In-Between Charges

The EV charging industry is entering a market-rate moment. Incentives are fading in many markets, growth has slowed from the early-2020s surge, and operators are under real pressure to prove their business models. In this start-of-year episode of In-Between Charges, Kevin Spangenberg and Mike Hawks reflect on what 2025 revealed about the state of EV charging, from shifting government targets and cooling investor sentiment to the growing importance of site quality, reliability, and utilization. They unpack what the much-talked-about “shift to profitability” actually means in practice, where operators are getting it right, and why some networks are starting to pull ahead while others struggle. The conversation also turns practical: Mike and Kevin put on their investor hats and answer a simple but important question: if you had $10m to invest in EV charging today, where would you put it? A candid discussion about what really matters as the EV industry turns the page on a rocky year and looks forward to 2026.

Some DC fast charging sites print money. Others quietly ruin portfolio-wide ROI. In this episode of In-Between Charges, Kevin and Mike sit down with Rohan Puri, CEO & Co-Founder of Stable Auto, to unpack why. Stable Auto works with many of the largest American CPOs and investors to predict utilization, pick winning locations, and set smarter prices for DC fast charging networks. Rohan shares how he went from building robotic charging arms for autonomous fleets to running a software company that underwrites the profitability of EV charging assets. Together, they dig into what actually drives DCFC performance: traffic patterns, EV penetration, trip distances, amenities, competition, hardware choices, and even how many ports is the right amount for a site. They talk about why “put it near a highway and a gas station” is often wrong, why co-locating with competitors can increase your utilization, how to think in IRR and margin instead of just kWh per port per day, and where dynamic pricing and energy arbitrage could unlock new revenue streams. If you’re a CPO, retailer, investor, or just trying to understand why some sites thrive while others bleed cash, this episode goes straight to the core of DC fast charging economics.

Getting from A to B in an EV isn’t as simple as swapping gas for kWh. It is a fundamentally different experience. The companies - CPOs and eMSPs - that serve EV drivers have to navigate a challenging maze to profitability. Gideon van Dijk from chargetrip joins Mike and Kevin to unpack what CPOs must own - digital, physical, and everything in between - to put themselves in a position to succeed in a world of electrified transport.

Founded in, Einride is a freight tech company from Sweden, providing end-to-end technology solutions for electric and autonomous shipping. Starting with trucks and tech, it quickly realized the charging infrastructure in its home market was not ready to meet their unique needs. So they became a CPO as well. They are building Scandinavian-design charging stations throughout the Nordics, powering up their own fleet as well as other heavy duty providers. In this episode, Mike and Kev chat with Anne-Lise Deraedt, who heads up Einride's charging efforts. She details the Einride charging journey, why design is so important to their sites, and what's in store as they expand beyond the Nordics. Plug in and enjoy!

In this episode of In-Between Charges, Kevin and Mike sit down with Rami Syväri, advisor and founder at beY0nd, to unpack the evolving dynamics of performance, strategy, and resilience in the EV charging industry. With a rich background spanning Fortum, Swisscharge, and now advising CPOs across Europe, Rami brings a front-row perspective to what “good” really looks like in a CPO’s operation, and where the industry still has work to do. Together, they dive deep into the importance of transparency, the power of benchmarking, and how operators can meaningfully compare themselves to peers without compromising sensitive data. Rami shares insights on building scalable, future-proof charging businesses, the operational maturity journey of CPOs, and why now, amidst market “hiccups,” is the time when tomorrow’s winners are forged. From tech stack choices to the business case for ultra-slow charging, and from strategic pivots to trust-building through anonymized data models, this episode is a masterclass in navigating the high-stakes, fast-changing EV ecosystem. Key Topics: The DNA of CPO success and benchmarking KPIs that matterWhy ultra-slow charging might just be the next big thingThe "ketchup bottle effect" of delayed EV adoption and its implicationsPlatform vs. in-house software: when to build, when to partnerHow to prepare now for the next wave of growth Tune in for a grounded, strategic look at where the EV industry is headed—and how to get there with confidence. Happy charging!

