Electric vehicles: How sustainable will the EV revolution really be? | Inspiring Industry #5

As we begin our deep dive into sustainability, we start by examining the role of electrification as it relates to renewable energy and powering the transport sector. What are the benefits? Are there any downsides? Does the debate take developing countries into account? In this episode, our host, Danielle Champ, investigates the nuances and intricacies of what is – undoubtedly – a very complex issue.

"Electrification is the unsung hero of everything we do." – Morten Wierod, ABB

Indeed, to set up the context of our investigation, we draw on Mary Floate's recent conversation with Morten Wierod, President of ABB's Electrification Business Area⁠, to uncover how companies within the energy sector can go about electrifying the world in a safe, smart, and sustainable way. ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

Speaking from the UK, Martin Dean, Managing Director of The Go-Ahead Group's Bus Division, then tells us about the viability of new, hydrogen-powered buses and why the data suggests climate change will be a driving growth factor propelling the public transport sector forward. The Go-Ahead Group is London's largest bus operator with around 2300 vehicles running on behalf of TFL.

Across the pond in sunny California, Jim Castelaz dials in to join the debate. As Founder and CTO of Motiv Power Systems, he's an expert in electric vehicles (EVs) and the electrification of medium-duty EVs for commercial use. In conversation with Alex Caesari, Jim enlightens us on the hardware-to-software shift that EVs are bringing about, and shares his resoundingly positive outlook on an ever-growing commercial EV market.

Through these conversations, we begin to understand that, despite a universal push for EVs, there is still a lot of research and fine-tuning that needs to be done – especially when it comes to clean manufacturing and serving the needs of developing countries.

If you could electrify any vehicle, what would it be? Do you support the EV revolution? Check out our Q&A and poll. Get involved!

It's time to be inspired.

Time stamps:

(00:00:00) Sponsor – Shoes for Crews

(00:00:26) Introduction

(00:02:52) Martin Wierod, ABB – Electrification and Sustainability

(00:10:12) Martin Dean, The Go-Ahead Group – Hydrogen Buses and Public Transport

(00:21:01) Jim Castelaz, Motiv Power Systems – Electric Vehicles for Delivering Goods and Medium-Duty EVs

(00:32:53) Conclusion – How Sustainable Will the EV Revolution Really Be?

(00:34:25) Credits