Renewable Rides

Gareth Evans & Dan Roberts
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Business
  • Updated Biweekly

Renewable Rides is the guide to the corporate energy transition. Featuring interviews with industry experts and business leaders, Renewable Rides aims to help companies tackle challenges and maximize opportunities in the pursuit of a resilient, profitable, and thriving energy future. Hosts Gareth Evans and Dan Roberts, founders of VECKTA, shed light on the energy transition and the benefits it presents for company brand, operations and resilience.

  1. May 19

    Ep 113: Gareth Evans on his Book and Why the Cost of Waiting on Onsite Energy Has Never Been Higher

    What happens when energy stops being something businesses can take for granted? In this episode, we discuss the launch of Gareth’s new book, Powering Profits. Gareth explains why businesses are entering a completely new energy paradigm where rising costs, grid instability, and operational risk are forcing leaders to rethink how they power their companies. You’ll learn why onsite energy is no longer just about sustainability, but about profitability, resilience, competitive advantage, and long-term business survival. Listen in as Gareth shares the personal experiences that shaped his perspective on energy security, the biggest misconceptions holding businesses back, and practical strategies companies can use to reduce costs, protect operations, and gain greater control over their energy future. From financial models and real-world case studies to organizational resistance and leadership mindset shifts, this conversation breaks down how businesses of any size can start taking action today. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why energy has become a major business risk.How rising energy costs impact profitability.The biggest myths businesses believe about energy.Why doing nothing can cost companies millions.How onsite energy improves operational resilience.The financial models behind renewable energy projects.How businesses can align internal stakeholders.Why mindset is the biggest barrier to action.Real examples of companies succeeding with renewables.How leaders can create a long-term competitive advantage.Resources in Today's Episode: Powering Profits by Gareth EvansGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/6wa9s8c5

    36 min

  2. May 12

    Ep 112: Building an Energy Program that Scales with Carson Bristol of Lithia & Driveway

    What does it actually take to move sustainability from strategy decks into real-world projects? In this episode, Carson Bristol from Lithia Motors shares how one of the world’s largest automotive retailers is approaching energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonisation in a practical, scalable way. From rolling out solar and EV infrastructure across hundreds of locations to balancing financial outcomes with sustainability goals, Carson explains why progress comes from getting projects in the ground, not endlessly planning for the perfect solution. Listen in to learn how Lithia supports its operators with site-specific energy strategies, why partnerships matter in renewable energy projects, and what businesses often misunderstand about EV infrastructure and grid capacity. Carson also shares valuable lessons from building sustainability programs, as well as his perspective on the future of battery storage, distributed energy, and why businesses need to start acting now instead of waiting for perfect conditions. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why action matters more than endless planning.How Lithia approaches decarbonisation at scale.The realities of EV infrastructure deployment.Why partnerships are critical in energy projects.How operators influence sustainability success.The role of battery storage in the energy transition.Why energy projects must deliver financial value.Challenges around grid capacity and electrification.How businesses can customize energy strategies.Why incremental progress creates long-term impact.Resources in Today's Episode: Carson Bristol: LinkedInLithia & DrivewayGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yydfaev9

    44 min

  3. May 5

    Top Moment from The Price of Power: Examining the Costs Behind Keeping the Lights On and What's Next with Mark Ellis

    Why do your electricity bills keep rising—and who actually benefits from it? In this highlight episode, we unpack the complex (and often hidden) financial mechanics behind utility companies and how they make money. From cost-of-service regulation to the role of operating costs, capital investments, and returns, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how pricing is determined and why it doesn’t always feel fair. Listen in as we break down where utility companies generate profit, how return on equity (ROE) is set, and why this one factor can significantly impact what consumers pay. You'll learn the difference between how the system should work versus how it actually operates today, including the long-term financial implications for households and businesses. If you’ve ever wondered why energy costs seem to keep climbing, this conversation will give you the insight to make sense of it all. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How utilities are designed to make money.What cost-of-service regulation means.The difference between operating and capital costs.Why utilities spread costs over time.How depreciation and amortization work.The role of return on capital.Why profit comes from return on equity (ROE).How utilities finance investments with debt and equity.Why ROE is set by regulators—not the market.How inflated ROE impacts consumer energy bills.Resources in Today's Episode: Mark Ellis: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3vfb6c7e

    16 min

  4. Apr 28

    Ep 111: How Onsite Energy Adds Real Estate Asset Value with Brian Rappaport, JLL

    What happens when energy stops being just a cost and becomes a strategic advantage? In this episode, Brian Rappaport from JLL unpacks the evolving role of energy in today’s market, from grid constraints and rising demand to the growing impact of AI and distributed energy systems. You’ll learn how energy is becoming a critical factor in real estate decisions, why reliability is now front of mind for businesses, and how leaders can better navigate risk, cost, and opportunity in a rapidly changing landscape. Brian also shares practical insights on how organizations can rethink energy as a value driver—not just an expense—including how onsite solutions like solar and battery storage can create new revenue streams, improve resilience, and enhance asset value. If you want to understand where the energy market is heading and how it impacts your business, this episode is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why energy is now a real estate issue.How grid constraints are impacting businesses.The rise of distributed energy systems.Why reliability is becoming critical.How AI is driving power demand.Turning energy from cost into revenue.The value of on-site energy solutions.How tenants and landlords are adapting.What energy risk means for asset value.Where the market is heading next.Resources in Today's Episode: Brian Rappaport: LinkedInPowering Profits NewsletterGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/2dhzdrwh

