and global players to find the right talent that can accelerate growth and innovation in clean tech.

They discuss the evolving demands of the EV charging landscape, from project management and grid connection to customer experience and data-driven optimisation. Stephen also highlights the critical role of workplace culture in retaining top talent, and why collaboration across the industry keeps him optimistic about reaching net zero.

Steve Robinson Bio:
Steve Robinson is Director of EV and Future Mobility at Hyperion Search, a specialist recruitment firm supporting clean energy and mobility organisations across Europe and beyond. With more than a decade of experience in recruitment, including almost six years in EVs, Steve has helped some of the sector’s most innovative companies scale their teams and expand into new markets. Driven by a passion for purpose-led work and creating a cleaner future for his young family, he combines industry knowledge with a people-first approach to support the growth of renewables, EV charging, battery storage, and future mobility businesses.

Quote of the Episode:
"Without people, a business is nothing. They’re the ones who take a scrappy startup in someone’s garage and help it grow into a unicorn." — Steve Robinson.

Steve Robinson Links:
Hyperion Search: https://hyperionsearch.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenr19

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

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The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard.

Links for Full Circle CI:
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Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast

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Episode 157: Liz Allan and Jade Edwards - Zapmap Insights, Hubs & Simple Charging.

Liz Allan speaks to Jade Edwards, Head of Insights at Zapmap, about how data and customer feedback are shaping the future of public EV charging in the UK. Jade explains how Zapmap’s insights reveal clear growth in charging hubs and ultra-rapid chargers, as well as the acceleration of on-street provision beyond London. She discusses the role of utilisation and reliability data in guiding investment decisions for charge point operators and local authorities, and why driver simplicity, contactless and roaming payments without unnecessary steps, is key to confidence at the plug. The conversation also highlights Zapmap’s recent industry reports, including “Are We Nearly There Yet?”, which helps councils to identify gaps in EV charging provision. Jade also shares her perspective on signage, visibility, and future trends that will influence EV driver behaviour and industry strategy.

Quote of the Episode:
“Ask the right questions, then find the data that will help you answer those questions.” — Jade Edwards.

Jade Edwards Bio:
Jade Edwards is the Head of Insights at Zapmap, where she leads the delivery of data and analysis that support charge point operators, local authorities, and government in building reliable EV charging networks. With a background in data analytics, Jade focuses on turning complex information into actionable insights that improve utilisation, reliability, and the overall driver experience.

Jade Edwards Links:
Website: https://www.zap-map.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-edwards-0a16b51

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard.

Links for Full Circle CI:
Visit our website: https://fullcircleci.co.uk/podcasts

Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast

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Episode 156: Liz Allan and Tina Mould - Building a Greener Future: Inside Oxford’s EV and Sustainability Drive.
Liz Allan speaks to Tina Mould, Environmental Sustainability Team Lead at Oxford City Council, to explore how one of the UK’s leading councils is tackling climate action head-on. Oxford declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has been at the forefront of delivering ambitious sustainability and EV charging projects ever since. Tina shares her journey from chemistry research to local government leadership, the bold strategies Oxford is taking to build reliable EV infrastructure, and the importance of biodiversity and community engagement alongside electrification.

Liz and Tina discuss the challenges of scaling EV adoption, the role of councils in creating accessible charging networks, and the opportunities for innovation when public and private sectors collaborate.

Tina Mould Bio:
Tina Mould is the Environmental Sustainability Team Lead at Oxford City Council, where she leads on strategy, delivery, and innovation to support the city’s transition to net zero. With a background that spans finance, HR, transport, and a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Exeter, Tina brings a unique combination of technical expertise and practical leadership. She has been instrumental in developing Oxford’s approach to EV infrastructure, biodiversity projects, and climate resilience, making her a key figure in shaping sustainable urban futures.

Quote of the Episode
“Declaring a climate emergency isn’t just words, it’s a responsibility to act, and to make sure our communities are part of that journey.” — Tina Mould

Tina Mould Links:
Website: https://www.oxford.gov.uk
Oxford Biodiversity Project: https://mycouncil.oxford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=2513
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mould-es1

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

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The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard.

Links for Full Circle CI:
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Episode 155: Liz Allan and Euan Macleod - The Future of Destination Charging: Simplicity, Trust and Growth.

Liz Allan speaks to Euan Macleod, Head of Commercial at VOQA, about how effortless EV charging can reshape the driver experience.

Euan explains why simplicity in payment and usability is key to building trust with drivers and businesses alike, and why VOQA is focusing on destination charging as a critical part of the EV transition. They explore his mystery shopper experiences testing public chargers, the importance of contactless payments, and how businesses like hotels and workplaces can use charging as a value-added service.

Quote of the episode:
"If I can walk into a coffee shop and buy a cup of coffee with a credit card, why can’t I simply turn up at an EV charging station, tap my card, plug in, and get on with my day?" — Euan Macleod.

Euan Macleod Bio
Euan Macleod is a commercial leader with a track record of building customer-focused solutions in high-growth industries. Now Head of Commercial at VOQA, he is helping to develop a new generation of destination EV chargers designed with simplicity and reliability at their core. With decades of experience in telecoms and several years in EV charging, Euan brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, business acumen, and passion for sustainability. Outside of his role, he is a strong advocate for inclusive, user-friendly charging that supports the shift to net zero.

Euan Macleod Links:
Website: https://www.voqa.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euanmacleod?

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

Click the link below to find out how to add a review on Apple or Spotify
https://bit.ly/4dtiMJK

The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard.

Links for Full Circle CI:
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Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast

Support our podcast here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/electricevolutionpodcast

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Episode 154: Liz Allan and Ben Nelmes - How EV Sales Are Surging and What It Means for the UK’s Net Zero Journey.

Liz Allan speaks to Ben Nelmes, Executive Director and co-founder of New Automotive. They explore the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption in the UK and what it means for our path to net zero.

Ben shares the journey that led him from shaping climate and energy policy in Parliament to establishing New Automotive in 2020, an independent think tank dedicated to accelerating the shift to zero-emission vehicles through data-driven insight. They discuss the numbers behind June’s landmark moment when one in four new cars sold in the UK was electric, highlighting the conditions that made it possible and the lessons it offers for other markets.

Liz and Ben also dive into the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, consumer mindset shifts, the affordability debate, and the findings of the Cost of Driving Electric report. Ben explains how New Automotive uses data not just to track EV adoption, but to cut through misinformation, influence policy, and support a fair, inclusive transition.

Ben Nelmes Bio:
Ben Nelmes has spent his career at the intersection of climate policy and transport, helping shape how the UK responds to the challenge of decarbonisation. Before co-founding New Automotive in 2020, he advised the chair of the House of Commons Environment Committee and worked across a range of energy and environmental policy roles. Known for turning complex data into clear, actionable insights, Ben has become a respected voice in the EV sector, championing transparency, consumer awareness, and evidence-based policy to accelerate the shift to cleaner transport.

Quote of the Episode:
“The UK is emerging as a real case study of success; one in four new cars sold is now electric, and that should give us hope and confidence about what’s possible.” — Ben Nelmes, Executive Director, New Automotive

Ben Nelmes Links:
Website: https://newautomotive.org
New Automotive July BEV Sales Report: https://newautomotive.org/ecc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennelmes?

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Electric Evolution, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us improve and enables more people to discover valuable insights from our amazing guests.

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The Electric Evolution Podcast is proudly produced by Podforge, helping purpose-driven voices be heard.

Links for Full Circle CI:
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Electric Evolution LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-evolution-podcast

Support our podcast here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/electricevolutionpodcast