In this episode of EV Musings, Gary introduces a series focused on the basics of electric vehicles for beginners. He discusses who should consider going electric, the various ways to acquire an EV, and the importance of test driving before making a purchase. The episode aims to simplify the transition to electric vehicles by addressing common concerns and providing practical advice.This is Episode 1 of a 3-part series focused on teaching the basics of EV ownership to newbies.This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.Links in the show notes:Vodafone UK to electrify entire car fleet by 2026 - electrive.com - Cool ThingThe New EV Episode - The EV Musings PodcastTaking an EV Test drive - The EV Musings PodcastAll electric vehicles in Europe - EV DatabasePlug Life TelevisionLiving in an Apartment with an Electric Vehicle: Challenges and Solutions - The EV Musings PodcastPavement charging options - The EV Musings PodcastLiving with no Home Charger - The EV Musings PodcastEpisode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk(C) 2019-2025 Gary Comerford Support me: Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusingsKo-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/3LXvIckSocial Media:EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEvInstagram: @EVmusingsOctopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premiumMentioned in this episode:Tusker Salary SacrificeThe Tusker Car Benefit Scheme is a salary sacrifice car scheme where employees are provided with an affordable way to drive electric. It means an employee can drive a new car, complete with insurance, replacement tyres, MOTs, routine servicing and maintenance, as well as RAC breakdown cover – for a simple, fixed monthly amount. Because this amount is taken directly from gross salary via a salary...
--------
31:44
--------
31:44
266 The Emergency Journey Episode
In this episode of EV Musings, Gary explores the commonly cited concern about making emergency long-distance journeys in electric vehicles . The discussion is prompted by a Tesla Model 3 owner considering switching to a hybrid due to fears of being unable to reach a loved one quickly in an emergency. Gary dissects this scenario, comparing EV and fossil fuel vehicle travel times, and highlights that delays are often due to traffic, roadworks, or other unpredictable events—not EV charging. He argues that the emergency journey concern is largely a red herring and that EVs are more than capable of handling such situations. He also suggests that public transport may be a faster and less stressful alternative in many cases.This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.Links in the show notes:There’s a surprising climate solution right under your feet | Grist - Cool ThingEpisode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk(C) 2019-2025 Gary Comerford Support me: Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusingsKo-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/3LXvIckSocial Media:EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEvInstagram: @EVmusingsOctopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium
--------
16:01
--------
16:01
265 - The WLTP Episode
In this episode Gary covers a topic of great concern to many new EV drivers: the range of their car. We've been sold EVs with phenomenal ranges by dealers, OEMs, and general advertising. But, in reality, these rarely materialise, with lower-than advertised ranges compounded by a further reduction in winter when the weather is cooler.We look at the WLTP range, what it means and how it's calculated; factors that affect your range; how to calculate what your actual range is; and why efficiency is more important than rangeThis season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.Links in the show notes:The Soli lamp - Cool thingAll electric vehicles in Europe - EV DatabaseAre We Too Impatient to Be Intelligent? - by Rory Sutherland - Behavioral Scientist7 Factors That Affect Electric Vehicle Range - Charged FutureAlternative Fuels Data Center: Maps and Data - Fuel Economy at Various Driving Speeds189 - The Efficiency Episode - The EV Musings PodcastEpisode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk(C) 2019-2025 Gary Comerford Support me: Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusingsKo-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/3LXvIckSocial Media:EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEvInstagram: @EVmusingsOctopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium
--------
19:28
--------
19:28
264 - The Battery Issue Episode
In this episode, Gary Comerford interviews Sara Ridley, Engineering and Quality Director at Autocraft Solutions, about the remanufacturing and repair of electric vehicle batteries. They discuss the importance of battery health, common misconceptions about EV batteries, and the challenges faced in the repair ecosystem. Sara emphasizes the need for education and skills development in the EV repair industry, highlighting the environmental benefits of repairing rather than replacing batteries. The conversation also touches on the future of battery technology and the importance of building a robust repair ecosystem to support the growing EV market.Guest Details: Sara Ridley - Dr Sara Ridley is the Engineering & Quality Director of Autocraft Solutions Group. She has worked in remanufacturing for more than 20 years and is passionate about the ecological and economic benefits of remanufacturing. Much of her focus is on improving processes and controls. Sara was awarded an Industrial Fellowship for her doctoral research from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 whilst working for Caterpillar Remanufacturing. Her research has been published in both remanufacturing and production journals, and she has received international awards for her academic papers. She joined Autocraft in 2018 as they recognised the need to expand remanufacturing from internal combustion engines into alternative powertrains, and Sara has been part of the team turning this ambition into reality working within the business to recognise the huge potential: in environmental terms, but also in terms of improving the end user experience. Sara's WebsiteSara on YouTubeThis season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.Links in the show notes:Construction starts on Merredin Battery Energy Storage System | Western Australian Government - Cool ThingEpisode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk(C) 2019-2025 Gary Comerford Support me: Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusingsKo-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/3LXvIckSocial Media:EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEvInstagram: @EVmusingsOctopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free...
--------
47:00
--------
47:00
263 - The Canopy Episode
In this episode Gary explores the lack of canopies at electric vehicle charging hubs across the UK. Despite the presence of canopies at traditional petrol stations, many EV charging sites—especially newly built hubs—lack this basic weather protection. Gary examines various Charge Point Operators (CPOs) like BP Pulse, Shell, Instavolt, Gridserve, and Fastned, highlighting inconsistencies in canopy installation. He discusses the practical implications for users, especially in adverse weather, and presents arguments from CPOs regarding cost, planning, and customer demand. The episode concludes with a call for listener feedback on whether canopies should be a standard feature at EV charging hubs.This season of the podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the free to download app that helps EV drivers search, plan, and pay for their charging.Links in the show notes:Upgrading a Leaf and doubling the range. - Cool thingEpisode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk(C) 2019-2025 Gary Comerford Support me: Patreon Link: http://www.patreon.com/evmusingsKo-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/3LXvIckSocial Media:EVMusings: Twitter https://twitter.com/MusingsEvInstagram: @EVmusingsOctopus Energy referral code (Click this link to get started) https://share.octopus.energy/neat-star-460Upgrade to smarter EV driving with a free week's trial of Zapmap Premium, find out more here https://evmusings.com/zapmap-premium
A podcast about electric vehicles, renewables, and things that are interesting to electric vehicle owners.
In each episode, we'll be discussing one aspect of EV ownership in depth.
Episodes are released one per week (usually on a Monday) so make sure you're subscribed in iTunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
New Zealand