Stu's EV Universe

This episode, Stu chats with Michelle Pierce, founder of EV Nirvana. Pierce talks about her personal and professional journey working to make EVs and EV infrastructure more accessible for everyone. Reaching EV Nirvana doesn't mean having the most luxury car -- it's finding the EV that's best for you. Listen to this interesting and inspiring conversation!

This time, Stu chats with Dr. Russell Bird about a recent study by the American Lung Association about how widespread use of electric vehicles and clean power would dramatically improve the health of millions of people. They also talk about the pros and cons of EVs and even how fun they can be to drive. Join these two friends as they discuss all this and more!

This time, Stu chats with Andy Slye, a tech and EV YouTuber. They talk about changes in his personal life, EV culture online, and the world. Listen to this interesting and lively chat as Stu and Andy catch up and discuss all of these exciting things!

This episode, Stu talks to Jason Hill, Aptera's chief of design. They catch up and chat about putting people first, form following function, myth-busting, and even Hot Wheels! The green future will be bright!

This episode, Stu talks to Dave Lewis, the CEO of MoveEV, a company that helps cities and organizations convert their fleets to zero-emission vehicles. MoveEV has a unique charge-at-home solution that reduces cost and makes the switch easier. They chat about the health benefits, the economic benefits, and the fun that is inherent in making this switch!

After a bit of a hiatus, Stu comes back to the podcast talking to Rob Simon about a road-trip with his son in his electric car. They went from North Carolina to Florida to pick up his late father's golf cart to donate to the Solar Microgrid program at Warren Wilson University so that they can convert it to solar power. They chat about father-son bonding, EV road-trips, environmentalism, coming full circle, and a moving story about seeing nesting sea turtles. Tune in to this heartwarming and interesting episode!

This is part 2 of our exclusive interview with Aptera Chief of Design Jason Hill. What are the benefits of the vehicle's unique features, such as as in-wheel motors?  What goes into figuring out where the charge port should go?  What is the value of a beautiful design on the inside as well as what is seen?  What kinds of challenges have cropped up and how were those handled?  He answers these questions, some listener questions, and much more.  Tune in for the conclusion of this thoughtful interview!   

In this episode, Stu talks with the person who literally wrote the book on electric cars, Brian Culp.  As the author of Electric Cars for Dummies, Brian was tasked with educating the general public about electric cars in a fun and conversational way.  The Dummies series is over 30 years old with seasoned veterans like David Pogue getting their start there.  We talk about the inner workings of writing a "Dummies" book and what sparked his interest in electric cars.  With so many new people considering a vehicle with a plug for their next purchase, is this the perfect time for taking EV learning to the next level in a light-hearted and comprehensive way?  Tune in to find out!   

In this episode, Stu speaks with Michael Benson, co-owner of Command Consulting, LLC.  Michael, a retired fire chief, talks about the myths of frequent EV fires, the safety (or lack thereof) of hybrids, and the how the physics of different types of vehicles comes in to play for both safety and performance.  We also talk about why EVs can be extremely beneficial for both city and emergency fleets and can save tons of money for taxpayers.  We even take a deeper dive into the features and benefits of microgrids. Lots to unpack and learn!   

Stu ends up ending the year on a bittersweet note-- unexpectedly having to say goodbye to his trusty blue Nissan Leaf. He reflects on his time with the car he dubbed "Betty Blue" as he looks towards an exciting new year (perhaps with a new electric car).  Thank you everyone who has listened to this podcast for the past two years, we are excited to continue making it and sharing it with you-- and we already have some exciting things planned! A special thank you to our Patrons and to anyone who has shared this podcast with their friends and family. We wish everyone an amazing New Years filled with happiness and hope!

This week, Stu chats with Todd Jackson, the team manager of the University of Kentucky Solar Car Team! They discuss the history of the team and how solar cars have evolved over the years. Todd talks about the culture of the team and about how their experience can transfer to electric cars and other engineering careers. They even discuss how the Aptera vehicle is influenced by the work that these universities are doing in the field of solar-powered vehicles. Here comes the solar car! 

This week, Stu speaks with Reverend John Odom about how electric transportation fits into the fabric of creation care. We explore a specific EV charging collaborative program, how a greater global view often leads to increased care for the planet, the need for all humankind to protect the earth and there is even a brief shoutout to William Shatner!   

This week, Stu talks to Michael Bream about the EV Learning Center (EV-LC). Through conversations at his business, EV West, a non-profit STEM school was born. At EV-LC, they teach kids about electric vehicles, how they work, how to fix them, and more!  How hard is it to teach young kids about tech? How is this school helping kids get a head start in the ever-changing car industry? Listen and find out! 

This week, Stu talks to Dana Briggs, owner of EVentures EV car rentals  in Dayton, Ohio. Through a generational love of cars, he found his  niche… his “car calling” if you will. He manages a large and diversified  stable of electric rides. Find out more about this unique and electric  business! 

