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Grid Connections

Grid Connections

By: Grid Connections
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 Discover the future of energy in the Grid Connections Podcast. Join our expert host as we explore the latest innovations and developments in the world of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable transportation. In each episode, we dive deep into topics such as the future of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and the impact of renewable energy on our society. We'll discuss cutting-edge technology, industry trends, and the challenges faced by those working to create a more sustainable future. By listening to the Grid Connections Podcast, you'll gain valuable insights and knowledge from industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders. You'll also have the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of sustainable energy and transportation. Don't miss out on this exciting and informative podcast. Download the Grid Connections Podcast today and join us on our journey towards a cleaner, reliable future.e.g. © 2024 Grid Connections
Episodes
  • How EVs Are Powering Rural America: Lower Costs, Farm-Ready Utility, and Real Stories from the Road

    How EVs Are Powering Rural America: Lower Costs, Farm-Ready Utility, and Real Stories from the Road
    Aug 12 2025
    Summary On this episode we talk with Steve Gutmann and Robert Wallace about making electric vehicles practical, affordable, and appealing for rural drivers through the new EVMath program. Drawing from their work on agricultural electrification and hands-on experience with EVs like the Tesla Model 3, Rivian, and Ford F-150 Lightning, Steve and Robert share how low rural electricity rates, high gas prices, and at-home charging can make EV ownership cheaper than running a diesel pickup—often with fuel savings exceeding the monthly payment. They discuss the eFarms program’s real-world testing of electric farm equipment, the surprising utility and range of EVs in remote areas, and the potential of vehicle-to-home power for resilience during outages. With EVMath’s online calculator, case studies, and resources, rural residents can see exactly how switching to electric can save money, increase convenience, and keep more energy dollars in their communities.⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections ConsultingTakeaways1. Rural EV Ownership Can Slash Driving Costs by 80% or More Robert Wallace’s switch from a diesel pickup to a used Tesla Model 3 dropped his fuel cost from over 20¢ per mile to just 2–3¢ per mile—proving EVs can dramatically reduce transportation expenses in rural communities.2. EVs Offer Surprising Utility for Country Living From hauling livestock feed and farm tools to loading up 50-pound bags of dog food, EVs like the Tesla Model 3 have unexpected cargo space and functionality that rival or exceed many gas-powered vehicles.3. Electric Farm Equipment Brings Big Advantages Beyond Zero Emissions Programs like eFarms are putting electric tractors, trucks, and side-by-sides into the hands of farmers—offering quiet operation, instant torque, and even mobile power for running irrigation pumps in remote fields.4. Destination Charging Can Be More Useful Than DC Fast Charging For many rural drivers, Level 2 chargers at hotels, workplaces, or meeting locations are more than enough to recharge during the day—reducing the need for constant DC fast charger access.5. EVs Improve Reliability in Remote Areas In rural Oregon, fuel stations can be 40 miles away and have limited hours. Home charging ensures a “full tank” every morning, eliminating the risk of being stranded or delayed due to fuel access.6. Vehicle-to-Home Power Could Be a Game-Changer for Rural Resilience Pickup EVs with large battery packs can power essential farm equipment, well pumps, and refrigeration during outages—an especially valuable feature during wildfire season or severe weather events.7. Used EVs and Federal Tax Credits Make Electrification Affordable Robert purchased his 2018 Tesla Model 3 for just $21,000 after applying the federal used EV tax credit—showing that the used EV market is opening doors for budget-conscious rural drivers.Support or Connect with Grid ConnectionsLooking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card. Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookNEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • EV Charging Is Booming—Why the Narrative Is Wrong and What’s Next