In this episode of In-Between Charges, Kevin and Mike welcome Chris Kaiser, founder of PlugIn and longtime clean energy advocate. Chris shares his journey from energy-efficient lighting to launching his own EV charging network, which is built on reliability, a great driver experience, and, now, the Monta platform. His story offers a candid look at what it takes to build a charging business in the U.S. from the ground up. They dive into why many early charging efforts failed, the dominance of Tesla and ChargePoint, and why Chris believes ownership and accountability are key to long-term success. He explains how metrics like PlugShare scores and kWh per day guide his team’s approach, and how pairing strong software with trusted hardware is helping Plug In grow. The conversation also covers the uncertain policy landscape, including tax credits and NEVI funding, and why Chris remains optimistic. His belief is simple: EVs are just better—and that’s what will drive adoption forward. If you care about the future of charging in the U.S., this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Happy charging!

In this episode of In-Between Charges, hosts Kevin Spangenberg and Mike Hawkes talk with Heiko Bayer, Managing Director at The Mobility House. Heiko shares how the company is helping fleets transition to electric a smarter approach to fleet management, and energy market integrations. He explains how The Mobility House reduces their client’s costs, increases their reliability, and simplifies the electrification for businesses across Europe, North America and Asia. The conversation explores trends shaping the EV industry, one continent versus the next. In Europe, corporate and logistics fleets are electrifying fast, while in the U.S., school bus and transit fleets are leading the space, tapping into bidirectional charging already. Heiko explains why The Mobility House takes on an agnostic approach - not locking people in, but rather unlocking the best offer and chances for operational efficiency with unnecessary costs. As EV adoption grows, the role of energy management is becoming more important. Heiko discusses how integrating smart charging, battery storage, and renewable energy can make fleet electrification more affordable. Whether you're an industry professional or just interested in EVs, this episode offers key insights into the future of mobility. Happy charging!

In this episode of In-Between Charges, we welcome back Ryan Fisher, Head of Charging Infrastructure at BloombergNEF, for an insightful discussion on the evolving EV charging landscape. With automakers increasingly stepping into the charging business, we explore how their strategies are shifting—balancing investment in infrastructure with the need for profitability. Ryan shares his take on why major players like IONNA and Ionity are forming joint ventures, how automakers are leveraging charging networks to enhance brand loyalty, and whether the business model can ever be as lucrative as selling vehicles. Beyond industry strategies, we also dive into the growing impact of policy changes on the EV ecosystem. From shifting fuel economy standards in the U.S. to evolving CO₂ regulations in Europe, Ryan explains how government intervention is shaping investment decisions. He also unpacks the recent volatility in EV adoption forecasts, the implications of paused NEVI funding, and why some markets are seeing surging charging costs while others remain competitive. With policy uncertainty looming, is the industry at an inflection point? Finally, we tackle the economic realities of charging infrastructure—where margins remain tight despite growing demand. Ryan sheds light on the challenges facing hardware manufacturers, the potential role of carbon credits in sustaining networks, and whether automakers will remain invested in charging long-term or eventually offload their networks. With insights from BloombergNEF’s latest research and real-world case studies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone following the future of EV charging, policy, and electrification. Happy charging!

In this episode, we chat with Gavin Morse, CMO of Egg Energy, about how community-driven initiatives are making clean energy more accessible, reducing strain on the grid, and creating new opportunities for consumers. Here’s what we cover: How the UK became Europe’s top EV market and what’s next.The impact of local initiativesMaking clean energy affordable: practical solutions for EV charging, solar, and home batteries.How Egg Energy measures the impact of its community initiatives, balancing business outcomes with contributions to the broader energy transition.Exploring other community-focused strategies Egg Energy is using to engage local groups and drive wider adoption of clean energy solutions.Building a brand in an industry where customer loyalty to utility companies is rare, and how Egg Energy fosters trust with its customers.If you’re looking for practical solutions to make clean energy more accessible, or want to understand how communities are driving the change needed for a sustainable future, don’t miss this episode. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how communities are shaping the future of energy.