This week, Stu talks with Joel Levin, Executive Director of Plug in America.  We discuss many specifics about the Inflation Reduction Act and how it will effect the future of electric vehicles.  We also discuss the history and importance of Plug in America as the voice of the EV consumer.  What are the immediate challenges in the short term for EV adoption and what will be the biggest challenges as we move forward?   

This week, Stu talks with Jeff Stoll! Stoll has worked for Tesla in various roles for several years. He chats about his personal journey and how above all, Tesla values his drive and ambition. Hear his thoughts on where we are now on our electric journey and what is in store on the road ahead! Will advances in technology lead to a more just and equitable society and the luxury of us all having more time?   

Stu speaks with Elaine Borseth, President of the Electric Vehicle Association about the group’s roots, where they are now and what is in store for the future. 

Stu has his first ever round-table discussion with past guests Spencer Rhoden and Eden Ungar, along with new guests Kelly Parker and Dylan Mears. These four 20-year-olds and Stu discuss the future of electric vehicles, public transportation, climate change, and more! They talk about the next generation of drivers and how transportation -- and the world --  is changing. This fascinating conversation is full of twists and turns, showing that we all need to work together to drive into a better world.  

Stu speaks with John Hipchen, Executive Director of the Electric School Bus Coalition.  For years, bright yellow school buses were followed by a trail of dirty diesel fumes.  Now that is starting  change.  The health benefits to our children and our environment depend on school buses getting cleaner and electrification promises a much healthier ride for our kids.  But the transition will have its challenges and hurdles.  What needs to change?  Will it be a smooth ride?  Will the federal money available be enough, or is it just the start?  Tune in to find out!   

Stu chats with Justin Morgan, chairperson of automotive technology at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. Sinclair has the distinction of being the oldest automotive program in the nation (starting in 1906). Morgan looks to the future by providing innovative programs like the intensive training program Tesla Start. And most recently the college has acquired a GM EV1 to bring a bit of history to the program. Ambitious offerings designed to train the next generation of technicians — looking ahead to an electric future!  

Stu talks with Jack Smith, who traces Horatio Nelson Jackson's 1903 journey -- the first cross-country automobile trip in the United States.  Smith drives a 60's-era VW bus, converted to electric, dubbed the Rust Bus.  Each journey had its own unique set of challenges.  Drive on this adventurous path with us and find out more!   

Stu talks to Ed Fessler who has raced cross country since he was a teen. Now, after catching the EV bug with his Tesla, he has taken the leap to electric on two wheels. Tune in to find out more!  

Stu speaks with Rap Hankins about his community of Trotwood, Ohio and his journey to make this great community better.  For underserved communities, there can be a lot of challenges, and Rap is working hard to make sure that his neighbors aren't left behind as we move towards a cleaner, more equitable future with electric vehicles.  EVs are fun, but we also explore the deeper side of what it means to be part of a greater EV family and what it means for future generations.  This is easily one of my favorite discussions to date.  Have a listen!   

Gas?  Where we are going we don’t need gas!  In this episode we go back to the future as we talk to Joost de Vries, CEO of DeLorean Motor Company, to discuss the reimagining and rebirth of the iconic Delorean. And who better than Joost, with a lifetime in the automotive industry working for the likes of Tesla in its infancy and Karma Automotive. Can lightning strike again?  

In this episode, Stu speaks to Berea, Kentucky's Police Chief Eric Scott. Berea is currently the only city in Kentucky to purchase EVs as cruisers. It’s now been a year since they were deployed in the community. Find out how they have been received by the community, how the officers adapted, how the costs compare to their “traditional” gas vehicles, and how these vehicles have effected their police work. All this rolls into their overarching wholistic approach to community policing. You’ll even meet Buddy their police puppy!  

Join us for our one-year anniversary episode!  Stu's extra special guest is Zan Dubin-Scott, an EV pioneer and the co-founder of Plug-in America.  Zan and Stu share a common passion -- marketing.  Within these few delightful minutes we explore the past, present and future of marketing as it relates to electric vehicles and hear about the early days of our EV revolution!   

On this episode, Stu talks to Sunny Gulati, one of Evolve KY's most active members. Sunny was kind enough to take me for a spin in his Tesla Model Y with Full Self Driving (FSD) so that I can experience it first hand.  What are FSD's strengths?  What are its weaknesses?  Will it ever be ready for prime time?  Will Sunny's wife stop punching him in the arm for having FSD on?  Answers to all of those questions and more on this special "drive along" episode!    

On this episode, Stu talks to Sujoy Dhar, an Indian journalist who has written and edited many environmental and business stories, about EVs in his country. While there’s growing interest, a lack of charging infrastructure hinders wide adoption. What are government leaders saying about the future? What sorts of EVs are people there most interested in? What does the prospect of green transportation mean for the nation’s air pollution problems? Tune in and find out more about the global promise of electric vehicles!  

