Stu's EV Universe

On this episode, Stu talks with Chris Celek, the Executive Director of the Electric Vehicle Association — an organization that has championed electric vehicles for 50 years! They chat about the challenges and opportunities now and in the future with the adoption of EVs. What a great start to Drive Electric Month! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Che...

In this episode, Stu talks to Jeff Stoll who recently left his job at Tesla to work for Rivian after almost 10 years with the company. They discuss work-life balance, the ins-and-outs of working in the EV industry, and even chat about the recent protests that have been happening near Tesla offices. Tune in to hear some interesting insider info! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon....

This episode, Stu talks to Shelley McKechnie, a Asheville, North Carolina resident with a KIA EV6 who used a feature of that car to turn her car into a generator. She powered her refrigerator and, maybe even more importantly, a coffee maker to bring joy and hope to her neighbors through this horrific hurricane. Listen in to hear her talk about her story and how the resilient people of Western Nort...

This episode, Stu talks to James Bell, Kia's head of corporate communications, all about Kia's EVs. They talk about the past of electric cars, what's happening now, and get some insights into the future of the automotive industry from someone working with one of the major car manufacturers. Tune in to hear discussions about new Kia EV models, the future of automated (self-driving) cars, and revolu...

This episode, Stu chats with Jack Smith about his past and current treks across the United States first on a skateboard, then in an old VW bus converted to electric and now on an e-bike. Listen to our discussion on taking the roads and paths less traveled as he discovers what he calls “the real America.” Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Topics: e-bike, bi...

This episode, Stu talks with Rabbi Ben Freed, rabbi at Keneseth Israel synagogue in Louisville, KY, and host of the podcast the Bluegrass Schmooze. They chat about how electric vehicles relate to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). The rabbi discusses his personal experience with his electric car and they even discuss the question of if you can drive an EV on Shabbat! A spirit...

This time, Stu talks with Dr. Shelley Francis (a.k.a. Dr. EV Shelley) co-founder of EV Noire and EV Hybrid Noire. These organizations focus on education and making sure the clean transportation landscape includes everyone. Come join us for this interesting and hopeful conversation! Check out EV Noire: www.evnoire.com Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Topics: E...

This episode, Stu talks to Aaron Ungar, his son and a new EV owner. Aaron talks about his experiences with alternative fuels growing up, his plug-in hybrid, and finally his full EV Chevy Bolt that he got just a couple weeks ago. Come listen to this short and sweet episode and learn the perspective a young but enthusiastic EV driver. Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

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: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠...

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...

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, You...

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 Suppo...

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...

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 t...

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...

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...

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?  H...

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 epis...

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 w...

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 emergenc...

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--...

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 u...

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.patreo...

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...