Ep. 9: Commercial EVs

In our season finale, we dive into the real-world experiences of EV drivers. Our guests share candid stories about their journeys with EVs, covering a variety of topics from dealing with range anxiety to the complexities of planning long trips. They also discuss the challenges and solutions related to public charging stations, the convenience of charging at home, and the overall benefits of driving an EV. Special thanks to Adrian Gonzales, Steve White, Walter Schrading, Brian Dober, Glenda Earwood, Jason Powers, Mary Palmer Rosenault, Bhavesh Patel, John Gavhan, Ralph Cook, Ed Hale, Jeremiah Dillon, Dan Radzietta, John Morton and Minh “Luckie” Nguyen for participating at Pepper Place EVent and for sharing their experience and for driving an EV. Click to learn more:Drive Electric Earth Day EventA Better Route PlannerAlabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC)Alabama Power's EV Home Charger RebateAlabama Power's EV Night Charging DiscountAlabama Power's Make Ready ProgramAlabamaPower.com/EVMeet the host:  Host: Cedric Daniels     If you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice.

The EV transition is moving beyond the personal automobile. In Fact, EVs are making great strides in the commercial vehicle space. In this episode we talk about the current state of commercial EV fleets and what lies ahead.Click to learn more:AutoCar TrucksTransportation SouthEPA FundingAlabama Power’s EV Home Charger RebateAlabama Power’s EV Night Charging DiscountAlabama Power’s Make Ready ProgramAlabamaPower.com/EVMeet the guests and host:  Dion van Leeve, VP Engineering Commercial Vehicles, AutoCar TrucksDavid Nethercut, EV Program Manager, Transportation SouthHost: Cedric DanielsIf you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice.

Over the past 20+ years, Alabama has become one of the top auto manufacturers in the country. In this episode we talk about how the EV industry is impacting the current EV market and creating new EV related opportunities. Click to learn more:Alabama Department of CommerceAlabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC)Alabama Mobility and Power CenterMOBISAmazing AlabamaGrowing AlabamaSEEDS ProgramAlabama Power’s EV Home Charger RebateAlabama Power’s EV Night Charging DiscountAlabama Power’s Make Ready ProgramAlabamaPower.com/EVMeet the guests and host:  Ellen McNair, Secretary, Alabama Department of CommerceGreg Canfield, Former Secretary, Alabama Department of CommerceBlair King, Business Development Director, Alabama PowerHost: Michael Staley   If you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice. 

In this episode, we discuss the recently established partnership between The University of Alabama, Alabama Power Company and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc. to form the Alabama Mobility and Power Center (AMP). AMP is a research center created to meet the needs of the emerging electric vehicle market in Alabama. We will talk about the domestic battery industry, the domestic battery research hub, battery management system research and more. Alabama Mobility and Power CenterBattery Workforce ChallengeAlabama GraphiteAlabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC)Alabama Power’s EV Home Charger RebateAlabama Power’s EV Night Charging DiscountAlabama Power’s Make Ready ProgramAlabamaPower.com/EVMeet the guest and host:  Mike Oatridge, Executive Director, Alabama Mobility and Power CenterHost: Cedric Daniels    If you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice. 

The EV transition is happening around the world and even in Alabama. In this episode, we talk to an auto dealer about how EVs have changed his business. In addition, we talk to a representative from the Alabama Auto Manufacturers Association on how the manufacturers work together to help make and sell EVs in the state. Click to learn more:Town & Country FordAlabama Automotive Manufacturers AssociationFuel EconomyEdmundsSouthern Automotive Quality Summit2024 EV SummitAAMA Board MembersAlabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC)Alabama Power’s EV Home Charger RebateAlabama Power’s EV Night Charging DiscountAlabama Power’s Make Ready ProgramAlabamaPower.com/EVGuests and host:  Mitchell Watts, VP and Co-Owner, Town & Country FordRon Davis, President and CEO, AAMAHost: Cedric DanielsIf you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice. 

In this episode, we talk about the new EV technology that will need to be met with ample EV technicians for charging infrastructure, installations and maintenance. Join us as we discuss what the future might look like as EV manufacturing grows in Alabama, creating hundreds to thousands of new jobs. Click to learn more:Career Training - Alabama Community College SystemNational Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula ProgramEVITP – Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training ProgramElectric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Programs – ADECAAlabama Rural Electric Association of CooperativesAlabama Municipal Electric AuthorityJim Fugate -  [email protected] Construction Industry Craft Training BoardAlabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC)Alabama Power’s EV Home Charger RebateAlabama Power’s EV Night Charging DiscountAlabama Power's Make Ready ProgramAlabama Power.com/EVGuests and host:  Tom McNeal, Craft Labor and Workforce Development Program Manager, Alabama PowerJim Fugate, Energy Infrastructure Training and Technical Training Manager, Alabama PowerHost: Michael Staley   If you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice.

Alabama is a global leader in automotive production with four assembly plants.  In this episode, we discuss the impact that electric vehicles have on automakers’ lineups. Some have plans to increase electric vehicle production in the coming years, while others have goals for fully electric lineups by the end of the decade. Click to learn more:Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of AlabamaHyundai HomeElectrify AmericaBattery Extinguishing System Technology (BEST)Mobis AlabamaAlabama Power’s EV Home Charger RebateAlabama Power’s EV Night Charging DiscountAlabama Power’s Make Ready ProgramAlabamaPower.com/EVMeet the guest and host:Robert Burns, Chief Administrative Officer and VP of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of AlabamaHost: Michael Staley   If you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice.

In this episode, we focus on how the charging infrastructure advancements are growing to meet the needs of EV drivers. We’ll discuss the efforts made for improvements, including programs for EV charging infrastructure. Click to learn more:Tennessee Valley AuthorityTVA EV ResourcesTVA New Homes Program (Decatur Utilities)Alabama Power's EV Home Charger RateAlabama Power's EV Night Charging RateAlabama Power's Make Ready ProgramAlabamaPower.com/EVMeet the guests and host:  Justin Harrison, Distribution Grid Transformation and Planning Manager, Alabama PowerDrew Frye, EV Manager, TVAHost: Cedric DanielsIf you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice.

In this episode, we discuss the federal and state grants that are enabling Alabama’s EV industry to flourish. You’ll also learn about the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and utility incentives, including Alabama Power’s EV Home Charger Rebate and EV Night Charging Discount for residential customers, as well as the Make Ready Program for business customers.Click to learn more: Energy Institute of Alabama (EIA)Alabama Power’s EV Home Charger RebateAlabama Power's EV Night Charging DiscountAlabama Power's Make Ready ProgramAlabamaPower.com/EVNational Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula ProgramMeet the guests and host: Houston Smith, VP of Governmental Affairs, Alabama PowerBlake Hardwich, Executive Dir., EIAHost: Michael Staley  If you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice.

In this episode, we introduce you to the organizations and people who are instrumental in promoting the growth and adoption of the EV industry in the state of Alabama, including the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), Drive Electric Alabama (DEA) and the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC). Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)Drive Electric Alabama (DEA)Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC)Alabama Power’s EV Home Charger RebateAlabama Power’s EV Night Charging DiscountAlabama Power’s Make Ready ProgramAlabamaPower.com/EVNational Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula ProgramMeet the guests and host: Kenneth Boswell, Director of ADECAMichael Staley, President of the ACFCHost: Cedric DanielsIf you have a question or comment for the podcast, send an email to [email protected] can learn more about the “Drive Electric Alabama” podcast here and please consider subscribing to the podcast on your player of choice.