The EVs for Everyone Podcast Elena Ciccotelli

Sharky Laguana, President of the American Car Rental Association (ACRA) a member of the EV Working Group in Washington D.C. and the CEO of Bandago, *explicitly* discusses the challenging transition from ICE to EVs in the car rental industry. I love this conversation so much because Sharky is truly on the front lines of promoting the nationwide shift to EVs, which includes analyzing new battery technologies as well as staying informed about the affordable EVs being manufactured in China (hello, BYD Seagull for under $10k). Press play to hear why Sharky thinks we should confront operational issues head on (like the EV service technician shortage and parts supply challenges) so we can just "rip the band-aid off" once and for all. This is a cannot miss episode for if you're into entertaining AND informative content about the state of EV in the car rental industry!
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Connect with Elena:
https://evs4everyone.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/
Let's talk on X:
https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone
Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/
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Connect with Sharky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharkylaguana/

Ron Frawley, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy and Planning at Magna Powertrain, an experienced engineer with over four decades in the field, is our "EV professor" today as we explore the full spectrum of vehicle propulsion technologies. This episode demystifies the transition toward electric vehicles, portraying it as a gradual shift with varied options catering to different consumer readiness levels. Through an engaging dialogue, Ron and I will illustrate how evolving vehicle technologies offer stepping stones towards a fully electrified future, making the journey accessible and exciting for everyone. Fair warning: your Notes app may or may not get a workout today depending on your level of EV knowledge!
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This episode is sponsored by Magna International, a mobility technology company and one of the world’s largest suppliers in the automotive space. With more than 65 years of expertise, Magna’s ecosystem of interconnected products, combined with its complete vehicle expertise, uniquely positions the company to positively impact the industry and society by enhancing the way people move. Learn more at http://www.magna.com
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Connect with Elena:
https://evs4everyone.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/
Let's talk on X:
https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone
Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/
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Connect with Ron Frawley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-frawley-b1232412/

Michael Wood, GM of Checkered Flag Volkswagen, Jaguar and Land Rover and Savannah Simms, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Simms Auto Group (and co-host for today!) join me for this one-of-a-kind episode that you won't find anywhere else. It's no secret that dealerships now have the chance to become pivotal in the EV transition and empower their staff with in-depth EV knowledge, but only if they have the right attitude and strategy! Press play to learn exactly how Michael is positioning Checked Flag Volkswagen in Virginia Beach at the forefront of the EV movement through staff education, infrastructure guidance and ID.4s in his loaner fleet. His leadership have truly set him apart as an innovative leader and trusted EV advisor in his local community (and beyond)! Can we get a slow clap going for this rare breed?
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Connect with Elena:
https://evs4everyone.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/
Let's talk on X:
https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone
Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/
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Connect with Michael Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-l-wood-3a053a43/
Connect with Savannah Simms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannahleesimms/

Alex Urist, VP of XCharge North America joins me on today's episode to tackle EV charging myths as well as identifying lucrative opportunities (and hurdles) in providing EV charging options for businesses and individual operators alike. Press play on this episode to learn more about the critical factors Charge Point Operators (CPOs) need to consider, such as real estate costs, ROI, and the strategic benefits of partnering with utility companies on your EV charging projects. Plus, you definitely won't want to miss the story of a CPO in a "non-EV-friendly" state who experienced a surge in demand recently after installing one DC fast charger near their local airport. Talk about right place at the right time!
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This episode is sponsored by XCharge North America, a leading high-power EV charging solutions provider, specializing in DC fast charging and battery-integrated products tailored for the North American electrical grid. Learn more about creating sustainable charging infrastructure at https://www.xchargeenergy.com/
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Connect with Elena:
https://evs4everyone.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/
Let's talk on X:
https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone
Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/
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Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderurist/

Aaaand SOLD! Kelly Bianchi, President of AuctionVCommerce and Michael Wheatley, Sales & Business Development Manager at Recurrent join me today to talk about the transformation of traditional auto auctions towards a more hybrid experience that supports the evolving EV market. Kelly notes that it's all about enhancing the customer experience for the auctions, with a focus on providing comprehensive battery life information. Michael also highlights common buyer concerns, emphasizing the significance of detailed EV condition reports and the role of education in dispelling misconceptions about EVs. Press play on this enlightening discussion that was recorded on-site at CAR (the Conference of Automotive Remarketing) - and learn more about Kelly's exciting new women's initiative called GROW (Global Remarketing Opportunities For Women)!
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This episode is sponsored by Recurrent, an EV analytics provider with 500 million recorded miles of range and battery insights on used electric cars. Explore solutions for wholesalers and retailers at https://www.recurrentauto.com/
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Connect with Elena:
https://evs4everyone.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/
Let's talk on X:
https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone
Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/
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Connect with Kelly Bianchi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kebianchi/
Connect with Michael Wheatley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwheatley1/

Kraig Quisenberry, VP of Major Accounts at ACV Auctions and Michael Wheatley, Sales & Business Development Manager at Recurrent (and my co-host today!) talk all about EV trends and demand in the EV auction space. Even though some say EV interest is "cooling" among consumers, Michael points out that car-buying site views for EVs surged by 30% in early 2024 reflecting heightened dealer competition in the used luxury brand market, particularly with BMW and Audi. At the same time, Kraig notes that infrastructure development remains a necessity for EV adoption—highlighting the need for governments to ensure a positive user experience. The charging experience is indeed a critical part of the EV product!
Don't sleep on this fun episode that was recorded on-site at CAR (the Conference of Automotive Remarketing) and also - be sure to never challenge Kraig to a push up contest because there is a 99.9% chance you will lose.
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This episode is sponsored by Recurrent, an EV analytics provider with 500 million recorded miles of range and battery insights on used electric cars. Explore solutions for wholesalers and retailers at https://www.recurrentauto.com/
_______________________________
Connect with Elena:
https://evs4everyone.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/
Let's talk on X:
https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone
Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/
________________________
Connect with Kraig Quisenberry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kraig-quisenberry-4a775327/
Connect with Michael Wheatley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwheatley1/