Advertise on podcast: Electric & Eclectic with Roger Atkins - LinkedIn Top Voice for EV

A founder sells her shares, goes back to school for data science and AI, and then lands in a role that sounds simple but isn’t: making sure a world-class mobility and automotive innovation site gets seen, funded, and understood.  I sit down with Sarah Windrum to unpack the real story behind economic development, public sector and private sector collaboration, and the kind of relationship-building that turns regional ambition into national attention. We dig into the early signals that made AI feel inevitable long before it became the daily headline. From cloud technology and SME adoption to the rising demand for insight, trends, and predictive analytics, Sarah explains why “more data” only matters when it improves productivity and decision-making.  If you care about electric vehicles, automotive engineering, mobility innovation, or how the UK improves growth, competitiveness, and jobs, you’ll hear a grounded view of what actually moves the needle. Then we go personal. Parenting while running a business means tradeoffs that don’t fit neatly into a highlight reel, from leaving a school sports day during a crisis to canceling professional commitments when your child needs you. We talk about making hard calls, being honest with people, and living with the reality that balance is a practice, not a perfect plan. We also break down what it takes to bring senior leaders to a place like MIRA Tech Park, including the Prime Ministerial visit to launch the industrial strategy, the importance of cross-party support, and how a well-designed ecosystem creates collaboration instead of silos.  So, if you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, share it with a friend who cares about EVs and industrial policy, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.  ...And, if you have been - thank you for listening!

London doesn’t feel like a wildfire city until it suddenly is. We’re joined by legendary BBC science editor David Shukman to talk about his book The Response and the uncomfortable truth behind Britain’s “new normal”: the disasters aren’t only getting worse, they’re arriving faster than our institutions can adapt. We dig into the 40°C heat warning and the damage mixed public messaging can do when emergency services are gearing up to save lives. David walks us through the chain of consequences that turns heat into catastrophe, from multiple blazes flaring around the capital to the Wennington fire, where crews reported weak water pressure at the moment it mattered most. We also explore flooding as a life-and-death threat, including what happens when extreme rain overwhelms drainage and sewage systems and traps people in basement flats. From there, the conversation widens to the forces that shape climate action: how oil companies have framed the debate, why “phase out” is different from “switch off,” and where electrification actually delivers quick wins through electric vehicles, batteries, and heat pumps. We also talk air pollution and the landmark case of Ella Kissi-Debrah, plus the difficult economics of prevention, flood defenses, and insurance in a warming world. If you care about climate change, climate adaptation, UK infrastructure, clean air, and realistic paths to net zero, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who still thinks it’s “just weather,” and leave a review with the one change you want leaders to make first.

What happens after we make the power? We dive into the messy, fascinating intersection of energy storage, AI-hungry data centers, and the EV market—where policy, pricing, and supply chains can accelerate progress or grind it to a halt. With Benchmark Mineral Intelligence's Head of Research, Iola Hughes, and Energy Storage Lead, Shan Tomouk, we unpack why batteries are quickly becoming the most flexible tool in the energy toolbox and how that changes decisions from the mine to the megawatt. We explore the surge in US storage demand as utilities wrestle with aging grids and interconnection queues, and why developers are using containerized ESS as a bridge to get data centers online faster. You’ll hear how peak shaving and behind-the-meter batteries cut brutal 6 pm prices, how waste heat from servers can warm swimming pools and districts, and where SMRs fit on a realistic timeline. We chart the geopolitics too: the US lead in data centers and GPUs, China’s grip on LFP and processing, and the West’s push to localize parts of the battery supply chain. We also test the sacred cows. Can vehicle-to-grid finally scale, or will dedicated storage dominate grid response? Is battery swapping dead for cars but a winner for heavy trucks, where standardized packs and depot cycles make economics sing? And what does a credible 2050 look like—more renewables, firm gas, smarter batteries, and microgrids that help emerging regions leapfrog old pathways? If you care about clean energy, AI infrastructure, EV adoption, or how to actually pay for the future grid, this conversation gives you a grounded map and a few bold bets. Follow along, share with a friend who loves energy debates, and if it resonated, subscribe and leave a review so we can keep bringing sharp voices and real-world insights to your feed.