In this episode, Mike and Kevin sit down with Rikard Boije af Gennäs, head of Implement Consulting’s e-mobility division, to reflect on the challenges of 2024 and discuss what’s on the horizon for the EV and charging sector in 2025. Here’s what we cover: Lessons from 2024: Why EV demand didn’t meet expectations and what it means for the industry.Charging operators’ challenges: How operators are adapting to a tougher market and what strategies might work in 2025.Global shifts: How international politics and trade dynamics could impact EV growth.Consumers trends in 2025: What’s changing for buyers and how the industry is responding.Myth busting: Addressing a common misconception about the EV and charging industry.Whether you’re in the business or just interested in the future of electric vehicles, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you understand where the sector is heading. Tune in to prepare for 2025!

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just a glimpse of the future—they’re here, and transforming how we think about transportation. But the transition to electrification isn’t without its hurdles. From global policy challenges to supply chain bottlenecks and lingering misconceptions, the EV landscape is as complex as it is promising. In this episode, Kevin and Mike discuss the dynamic shifts happening across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, including how tariffs, raw material prices, and manufacturing efficiency impact competition. Here’s what we talk about: China’s EV Dominance: How China became a leader in the EV space, the intense price wars driving the market, and why their automakers are exporting more cars than ever.EVs vs. Traditional Cars: The Full Environmental Story: What’s the actual impact of EVs when you factor in everything—manufacturing, raw materials, and lifetime emissions?The Hydrogen Debate: Why hydrogen-powered vehicles have struggled to gain traction and whether they have a potential place in the future of transportation.Policy Gaps: Are current global policies strong enough to meet net-zero and climate goals? Spoiler: Not yet.Debunking EV Myths: Tackling common misconceptions about EVs and separating fact from fiction.Whether you're in the industry or simply interested in how the global car market is shifting, this episode offers an insightful and honest look at where the EV sector stands today and where it’s headed. Tune in and stay informed! Happy Charging!

Electric vehicles are reshaping the way we think about transportation, and at the heart of this shift is the challenge of charging. In this episode, Kevin Spangenberg and Mike Hawkes sit down with Mads Vind, Managing Director of Stella Energy (formerly known as Viggo Energy) to discuss how the company is driving innovation in EV charging and building a future-ready infrastructure for professional drivers and beyond. In this episode, we explore: Stella’s Evolution: How Stella went from being a ride-hailing app to becoming a leader in EV charging, focusing on the needs of professional drivers like taxi drivers.Building Strategic Partnerships: Why teaming up with companies like Alpitronic has been key to Stella’s success in creating reliable, cost-effective charging solutions.Standing Out in a Crowd: How Stella finds ways to shine in competitive markets like Oslo and what makes their approach unique.Scaling for the Future: Stella’s ambitious plans for expanding their ultra-fast urban charging networks across Europe and North America to meet growing demand.What’s Next for EV Charging: The challenges and opportunities in the EV world, including energy costs, pricing, and the role of government policies.If you’re curious about where EV charging is headed or just want to hear how one company is helping to shape a greener, more connected future, this episode is for you. Tune in and get inspired!

Welcome back to In-Between Charges, we are back for season 3! In this strong return, our hosts Mike and Kevin are joined by Pär Möller, the Global Head of Business and Partnership Development at Mer, a leading international operator in the EV charging industry. Together, they delve into Mer's journey of building a sustainable charging network across Europe, touching on the company's strategic partnerships with major brands like IKEA and McDonald's and the recent success in winning large-scale tenders like Deutschlandnetz. In this episode, Pär shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in expanding EV infrastructure, the importance of sustainability, and how Mer's unique approach is driving the electrification of transportation across different markets. Tune in to hear about the evolving landscape of EV charging and what it takes to establish a truly customer-centric and eco-friendly charging experience. Happy listening and happy charging!

Hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg are joined by Jaap Burger, Senior Advisor on EV Grid Integration. Jaap brings his extensive experience and knowledge to discuss the nuances of smart charging for electric vehicles and the policies that maximize its potential for a decarbonized power market and grid. Jump into the current state of smart charging in Europe, and explore with us how different regions are adopting this technology and the benefits it brings to consumers and the energy grid. Jaap explains the challenges and opportunities in integrating renewable energy sources, optimizing grid usage, and reducing costs for everybody: users, businesses and EV naysayers alike! It’s almost impossible to discuss smart charging without vehicle-to-grid technology, so Jaap addressed the technical, regulatory, and market barriers we need to make V2G a reality. Stay till the end to hear his take and predictions for bidirectional charging and the future of a smarter relationship with the grid. Happy charging!

