The EV Musings Podcast

In this episode Gary explores the user experience challenges in EV charging stations, contrasting good and bad examples, and discusses how design improvements can enhance usability for all EV owners.
Key Topics:
User experience challenges in EV charging stations
Comparison of charging experiences: Tesla vs others
Design flaws in current EV chargers
Payment and authentication issues in charging
Potential solutions for better EV charging UX

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to EV Musings and Gary's Experience
01:32 The Young Lady's Charging Dilemma and UX Failures
03:44 Contrasting Easy and Difficult Charging Experiences
04:49 Payment Methods and User Experience in Charging
06:27 Design Flaws in Charger Interfaces and Hardware
08:03 The Impact of Screen Size and Interface Design
09:23 Multiple EVSEs and Connector Selection Challenges
10:47 Plug and Charge and Auto Charge Technologies
12:15 Payment Processing and Standardization Issues
13:42 Cost vs. UX: Are Better Chargers Worth It?
15:09 Tesla's Seamless Charging Experience
17:00 Real-World Charging Failures and Hardware Limitations
18:48 The Future of User-Centric EV Charging Design
Links
Tesla Supercharger V4 - https://www.tesla.com/supercharger
ABB Charging Stations - https://new.abb.com/ev-charging
Kenpower Charging Interface - https://kenpower.com
GridServe EV Charging - https://gridserve.com
Plug and Charge Technology - https://ev.com/plug-and-charge
EV Musings Podcast - https://evmusings.com
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence.
Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk
(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford
Support me:
Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings
Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings
The Books:
'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X
'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck
Social Media:
EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv
Instagram: @EVmusings
Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460
Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium
Mentioned in this episode:
Zapmap
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence. Zapmap is free to download and use, with subscription plans for enhanced features such as using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto, and discounted charging across thousands of charge points.

Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or find out more at www.zapmap.com.
Zapmap EV Guide
ZapMap
Download Zapmap and you’ll get the UK’s most comprehensive charging map in your pocket, with a range of filters so you can personalise the map to suit your specific EV model. So it’s easy to find the best charge for you, whether you’re charging on-street, en-route, or at your destination.
You can even see live charger availability and price information in the app, helping you choose your charger at-a-glance, and turn up with total confidence that it will work, it will be available, and it will be in your budget.
Plus you can pay through the app, or with a tap of the Zapmap charging card, at thousands of charge points nationwide. No need to download a different app for each charging network. You can download Zapmap for free, or check out Zapmap Premium for charging discounts, in-car compatibility, and additional filters

Why Hesitation Holds Back the Electric Vehicle Revolution—and How to Overcome It
In this episode, we explore the common barriers preventing more people from switching to electric vehicles. Drawing parallels with smartphone adoption and featuring insights from Greg Hughes, this discussion clarifies why hesitation persists—and how overcoming it can accelerate the move to cleaner mobility.
Main Topics:
The psychological and societal barriers to adopting EVs, including range anxiety and misinformation
The tangible benefits of test drives and real-world experiences in easing fears
How infrastructure, costs, and secondhand EV options influence buying decisions
Misinformation and how reliable, accessible information can break down doubts
Practical advice for prospective owners: test drives, peer insights, and thinking long-term

Resources & Links
Everything Electric Event
Robert Llewelyn – YouTube Channel
Tesla Official Website
MG Motors
Hyundai Electric Vehicles

Key Takeaway:
Hesitation around EVs is natural but primarily rooted in misinformation, lack of firsthand experience, and infrastructural concerns. Just like the smartphone revolution, once people have the chance to sit in, drive, and see the benefits firsthand, resistance diminishes. The shift to electric isn't just inevitable; it’s already accelerating—your move might just be a test drive away.
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence.
Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk
(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford
Support me:
Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings
Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings
The Books:
'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X
'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck
Social Media:
EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv
Instagram: @EVmusings
Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460
Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium
Mentioned in this episode:
Zapmap
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence. Zapmap is free to download and use, with subscription plans for enhanced features such as using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto, and discounted charging across thousands of charge points.

Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or find out more at www.zapmap.com.
Zapmap EV Guide

Exploring the evolution of supermarket charging stations for electric vehicles, their strategic deployment, pricing models, and user experience insights.
Key topics
History and evolution of supermarket EV charging stations
Different supermarket charging strategies and hardware
Pricing models and user incentives
Dwell time and charging speed considerations
Impact of supermarket charging on EV adoption

Key Quote:
"Supermarket charging can be surprisingly cheap"
Resources
EV Musings Podcast - https://evmusings.com
ZAPMAP - https://zap-map.com
Sainsbury's Smart Charge - https://sainsburys.co.uk
GeniePoint - https://geniepoint.co.uk
Podpoint - https://podpoint.com
MFG (Motor Fuel Group) - https://mfgplc.co.uk
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence.
Links in the show notes:
MFG and Morrisons announce forecourts partnership and EV expansion - Motor Fuel Group
Sainsbury's Smart Charge: A New Player in the UK EV Charging Market - The EV Musings Podcast
140 - The CPO Episode II - The EV Musings Podcast

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk
(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford
Support me:
Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings
Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings
The Books:
'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X
'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck
Social Media:
EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv
Instagram: @EVmusings
Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460
Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium
Mentioned in this episode:
Zapmap
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence. Zapmap is free to download and use, with subscription plans for enhanced features such as using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto, and discounted charging across thousands of charge points.

Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or find out more at www.zapmap.com.
Zapmap EV Guide

In this episode of the show Gary discusses the true costs associated with electric vehicles and debunks common myths surrounding their affordability.
He highlights the CODE Report indicating that many consumers are deterred from purchasing EVs due to perceived high upfront costs, limited range, and expensive battery replacements.
However, he presents data showing that the majority of EV owners actually save money over time, especially those with home charging capabilities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of education in changing public perception about EV pricing and ownership.
Takeaways
Expensive upfront costs deter many from choosing EVs.
Limited range and battery replacement costs are common concerns.
Education is crucial in countering misconceptions about EVs.
80% of people save money by switching to EVs.
Home charging significantly increases savings with EVs.
Public charging costs can affect overall savings.
Used EVs often provide better value than ICE vehicles.
Many consumers have never driven an electric vehicle.
The cost of running an EV is significantly lower than ICE cars.
Pre-registered EVs can be found at substantial discounts.
Key Sound bite
"The average saving is £5,850 with an EV."
Chapters
00:00 The Cost of Electric Vehicles: An Overview
05:09 Understanding Savings with Electric Vehicles
07:02 CODE Quotes
08:01 What do other sources say
11:22 Debunking Myths: Education on EV Costs
12:41 Recent pricing Examples
15:16 Dealer Preregistrations
16:28 Conclusion: The Future of EV Affordability
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence.
Links in the show notes:
The Cost of Driving Electric (CODE) Report
Petrol and diesel buying intent rises despite BEV growth | EY - UK
Average range of new electric cars now 300 miles | Electrifying.com

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk
(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford
Support me:
Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings
Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings
The Books:
'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X
'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck
Social Media:
EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv
Instagram: @EVmusings
Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460
Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium
Mentioned in this episode:
Zapmap
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence. Zapmap is free to download and use, with subscription plans for enhanced features such as using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto, and discounted charging across thousands of charge points.

Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or find out more at www.zapmap.com.
Zapmap EV Guide

In this conversation, Gary interviews Marcus Berger, CEO of Aviloo, about the importance of battery health diagnostics in the electric vehicle market. They discuss the evolution of Aviloo, the significance of understanding battery health, and the various factors that affect it.
Marcus explains the differences between Aviloo's testing methods and those of competitors, emphasizing the need for independent assessments. The conversation also covers the mechanics of the Aviloo testing process, pricing models for B2B and B2C services, and the comprehensive nature of the Aviloo battery certificate.
They conclude with insights on the future of battery diagnostics and the importance of safety checks in the EV industry.
Takeaways:
Avilo is a market leader in EV battery diagnostics.
Battery health is crucial for determining the value of used EVs.
Different charging habits significantly impact battery health.
Independent testing provides more accurate battery health assessments.
The Avilo Flash Test allows quick battery health checks.
Consumers can access Avilo's testing services through a web shop.
Battery certificates include detailed health metrics and benchmarks.
Data from over half a million tests informs battery health insights.
Battery safety checks should be part of annual vehicle inspections.
Investing in battery health checks is essential for used EV buyers.
Guest Details:
I have been in leading positions of several highly reputable Real Estate companies for more than 20 years. Amongst others, I was MD of an institutional Real Estate Investment funds, COO of the worlds largest real estate services company. I succesfully restructured and built companies throught Central- and Eastern Europe. And then, at the age of 43 I decided to do something totally different and joined the Start Up company AVILOO as COO/CFO and shareholder. AVILOO developed a sophisticated Battery Data Platform to perform independent and objective state of health checks of second hand electric vehicles.
Marcus's Website
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence.
Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk
(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford
Support me:
Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusings
Ko-fi Link: http://www.ko-fi.com/evmusings
The Books:
'So, you've gone electric?' on Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q5JVF1X
'So, you've gone renewable?’ on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3LXvIck
Social Media:
EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEv
Instagram: @EVmusings
Octopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460
Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium
Mentioned in this episode:
Zapmap
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence. Zapmap is free to download and use, with subscription plans for enhanced features such as using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto, and discounted charging across thousands of charge points.

Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or find out more at www.zapmap.com.
Zapmap EV Guide