What if the future of cars isn’t a finish line but a tug-of-war between electrons, policy, and supply chains? That’s the lens we bring to a candid conversation with Reuters U.S. Autos Editor Mike Colias, author of Inevitable, as we chart how EV adoption can stall in the short term and still advance for the long haul. We unpack why China sprinted ahead by cracking two stubborn problems—price and charging—while the U.S. wrestles with policy whiplash and Europe navigates uneven progress across member states. Mike takes us from the Edison-Ford era to CATL’s meteoric rise, showing how battery breakthroughs became business moats. We talk about the moment the industry underestimated Tesla, how an EV’s simpler powertrain lowered barriers to entry, and why legacy automakers found themselves playing catch-up just as China’s industrial policy hit its stride. The result: a global realignment where cost curves, charging reliability, and mineral refining capacity determine who sells the next million vehicles. We also go deep on regulation and geopolitics. In the U.S., shifting incentives and frozen penalties chilled demand and postponed plants. In Europe, an end date for combustion is softening, but emissions pressure remains high, with hybrids, e-fuels, and biofuels reshaping compliance. Looming over everything is the minerals and midstream bottleneck—lithium, nickel, graphite, and rare earths mostly refined in China—creating leverage that can swing markets overnight. Expect familiar playbooks: Chinese brands building inside tariff walls, Western OEMs doubling down on hybrids now while investing in batteries, software, and charging to compete later. If you’re trying to make sense of the next five years—where the casualties might fall, which strategies actually close the gap, and how “new energy” links mobility to the grid—this conversation offers a clear map of the forces at work. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves cars or policy, and leave a review telling us where you think EV adoption will peak first and why.

Benedetta Arese Lucini reveals how AI is matchmaking inventors with investors to accelerate global innovation!We discuss the revolutionary Atom Patent Assistant with founder Benedetta Arese Lucini, a marketplace connecting inventors with companies seeking innovation solutions across multiple industries. The platform uses AI to make 150 million patents searchable and accessible, helping match ideas with the capital needed to bring them to market. • Atom creates a bridge between inventors (particularly in universities and startups) and companies with the resources to commercialize their ideas • Patents typically only last 20 years, creating opportunities for companies to discover innovations that are no longer protected • The platform uses AI to translate complex patent language and identify potential applications beyond what's explicitly stated • Bernadette's background in finance and technology helps her understand both the inventor and commercial perspectives • Atom's valuation tools aim to help innovators understand the true worth of their intellectual property • The platform works by finding ideas first rather than people, unlike traditional networking platforms • While patents are public, finding relevant ones has historically been difficult without specialized tools • Atom's model combines artificial intelligence with human expertise to unlock innovation potential Follow Roger on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest electric vehicle developments and innovation trends in batteries, energy, and data.

Unlock the secrets to pioneering STEM education through the engaging insights of Diane Clark, Mission Director of Curiosity Box. Diane unravels the innovative methods Curiosity Box employs to make learning tangible and impactful for children, especially in underserved areas. By collaborating with prestigious organizations like the Faraday Institute and the British Science Association, Curiosity Box ensures their products are both educationally significant and accredited, aiming to boost confidence in teachers and inspire resilience in students. Discover the transformative power of community outreach in the industrial sector as we highlight notable examples like Agritas and Amphenol. These companies are not only enhancing their local presence but are also revolutionizing the way complex scientific concepts are taught to young minds. Agritas, for instance, partners with schools to introduce innovative battery boxes that make science both accessible and fascinating. Learn practical advice on how businesses can get involved, emphasizing strategic partnerships and the financial commitments necessary for impactful engagement. Finally, we steer into the electrifying world of electric vehicles and their integration into education. The need to normalise knowledge about batteries and electric motors from an early age is critical, and our discussion sheds light on how this can be achieved. With insights from our eclectic guest, Diane Clark, we highlight the exciting opportunities the electric vehicle revolution presents for learners of all ages. By investing in STEM education today, businesses can help bridge the skills gap, ensuring a future workforce that's ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Prepare to be inspired by Crijn Bouman, the visionary CEO of Rocsys, as he shares his mission to transform the future of mobility with hands-free charging solutions for autonomous and electric vehicles. Live from Rijswijk, Netherlands, Crijn offers a rare look into Rocsys's groundbreaking work with major North American ports and logistics companies like Taylor and Hyster. With tantalizing hints of upcoming European developments, we uncover how Rocsys is setting the stage for a driverless tomorrow, where infrastructure is primed for efficiency and sustainability. Our exploration doesn't stop there as we tackle the fascinating world of electric vehicle charging solutions. From the practicalities of battery swapping and wireless charging to Rocsys's pioneering hands-free charging hubs, we weigh the strengths and limitations of each. Discover how advancements in robotics and AI are the secret weapons in automating the charging process, ensuring scalability without the need for vehicle modifications. We also touch on the challenges of standardization across regions, with an eye on how China’s government-led standards could shape the future landscape. Picture a world where steering wheels are obsolete, and vehicles operate as constant revenue-generating assets. We dive into the implications of such a reality, pondering the potential shifts in business models and the roles of traditional manufacturers. The accelerating race between the US and China in the autonomous vehicle sector raises questions about global competition and the economic ripple effects. Crijn offers insights into how Rocsys is positioned at the forefront of these changes, especially in the logistics and Robotaxi sectors, where automated charging solutions could redefine industry norms.

