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! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: EV Nirvana, Electric Vehicles, Tesla, Nissan LEAF, Chevy Bolt, DC fast charger, level 2 charging, charging infrastructure, EVs and equity

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! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: American Lung Association, Ed Begley Jr., Nissan LEAF, Chevy Bolt EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla, Superchargers, Electrify America,

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! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: Tesla, Chevy Bolt EV, electric cars, EVs, charging stations, Nissan Leaf, YouTube, Hyundai, Little Tikes, Lego, Cybertruck, Tesla Roadster gen 2

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! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: Aptera, Tesla, electric vehicles, EV charging, solar car, solar panels, vehicle design, efficiency

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! Learn more about MoveEV: www.moveev.com Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.evolveky.org⁠⁠⁠ Topics: MoveEV, Level 2 charging, level 1 charging, Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Tesla, EV charging, cities, municipalities, fleets, health benefits

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! Learn more about the Warren Wilson Solar Microgrid Program and donate at: www.unca.edu/programs/sustainability/microgrid-research-group/support/ Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠⁠⁠www.evolveky.org⁠⁠ Topics: Solar golf cart, EV road-trip, environmentalism, climate change, Volkswagen ID4, Tesla, Nissan Leaf, EV towing

David Benardo has fond memories of packing close to a dozen friends into a VW bus to go to the first Star Wars film. VWs have been a part of his life, well, for his entire life. His interest in spending less time fixing these classics and more time driving them led him to starting Zelectric, a company that focuses only on classic VWs and Porsche EV conversions. An April Vanity Fair article shone the spotlight on this cottage industry, and we have all the deets! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠⁠www.evolveky.org⁠ Topics: VW, Porsche, EVs, EV Conversions, VW Bug, VW Beetle, VW Thing, Porsche, Porsche 911, Porsche 912, EV Charging, DC Fast Charging, Tesla Roadster, Tesla, Tesla Cybertruck, Classic Cars

This episode, Stu chats with EV pioneer Marc Geller. Marc got his first EV in 2001 (yes, you're reading that correctly... not 2011 and not 2021, but 2001)! Since then, he has been involved in the formation and/or running of major EV organizations such as Plug-in-America, Adopt a Charger and the Electric Vehicle Association. He is an advocate for equity in the EV space. Our conversation is far reaching and fun! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠www.evolveky.org Topics: Citroen, Zero Emission, Toyota RAV 4 EV, EV1, Ford Think City, EVA, EAA, Plug in America, Adopt a Charger, California Zero Emission Mandate, California Air Resources Board, Nissan LEAF, Tesla Model S, GM Impact, Renewable Energy, Batteries, Equity, PHEV, Building Codes, ADA, EV Infrastructure, Kitty Adams, COSTCO, ClipperCreek, Enphase, Solar Power, Elon Musk, ChargePoint, Tesla Supercharger, Anti-EV Sentiment, Tesla Divas, Transport Evolved.

In this episode, Stu chats with Maggie Smith, the personality behind the Girl Meets Tesla TikTok page. Maggie talks about her journey that eventually led her to pay cash for her Tesla Model 3. Having to work through an initial car crash which motivated her to make positive changes in her life and the initial skepticism of some family members about buying a brand new electric car. In a time when EV adoption is still mostly relegated to a very narrow demographic (older white men) 25-year-old Maggie enjoys extolling the virtues of electric transportation to her contemporaries and sharing her journey. Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Tik Tok, Tesla, Tesla Model 3, Influencer, Social Media, Facebook, Instagram, Podcasts, EV, Electric Vehicles, Internet, Inspirational.

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! Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Aptera, Electric Vehicles, EV, EV Charging, Vehicle to Home, CAD, Engineering, Aerodynamics, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Mercedes

What better way to kick off the podcast's third year than an exclusive interview about the three-wheeled Aptera solar electric vehicle with Aptera's Chief of Design, Jason Hill! What was the organic inspiration for the vehicle's design? How does the design influence the vehicle's perceived use? Why does the vehicle illicit such an emotional response? This is part 1 of our first multi-part episode (there was too much goodness to fit into a single episode)! Become a Patreon supporter and get part two sooner! Tune in! Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Aptera, Jason Hill, Automotive Design, EV, Electric Vehicles, Solar, Solar PV, Adventure, Camping, Tesla, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Rivian, Rivian Truck, Efficient Vehicles, Jay Leno, Jay Leno's Garage

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! Get the Electric Cars for Dummies book: www.amazon.com/Electric-Cars-Dummies-Brian-Culp/dp/1119887356 Explore the cost of electric vehicles (website mentioned in episode): ev.pge.com/vehicles Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Electric Cars, Dummies, Lucid, Tesla, Technical Writing, Nissan LEAF, Nio, Rivian, Fisker, Mythbusting, EV Charging, Total Cost of Ownership

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! Visit Command Consulting LLC's website: www.commandconsultingllc.com Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: EVs, Hybrids, Fire Trucks, Emergency Vehicles, Electric Fire Trucks, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3, Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles, Microgrids, City Fleets, Emergency Fleets, Tesla Cybertruck, Electrification, Emergency Services, Shared Services, Charging Infrastructure, EVSE, Level 2 Chargers, hybrids

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! Check out the article in CleanTechnica: cleantechnica.com/2022/12/21/saying-goodbye-to-betty/ Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Electric cars, electric vehicles, Nissan Leaf, New Years, Holiday episode

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! Check out the UK Solar Car Team at: solarcar.engr.uky.edu Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Solar car, University of Kentucky, Blue Origin, Tesla, Aptera, EVs, Electric Vehicles, solar panels, battery chemistry, engineering, UK, racing, STEM, software, over-the-air updates

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! Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Creation Care, Presbyterian, EVs, Transportation, Faith, Electric Vehicles, EV chargers, Adopt a Charger, Churches, Presbyterian, Unitarian, William Shatner, Pollution, Climate Change, Fossil Fuels, Oil, Petroleum, Community Gardens, Community, Christianity, Christian Faith, Rivian, Nissan LEAF, Chevy Volt, Tesla, Equity, PlugShare

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! Check out EV LC at: www.ev-lc.org Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: kids, STEM, Science Technology Engineering Math, Education, STEAM, Arts, EV Conversions, Electric Vehicles, EV Batteries, Coding, Classic Cars, Tesla

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! Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: EVs, Electric Vehicles, EV Rentals, Tesla Model S, Rivian, Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Bolt EUV, Volkswagen ID4, VW, Polestar 2

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? Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Tesla, GM, Nissan LEAF, Chevy Volt, Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats, Republicans, Congress, Supply Issues, Electric Trucks, Supply Chain Issues, EV Tax Credits, Kentucky, Ohio, Midwest, Chip Shortage, Car dealerships, Batteries, Lithium Ion Batteries, National Drive Electric Week, Drive Electric Earth Day, NDEW, DEED, RIvian, Ford F-150 Lightning EV, EV Charging, Solar Panels

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? Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Tesla, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model 3, EV, Electric Vehicle, Rivian, Fisker, Lucid, Toyota, Lexus, Tesla Bot, FSD, Full Self Driving, Technology, Homelessness, Tesla Ranger, Tesla Service Center, Kentucky, Ohio, Farms, Electric Tractors, Time, Equity, Ford, GM, Honda, Chip shortage, Chips, Car dealerships