    54 min

  5. Apr 21

    Top Moment from Lessons Learned in Deploying a Hybrid Microgrid System From Aerospace Manufacturer Kirkhill

    What does it really take to reduce energy costs and future-proof a large-scale manufacturing operation? In this highlight episode, Charlie Marquez, Senior Manager of EHS and Facilities at Kirkhill, shares how his team tackled rising energy expenses by moving beyond quick wins and into a fully integrated energy strategy. You’ll learn how projects like LED retrofits and battery storage created immediate savings and how those early wins led to bigger, more complex decisions around infrastructure and long-term energy planning. Listen in to hear how Charlie approached large-scale investments like combined heat and power (CHP) and solar, how to bundle operational and financial benefits to make projects viable, and what it takes to navigate long planning cycles, supply chain challenges, and internal approvals. If you’re looking to reduce costs while improving performance, this episode offers a practical roadmap for building a smarter, more sustainable energy strategy. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How Kirkhill reduced energy costs at scale.The impact of LED retrofits and quick wins.How battery storage supports peak shaving.What CHP systems are and how they work.How to bundle savings for stronger ROI.Why infrastructure constraints matter.How to evaluate large energy projects.The role of solar in reducing costs.How to manage long planning cycles.Strategies for sustainable operations. Resources In Today's Episode: KirkhillGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/585huj6a

    18 min

  6. Apr 14

    Ep 110: What Deploying an Onsite Energy System Actually Requires

    Is installing an onsite energy system going to overwhelm your team? Or is that fear overblown? In this episode, we unpack one of the most common concerns businesses have when considering solar and energy systems: how much work is actually involved. You’ll learn what happens once a system is up and running, what your team is (and isn’t) responsible for, and why most companies don’t need to become energy experts to make this work. Listen in as we break down where the real effort lies. From aligning internal stakeholders to choosing the right commercial model, you’ll learn how to avoid costly mistakes and streamline the process from day one. Plus, we explore how outages, market volatility, and energy reliance are shaping smarter decisions, as well as why taking control of your energy strategy might be easier—and more valuable—than you think. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: What’s required after an energy system is installed.Why most systems are low maintenance.How operations & maintenance contracts work.Why your team doesn’t need to be energy experts.The real effort required before installation.How to align stakeholders early.Common mistakes that slow projects down.Why energy reliability is becoming critical.How to simplify decision-making with the right process.Resources in Today's Episode: Gareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/22v7p2s3

    23 min

  7. Apr 7

    Top Moment from One AI Platform for All 50 States - Making Sense of Energy Utility Filings with Halcyon Co-Founder Nat Bullard

    What happens when energy demand grows faster than the system can handle? In this highlight episode, Nat Bullard breaks down the unique moment we’re in—where surging demand from data centers, industrial players, and electrification is colliding with infrastructure bottlenecks, policy uncertainty, and rising costs. Listen in to learn how different industries experience energy costs in completely different ways, why availability is becoming more critical than price for some players, and how innovation, new business models, and behind-the-meter solutions are emerging in response. Nat also explores the impact of policy instability, supply chain challenges, and global market dynamics, as well as what it all means for the future of renewable energy, grid reliability, and business decision-making. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why energy demand is growing at historic levels.How data centers are reshaping electricity needs.The difference between energy cost vs availability.Why interconnection queues are slowing progress.How policy uncertainty impacts energy investment.The role of innovation during high-cost periods.Why renewable developers are highly resilient.How businesses are rethinking energy as a resource.The challenges of scaling domestic energy production.The biggest barrier to progress.Resources in Today's Episode: Nat Bullard: LinkedIn | X | WebsiteHalcyonGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/4dvzhhuf

    20 min

  8. Mar 31

    Ep 109: Why Solar and Battery Storage Systems Rarely Benefit from Waiting

    What is the real cost of waiting to install solar and battery systems for your business? In this episode, we break down one of the most common questions companies ask: should we deploy on-site energy now, or wait for technology to get cheaper and more efficient? You’ll learn why waiting for better solar panels or cheaper batteries often doesn’t make financial sense, how incentives and tax credits change the economics dramatically, and the real cost of inaction when organizations delay projects internally. We also discuss energy market volatility, rising utility costs, and why more businesses are starting to treat their buildings like power plants instead of just facilities that consume energy. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why waiting for better solar technology often costs more than acting now.How utility savings outweigh future efficiency improvements.The real financial impact of delaying energy projects.How solar + battery projects are evaluated financially.Why incentives and tax credits can make or break project returns.The hidden cost of organizational indecision.How rising energy prices change project economics.Why businesses should treat buildings like power plants.The risk of relying solely on centralized energy systems.How to evaluate whether an on-site energy project makes sense.Resources in Today's Episode: Gareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/mwhd6ukr

    26 min
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Renewable Rides is the guide to the corporate energy transition. Featuring interviews with industry experts and business leaders, Renewable Rides aims to help companies tackle challenges and maximize opportunities in the pursuit of a resilient, profitable, and thriving energy future. Hosts Gareth Evans and Dan Roberts, founders of VECKTA, shed light on the energy transition and the benefits it presents for company brand, operations and resilience.

Information

  • Creator
    Gareth Evans & Dan Roberts
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Renewable Rides
  • Show Website
    Renewable Rides

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