Can batteries really drive the green energy revolution? Join me as Inga Peterson, Executive Director of the Global Battery Alliance (GBA), explains how she's leading the charge to ensure sustainable battery supply chains. From her shift from international security to spearheading initiatives crucial for the green energy transition, Inga brings a wealth of experience and passion to our discussion. We tackle the foundational goals of the GBA, emphasising the need for collaboration across industries, NGOs, and governments to address the pressing challenges in mineral production and the global battery industry's current imbalances. What does it take to certify a sustainable battery? Uncover the intricacies of developing a sustainability certification framework, akin to certifications in the food industry, but focused on batteries. We dive into the challenges of traceability and reporting within the cobalt and lithium value chains, addressing critical issues like child labor and carbon footprints. Discover how establishing these certifications can transform the marketplace, creating benefits for consumers, investors, and public procurement officials. We highlight transparent carbon footprint assessments as a path to business efficiencies and advocate for a harmonized approach that uplifts all stakeholders. Electric vehicles are on the rise, but how can we ensure their success? In our final discussions, we explore the strategies behind winning consumer support for EVs. From creating appealing products that stand on their own merits to building resilient and diversified value chains, we cover it all. The concept of a "race to the top" in sustainability standards emerges as a key driver of innovation and improvement. We also emphasize the importance of integrating economic viability with business sustainability, encouraging companies to take proactive steps toward a greener future. Stay connected with us for more insights and upcoming events focused on responsible mining and sustainable practices.

Embark on an enlightening ride with Michael Dunn, an automotive sage with an Asian tenure spanning over a quarter of a century. As we cruise through the landscape of change in the auto industry, Michael steers us through the night terrors haunting today's executives: the rise of software-defined vehicles, the electric vehicle revolution, and the looming shadow of Asian, particularly Chinese, dominance in the market. From his Detroit roots to the bustling streets of Bangkok, Michael's journey is a testament to the impact of a positive and adventurous upbringing and the pivotal choices that drive a career forward.  Navigating through the fog of Chinese business culture, our conversation uncovers the enigmatic ways of the East and how it shapes Western engagement. The opaque yet rapid evolution of China's auto industry unravels before us, revealing tales of joint ventures and the Communist Party's stealthy hand in the electric vehicle race. Witness how China's meticulous strategy transformed it into a global powerhouse, sparking a debate on intellectual property sharing and the unyielding influence of political powers within and outside the Party's ranks. As we gaze into the crystal ball of global collaboration, the winds of change suggest a shift from China to other Asian nations, pondering the future tapestry of investments. With Michael Dunn in the passenger seat, "Driving with Dunn" offers not just a podcast episode, but a journey through the heart of the automotive transformation, where every turn promises new insights and the road ahead is anything but certain.

Discover the untapped treasure trove of Europe's lithium and borate resources as we sit down with Peter and Alex Palkovsky of Euro Lithium. In a conversation that spans from the picturesque Barcelona to the snowy stretches of Vancouver Island, we uncover the Palkovsky's groundbreaking discovery of a substantial borate deposit with significant lithium content. Their commitment to eco-friendly extraction processes promises a future where Europe's raw material needs are met sustainably—imagine a world where mining contributes to carbon neutrality, or better yet, carbon negativity! Wrapping up our journey, we spotlight the inspiring sustainable project in Serbia, where local resources, skilled labor, and supportive government policies set the stage for a transformative impact on the European economy and environment. My guests share their optimism for a greener future and the vital role the next generation will play in carrying forward the torch of environmental stewardship.  Join me for a riveting session that ignites curiosity and fuels the passion for a more sustainable and innovative world.

