In this episode of the EV Ready Podcast, Chris Nihan interviews Marissa Galizia, the Senior Director of Partnerships at Voltus. They discuss the complexities of the power grid, emphasizing the significance of demand response and the evolving landscape of energy management.

Their discussion covers the roles of independent system operators (ISO) and utilities, the challenges associated with balancing supply and demand, and the innovative programs designed to boost grid resilience and sustainability.

They highlight that the grid necessitates careful balance, with independent system operators managing supply and demand. Galizia explains how demand response can prevent blackouts by balancing energy use, especially as the grid faces increased demand from AI and electrification.

Virtual power plants (VPP) are emerging to aggregate energy users in support of the grid, allowing participants to earn revenue by reducing energy consumption. The conversation also reveals how utilities are evolving to incorporate new technologies and customers, particularly in deregulated markets that are more receptive to demand response programs.

They discuss innovative programs like Carbon Response that focus on reducing carbon emissions. Lastly, the partnership between Voltus and EV Ready is emphasized, illustrating how such collaborations drive sustainability and economic benefits for energy users, particularly through enhancements in EV charging stations.

In this episode of the EVready Podcast, host Chris Nihan, President of EVready Energy, sits down with Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, to discuss the company's latest developments and strategic directions. The conversation is timely, given ChargePoint's recent earnings call and subsequent layoffs. Here’s a sneak peek into the topics they covered:

• An insightful discussion about the factors leading up to the recent layoffs and what they mean for the company's future.
• ChargePoint's strategic plans and commitment towards achieving profitability, and how these measures align with their long-term vision. Transition in Hardware Solutions:
• Rick Wilmer explains ChargePoint's shift from exclusively selling ChargePoint-manufactured hardware to incorporating other hardware solutions.
• The benefits and challenges of this transition and how it positions ChargePoint in the broader EV market.

• An exploration of the biggest challenges facing the EV industry today.
• How ChargePoint is leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle these challenges, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Rick shares his excitement about recent technological advancements within ChargePoint.
• A closer look at innovations that could reshape the landscape of EV charging.

• A segment on how current political climates and election outcomes could impact ChargePoint and the EV industry at large.
• Perspectives on policy changes and potential implications for the growth and adoption of electric vehicles.

Join us for an in-depth look at ChargePoint's strategies, challenges, and opportunities as the company navigates the complex landscape of the electric vehicle industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of EV infrastructure and technology.

In this episode of the EVready Podcast, Al Levy, Chris Nihan, and Jon Frederick dive into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) and the automotive industry at large. Jon comes from years of auto dealership experience and now is the behind-the-scenes person at the Car Dealership Guy Podcast.

Together, they share their experiences with electric vehicles, tackle the challenges associated with EV adoption, and examine the future profitability of this burgeoning sector. Technology's role within EVs, the importance of consumer education, and the need for affordable EV options are also key topics of discussion.

The conversation rounds out with a look at the timeless appeal of classic cars. Chris and Al recount their early adoption of EVs and their ongoing fascination with their technological advancements. Meanwhile, Jon discusses the specific challenges and opportunities that car dealerships face with the rising global EV sales and the potential impacts of Chinese EV manufacturers on the U.S. market.

Additionally, they explore changing consumer preferences, the increasing importance of personalization in the auto industry, and how dealerships might leverage EV charging services to enhance customer experience. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the need for dealerships to adapt to the evolving automotive landscape in order to remain relevant and valuable to customers.