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Chris Kirby
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Leaders from the automotive, mobility and technology industry sit down with Chris Kirby to talk about the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of mobility.  Chris' extensive automotive experience coupled with his relaxed style provides a great forum for guests to speak openly and share their insights.  This is the podcast that brings you automotive pioneers who go beyond the headlines to uncover what's really happening in the industry right now. 

Episodes

  1. What's Broken in EV Charging And How to Fix It

    12/23/2025

    What's Broken in EV Charging And How to Fix It

    While the conversation around the electric vehicle (EV) revolution typically gravitates toward battery range or autonomous driving software, a significant yet often overlooked challenge remains. The physical installation of EV chargers presents a major bottleneck in infrastructure rollout. Traditional installation methods are fraught with complications. The process involves excavating trenches, navigating underground utilities, pouring concrete, and managing unpredictable weather delays. These factors collectively slow down the deployment of essential charging networks. The Solution: Pre-Cast Foundations In a recent discussion with Trevor Palmer, the founder of EV Blocks, he highlighted how innovation in pre-cast concrete foundations is transforming the installation landscape. Starting his career as an electrician in London before transitioning to EV installations for Volkswagen showrooms, Palmer encountered constant project delays caused by on-site concrete curing and adverse weather. He identified that wet concrete was the primary bottleneck. His solution was a pre-made foundation that eliminates drying time, turning a sluggish process into a highly efficient operation. Why the Industry Needs EV Blocks The EV Blocks system offers several critical advantages that streamline deployment: Rapid Installation: The pre-cast nature of the foundation saves significant time and eliminates delays caused by rain or cold temperatures.Universal Adaptability: A universal adapter plate ensures the infrastructure is future-proof, allowing site owners to easily upgrade chargers, such as switching from Tesla to Kempower hardware, without digging up the ground.Modular Design: The system simplifies cabling and upgrades, making it easier to scale sites as demand grows.Enhanced Security: Built-in features protect valuable cabling from theft before the chargers are even installed.Smart Scaling Through Local Manufacturing Scaling the production of a heavy product like a 180kg concrete block presents logistical challenges. To overcome this, EV Blocks utilises a licensing model. By partnering with local pre-cast producers, the company reduces shipping costs and carbon footprint. This approach also allows for regional adaptation. For instance, blocks manufactured for the US market are designed to accommodate deeper frost lines. Today, EV Blocks successfully operates across the UK, US, France, Belgium, and Australia. The Shift Toward Modular Charging The future of EV infrastructure is moving away from bulky, all-in-one chargers toward modular systems. In this setup, a central power cabinet feeds smaller, more cost-effective satellite units. This configuration offers distinct benefits: Lower Repair Costs: Damaged satellite units are cheaper to fix than standalone chargers.Scalability: Site owners can add more charging points over time with minimal disruption.Speed: With pre-cast foundations, adding or upgrading satellite units becomes a fast and cost-effective process.Building the Foundations for the Future Trevor Palmer’s journey from launching EV Blocks just days before global lockdowns to scaling production is a testament to the resilience required in this sector. His approach demonstrates how practical engineering solutions are vital for driving the EV revolution forward. Subscribe to stay up to date!

    36 min
  2. Is Your Car Insurance Fair? Telematics & AI Could Be The Solution

    12/09/2025

    Is Your Car Insurance Fair? Telematics & AI Could Be The Solution

    Ever feel like you're overpaying for car insurance based on outdated factors like your age or postcode? Traditional insurance models rely on static data and general assumptions about your risk. What if your premium was based on how you actually drive? That’s where telematics comes in, using real-time driving data to offer fairer pricing. What is Telematics? Telematics is a game-changer. Instead of old-school factors, it tracks real driving habits like: MileageBraking patternsAccelerationThis allows insurers to match your premium to your driving style. The Power of Real-Time Data Modern telematics systems, powered by AI and massive datasets, go beyond "black boxes" to offer dynamic risk assessment. For example: Octo Telematics manages data from 95 billion trips, 13 million crashes, and 600 billion kilometres of driving.This scale of data enables fairer, more accurate pricing.Benefits of Telematics 1. Fairer Premiums Telematics adjusts based on actual driving, not outdated assumptions.Example: During the pandemic, telematics users saw reduced premiums as mileage dropped.2. Rewards Safe Drivers If you're a careful driver, telematics highlights your good habits and helps you save money.Global Use of Telematics UK: Popular with young drivers to reduce high premiums.Italy: Focused on fraud prevention and theft recovery.US: Encourages safe driving through gamification.The Future of Telematics As autonomous vehicles become common, telematics will play a key role in: Determining fault in accidents involving self-driving and human-driven cars.Managing risk in complex driving environments.Challenges to Adoption Better Hardware: Shift from clunky black boxes to built-in car systems (OEM data).Updated Regulations: Laws need to reflect modern driving and vehicle capabilities.Data Transparency: Drivers should control their data and use it for better services.Telematics is transforming car insurance, making it fairer and more personalised. Are you ready for the shift?

    47 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

Leaders from the automotive, mobility and technology industry sit down with Chris Kirby to talk about the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of mobility.  Chris' extensive automotive experience coupled with his relaxed style provides a great forum for guests to speak openly and share their insights.  This is the podcast that brings you automotive pioneers who go beyond the headlines to uncover what's really happening in the industry right now. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Kirby
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Auto Futurecast
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