Embark on an electrifying exploration of China's automotive revolution with me as we sit down with Bill Russo, arguably the most authoritative automotive commentator living in China. Together, we unravel the intricacies behind China's strategic pivot to electric vehicle (NEV) prominence. We dissect how policy support and massive investment have shifted gears for the automotive sector, propelling China ahead and challenging Western automakers to either join forces or compete in a high-stakes race. Bill sheds light on the transformative journey, from the rise of homegrown innovators like BYD to Tesla's game-changing market entrance, offering a rare glimpse into the global implications of this electric evolution. Witness the future of electric mobility unfold as we delve into the innovative business models that are recharging the industry. We discuss the resurgence of battery swapping in China, led by companies like NIO, and its potential to transform EV economics. With fascinating insights into how these advancements could seamlessly integrate into the wider energy ecosystem, Bill paints a picture of a world where cars are not just vehicles but dynamic assets in the renewable energy revolution. From discussions on the role of batteries in bi-directional charging to the prospect of new revenue streams from software and energy services, this episode illuminates the road ahead for the automotive industry. Concluding our journey, we cast a spotlight on the Western response to China's dominance in the EV supply chain, as Bill advocates for strategic collaboration over competition. Buckle up for a podcast that doesn't just talk about change - it charges towards it.

Embark on an electrifying ride with Christina Bu, the dynamic head of the Norwegian EV Association, as she steers us through Norway's groundbreaking shift to electric mobility. This episode is charged with insights into how a small group of eco-driven individuals accelerated into a robust team influencing global transportation. Christina's wealth of knowledge peels back the layers of Norway's EV policies, the myths hindering adoption, and the importance of community and government support. We also shine a spotlight on the Nordic EV Summit, revealing its influential role in connecting industry leaders and innovating the future of clean travel. As we navigate the landscape of sustainable transportation, Christina shares the success secrets behind the Norwegian EV Association's growth and international influence, offering a blueprint for electric vehicle advocacy worldwide. The episode takes a decisive turn towards the heavy-duty sector, focusing on Norway's ambitious initiatives to electrify trucks and combat emissions across all modes of transport. The festive spirit is alive with anticipation for electric mobility's potential in 2024, and the invitation to join us in Oslo for the Nordic EV Summit is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Tune in for a conversation that not only celebrates Norway's pioneering spirit but inspires action towards a greener future.

We all have 20:20 vision when it comes to hindsight - but foresight is much rarer. However, reflecting on what Mr Levi Tillemann recounted back in 2015 as to the then nascent electric vehicle revolution might well equip you, as it has me, with a better sense of what could happen next.  His book 'The Great Race' is about people, politics and policy - writ large on the world stage. How has China come to increasingly dominate the global industrial landscape and what were the tipping point moments in that story? You'll find the detailed answers in the book and an overview of what's been going on in my conversation with Levi.  He's an internationally recognised thought-leader in clean energy and mobility. VP for Policy and International Outreach at Ample. Sr. Advisor to Valence Strategic. Fmr. WEF. Guest contributor at WIRED, The New Yorker, Washington Post and regular commentator on NPR. Skilled in Mobility, Clean Energy, International Relations, Fundraising, Climate Change, and Policy Analysis.

Prepare to embark on an electrifying journey as Steve Levine and I  unravel the multi-faceted world of electric vehicles and renewable energy as we glimpse into the 2023 rear view mirror.  We dissect the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on the industry, drawing a few parallels with past stimulus packages. The discussion extends to the influential works of both Steve and Levi Tillemann, who both wrote chronicles some time ago now on what we see unfolding all around us today. We navigate the geopolitically charged issue of the US battery supply chain and Chinese involvement... and the potential role of oil and gas companies in the battery and renewables  landscape. We also talk about my recent close encounters with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Professor Stan Whittingham, both of whom underscored the importance of relatable dialogue and urgency in tackling this global issue.