On this episode, Stu talks to Josh Noble, tourism services manager at the Kingman Arizona office of tourism, about the Route 66 EV Museum. While there are many automotive museums and collections with one or two EVs, this is the only museum dedicated only to electric vehicles. What’s their oldest EV? What’s the oddest EV in their collection? What’s the most popular? You’ll find out about the museum’s history, collection and exciting future plans, so tune in!  

On this episode, Stu talks with Emily Miller, founder of the Rebelle Rally.  EVs are more and more being welcomed into the multi-day off-road rally and they are proving to be winners.  Miller talks about how the all-woman rally is as much a testing ground for vehicles as their drivers and navigators.  No cellphones.  No GPS.  Extreme temperatures.  11-14 hour days.  What does this life-changing activity in the desert offer their select bunch of adventurers?   

On this episode, Stu talks with Michael Bream, founder of EV West. Michael is passionate about keeping classic cars rolling through electrification.  Vehicle owners trust Bream to not only electrify their rides, but to make their cars quicker, better and more fun. They discuss the wide variety of vehicles he works with and ask the questions: What does a well-loved vehicle look like? Could a car running today still work 100 years from now? And can a car be an art piece?  

This week, Stu chats with Paul Scott, EV trailblazer and staunch clean fuels advocate. They discuss the politics of EVs, the real cost of petroleum as a fuel for vehicles, and EV activism. His passion comes through loud and clear in this no holds barred journey.  Come along for this wild ride!

(Content Warning: some profanity and brief mention of suicide) 

This week, Stu has his first international guest!  Elinor Chalmers is the director of EVA Scotland, an EV influencer with a big presence on social media who has recently been on Fully Charged Live! We talk about how EVs played a leading role in her life (even at her wedding!), the different vehicles and charging infrastructure available in Scotland. We discuss the modern-day issue of FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) and Chalmers' love of animals. Join us for this lovely and lively chat.  

In this episode, Stu chats with electric car advocate Chelsea Sexton, who appeared in the film, "Who Killed the Electric Car," about the early days of the EV1, how the protests in the film happened organically, and the road ahead 25 years later.  What is she driving these days? All I can say is: Join us; it’s electric!  

This week, Stu talks to Andy Slye, a Telsa YouTuber, and world record holder on Tesla car referrals (approximately 1,500) on his history with making videos, his interest in technology and what goes into making successful YouTube videos.   

This week, Stu talks to ClipperCreek founder Jason France about the joy and journey of building EV infrastructure. Leader of one of the premier electric car charger manufacturers, he discusses his history with electric cars, and how he's been an integral part of the industry's growth from even before the EV1 all the way to today.  

This week, Stu interviews Kitty Adams. Not only has Adams facilitated the installation of hundreds of EV chargers spanning several states, but she has done so with seemingly boundless energy.  We talk about the deeper reasons of why this work is so essential, what we can learn from how other countries approach EV infrastructure and how EV drivers' enthusiasm is a big reason we are on the cusp of exponential growth. A lively and lovely discussion with one of our industries' angels.   

From a company that aims to revolutionize packaging and shipping to a non-profit that promotes EV adoption, this episode covers some really interesting ground.  Stu talks with Britton Bettridge, Director of Business Operations at the non-profit Leaders for Clean Air to showcase some very innovative programs going on in Utah and beyond.   

In this episode, Stu and his daughter Eden drive around Louisville, KY to visit some of the fee-free community chargers installed by Evolve KY.  Each location has its unique story and purpose.  It's a story of determination and friendship and working with future generations on solutions.  Let's celebrate the positive things going on in our communities and work towards an even cleaner and brighter future.  

This week, Stu talks to Bob Hook III, the owner of Louisville's Bob Hook Chevrolet. Bob talks about the origins of this dealership in his family, how he dealt with owning his dealership during the Covid-19 pandemic, his thoughts and feelings about the future of electric vehicles and how that will affect his business, and much more!  

** Episode clarification -- Please note that the Chevy Bolt EV is not currently eligible for the Federal Tax Credit for new all-electric vehicles. **

This week Stu chats with Zach Shahan, director of CleanTechnica, about how he got started in the clean tech industry and how he discovered his love of writing. Zach will also discuss how best to market EVs, what he thinks the next few years will be like, and much more.  

This week, Stu talks to nineteen-year-old Spencer Rhoden about his love of electric vehicles and his experiences starting an electric vehicle centered clothing brand and Arkansas's new electric vehicle group.  

This episode Stu speaks with Grant Inge, Automotive Industry Coordinator/instructor at Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville, Kentucky. He also read comments sent in from listeners about their experiences with EV repairs (or if they’ve had any).