    EV Charging Is Booming—Why the Narrative Is Wrong and What’s Next
    Jul 31 2025
    SummaryIndustry experts Matt Teske (Chargeway), Loren McDonald (Paren), and John McElroy (Autoline Network) join host Chase to tackle the most pressing myths and realities in EV charging. They break down the surprising growth in U.S. charging infrastructure, challenge the mainstream narrative that EV adoption is stalling, and highlight why better communication—not just better technology—is critical for the next wave of EV buyers. From fast-charging expansion and policy headwinds to automaker struggles and the impact of leasing and used EVs, this episode is packed with insight for anyone navigating the future of clean transportation.⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections ConsultingLinks from this EpisodeParen's US EV Fast Charging — Q2 2025 ReportTakeawaysFast Charging Is Scaling—But With Growing Pains While fast-charging installations are breaking records, some regions are facing underutilization due to overbuilt infrastructure or slow EV adoption, revealing the importance of aligning deployment with real-world demand.Charging Station Visibility Is a Major Barrier The lack of consistent signage and recognizable branding for EV chargers is creating consumer confusion. The panel argues that marketing electricity as a fuel—complete with price signage—can dramatically shift public perception.The Real EV Education Problem: Zero Public Messaging Despite billions in public investment, there’s virtually no nationwide campaign explaining how EV charging actually works. The absence of clear messaging continues to slow adoption among mainstream drivers.EV Sales Are Fragmenting Across More Models, Not Growing Per Model With over 80 BEV models on the market and many more on the way, the data shows EV sales are plateauing per vehicle. Most sales gains come from newly introduced models, not sustained growth across existing ones.Used EVs Are Creating Wildly Competitive Price Points Consumers can now find luxury EVs like the Mercedes EQS for under $35K, putting pressure on automakers to justify new model pricing—even for upcoming sub-$30K EVs.Automakers Are Losing Money—And Options Are Limited As leasing incentives phase out and tariffs ramp up, legacy automakers face difficult decisions: cut margins further, eat the costs, or risk sales decline. Profitability is increasingly tied to platform efficiency and software.Bidirectional Charging May Be the Game-Changer No One's Talking About As grid reliability declines, EVs with power backup capabilities—like the Cybertruck—offer new value propositions for homeowners. Yet, the industry has barely scratched the surface in promoting this benefit to consumers.Support or Connect with Grid ConnectionsLooking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card. Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookNEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • How PSE&G Is Powering New Jersey’s EV Future with Scalable, Equitable Infrastructure with Dawn Neville

    How PSE&G Is Powering New Jersey’s EV Future with Scalable, Equitable Infrastructure with Dawn Neville
    Jul 10 2025

    Summary
    Dawn Neville, PSE&G's Manager of Electric Transportation, shares how New Jersey’s largest utility is scaling EV infrastructure through innovative programs, strategic grid investments, and a focus on equity. From supporting multi-unit dwelling charging to enabling fleet electrification, Dawn breaks down how PSE&G is preparing the grid for mass EV adoption while ensuring access for all communities. Whether you're in policy, utilities, or EV deployment, this episode delivers actionable insights into the future of clean transportation.
    ⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!
    Plus check out our new consultancy site:     Grid Connections Consulting

    Takeaways

    1. Customer education is key — PSE&G is investing in outreach and education to help customers understand the benefits and logistics of EV charging, especially for first-time EV buyers.
    2. Utility incentives aren’t just for residential drivers — PSE&G offers tailored programs for commercial fleets and workplace charging to accelerate large-scale electrification.
    3. Partnerships with local governments are accelerating deployment — Collaboration with municipalities is helping streamline permitting and siting for public charging infrastructure.
    4. Data-driven planning is shaping the grid of the future — PSE&G is using EV adoption forecasts and geospatial mapping to proactively plan grid upgrades before bottlenecks emerge.
    5. Interoperability matters — Dawn emphasized the importance of building charging networks that work across different hardware and software platforms to ensure a seamless user experience.
    6. Equity is embedded from the start — Rather than retrofitting equity considerations, PSE&G bakes them into program design, with targeted incentives and outreach to underserved communities.

    Support or Connect with Grid Connections

    • Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
    • Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
    • Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.
    • Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

    Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

    NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
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