Summer has arrived and it’s time for that annual road trip. Hopping in your EV and wondering how to navigate EV charging across borders? Or why the price of a kWh can vary so widely? This episode of “In-Between Charges” has the answers to all your questions. Hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg speak with famed “EV Travel Hacker” Electric Felix. Felix spends all his time driving and charging throughout Europe. They discuss the public charging scene in Europe, how certain countries have surprised him, and how charging operators are switching their focus from #MorePlugs to #MoreUsers. As the annual tradition has become an electrified affair, drivers need to understand how to stay fueled up and charging operators need to ensure an optimal charging experience. This conversation with Felix will show how everyone involved can ensure summer 2024 is electric. Happy charging!

In this episode of "In Between Charges," hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg sit down with Roel Visser, the Chief Commercial Officer at Milence, delving into the transformative world of electric heavy-duty vehicles. They delve into Roel's insights on the rapid growth of electric truck sales in Europe, the challenges of establishing a reliable charging infrastructure, and Mylans' strategic role in this transformative industry. The conversation takes a deep dive into what a heavy duty CPO strategy looks like, the grid-grab vs. land-grab approach, the necessary and key collaboration among parties to develop the best sites for truck drivers and companies and more. The trio also unpacks the technological advancements that are accelerating the shift towards electric transport, including the development of megawatt charging stations and the implications for long-haul trucking. Roel offers a candid look at the regulatory landscape and its impact on the pace of electrification, sharing anecdotes from Milence's journey in pioneering a network across multiple European countries. Tune in to discover how Europe is paving the way for a greener future on wheels, and why heavy-duty electric trucks are at the heart of this revolution. Happy (heavy duty) charging!

In this episode of "In Between Charges," hosts Mike Hawkes and Kevin Spangenberg chat with Dr. Andreas Barnekov Thingvad from Hybrid Greentech. Andreas brings his expertise in hybrid energy systems to the table, discussing how these technologies are revolutionizing our approach to energy storage and making renewable sources more effective. He simplifies complex concepts, making it easy to understand how integrating new and traditional energy solutions can lead to a more sustainable future. Our guest also addresses common myths around battery technology and hybrid systems, explaining their real-world applications and benefits. The conversation sheds light on how these innovations are paving the way for more reliable and efficient energy usage globally. Tune into this latest episode of In Between Charges to get a clear view of the future of energy. Happy charging!

Joining Kevin and Mike for this episode of "In Between Charges" is Ryan Fisher, an electrified transport analyst for Bloomberg NEF. From his early days working on projects like the I-PACE and Second Life Batteries to analyzing the rapid evolution of charging technologies and corporate strategies, Ryan illuminates the intricate web of developments shaping the future of electric mobility. The episode dives into the vibrant investment landscape of the EV charging infrastructure, insights into private and public market trends, the complexities of funding and consolidation, the strategic shifts of companies and much more. Our trio ventures into the realms of charging technology, battery swapping, and the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. They unravel the layers of innovation driving the adoption of EVs, from ultra-fast charging solutions to battery swapping stations, and how these advancements are redefining consumer experiences and expectations. Don't miss this high-voltage episode that shines a spotlight on the road ahead for electric vehicles and the dynamic world of EV charging. Happy charging!

In this episode of "In Between Charges," Mike and Kevin engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Andreas Piepenbrink from E3/DC and the Hager Group, who shares his transition from the automotive industry to leading the charge in home energy management. The discussion illuminates the progress and potential of renewable energy, the role of electric vehicles in energy systems, and the dream of a carbon-neutral home. This episode is packed with insights into the evolving landscape of sustainable energy, highlighting innovations and the impact of technology like bi-directional charging in our energy ecosystem. Join us for a journey into the future of energy, where homes and vehicles play a critical role in a greener world. And as always, happy charging!