by Grid Connections
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.
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Publishing Since
9/20/2020
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April 17, 2025
<p><strong>Summary<br></strong>We sit down with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianboshes/">Brian Boshes</a>, Head of Operations at <a href="https://www.rangerev.co/">Ranger EV</a>, to explore how vacation rentals and hospitality providers can become part of the EV charging solution. Brian breaks down Ranger EV’s innovative approach to turning everyday outlets into trusted, bookable charging stations—starting with Oregon coast destinations like Manzanita. We dig into real-world challenges EV drivers face when traveling to remote areas, how Ranger EV’s “honor system” and plug-based models are lowering the barrier to entry for hosts, and why reliable home base charging is essential for stress-free road trips. Whether you own a vacation rental, manage a hotel, or are just tired of broken apps and unreliable public chargers, this conversation is packed with insight on how small changes can make a big impact for EV travelers.<br>⚡ <strong>Tune in now and don’t forget to </strong><a href="https://gridconnections.fm/newsletter"><strong>Subscribe to our new newsletter</strong></a><strong>!<br>Plus check out our new consultancy site: </strong><a href="https://www.gridconnections.co/"><strong>Grid Connections Consulting</strong></a></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><p>🔋 <strong>1. Ranger EV Makes Any Plug a Charging Station</strong><br> From standard 120V outlets to full Level 2 EVSEs, Ranger EV’s flexible model empowers hosts to start offering EV charging with whatever infrastructure they already have.</p><p>🏡 <strong>2. EV Charging as a Must-Have Vacation Amenity</strong><br> As EV adoption grows, guests are beginning to expect charging at vacation rentals just like they expect Wi-Fi or a coffee maker—making it a key differentiator for short-term rental hosts.</p><p>📱 <strong>3. No App Required: Frictionless Guest Checkout</strong><br> Ranger EV’s web-based interface and guest checkout options allow travelers to pay for charging without downloading an app or creating an account—removing a major barrier to use.</p><p>💸 <strong>4. Honor System Charging Builds Trust and Flexibility</strong><br> Their guest-initiated "honor system" approach makes it easy for homeowners to offer charging even without smart chargers, while still being fairly reimbursed for the energy used.</p><p>🌲 <strong>5. Starting in Oregon's Charging Deserts</strong><br> With high EV adoption and remote tourist destinations, Oregon’s coastlines are the ideal proving ground for Ranger EV’s model—starting with real-world pilots in Manzanita.</p><p>⚡ <strong>6. Ranger EV is Hardware-Agnostic and Scalable</strong><br> Unlike traditional charging networks, Ranger EV isn’t tied to a specific charger type, enabling quick deployment across diverse properties, including those with limited electrical capacity.</p><p>🏨 <strong>7. Hotels and RV Parks Could Be the Next Frontier</strong><br> While currently focused on vacation rentals, Ranger EV is exploring partnerships with boutique hotels and campgrounds to expand EV access in underserved rural travel hubs.</p><p><br><strong>Support or Connect with Grid Connections</strong></p><ul><li>Looking to either <a href="https://gridconnections.fm/tesla"><strong>buy a Tesla</strong></a> or even test drive one, <a href="https://gridconnections.fm/tesla"><strong>use our referral code</strong></a>.</li><li>Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? <a href="https://www.gridconnections.fm/chase-cards">Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card</a>. </li><li>Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? <a href="https://www.gridconnections.fm/starlink">Try Starlink FREE for a month</a>.</li><li><a href="mailto:%[email protected]">Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?</a></li></ul><p><a href="https://gridconnections.fm/">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHl5x_M8XlEOxVlC2gqmGg?">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ConnectionsGrid">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gridconnections/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Connecting-the-Grid">Facebook</a></p><p>NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging</p>
April 10, 2025
<p><strong>Summary</strong><br>If you’re curious how utilities can break through outdated processes and accelerate grid modernization, this episode is a must-listen. Kim Getgen, CEO of InnovationForce, joins us to share how her AI-powered platform is helping utilities overcome “pilotitis,” streamline innovation workflows, and bring game-changing technologies to life faster. From aligning with fast-moving startups to addressing cybersecurity bottlenecks and making frontline workers part of the solution, Kim offers real-world strategies for scaling innovation in complex, regulated industries. Whether you work in clean energy, electric vehicles, or digital transformation, this episode is packed with insights on how AI is reshaping the future of utility innovation—one pilot at a time.<br>⚡ <strong>Tune in now and don’t forget to </strong><a href="https://gridconnections.fm/newsletter"><strong>Subscribe to our new newsletter</strong></a><strong>!<br>Plus check out our new consultancy site: </strong><a href="https://www.gridconnections.co/"><strong>Grid Connections Consulting</strong></a><strong></strong></p><p>Takeaways</p><p><strong>1. Innovation starts with a challenge—not a shiny object.</strong><br> Kim Getgen explains why utility innovation efforts often fail when they don’t begin with a clearly defined problem, and how starting with challenge statements leads to better alignment, faster pilots, and higher success rates.<br><strong>2. Time is the silent killer of innovation.</strong><br> More than budgets or resources, it's indecision and delays that stall progress. Kim shares why utilities must act quickly to match the pace of startups—and how AI can help accelerate that decision-making process.<br><strong>3. Culture change comes </strong><strong>after</strong><strong> capability building—not before.</strong><br> Drawing from Harvard-backed research, Kim breaks down why utility culture improves organically when employees are empowered with the right innovation tools and clear processes—not just buzzwords or slogans.<br><strong>4. Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a bottleneck.</strong><br> Kim dives into how standardized procurement workflows, better staffing, and proactive preparation from startups can reduce cyber delays—without compromising safety or compliance.<br><strong>5. InnovationForce’s “airports and captains” model makes innovation accessible.</strong><br> By ditching jargon and using aviation-inspired language, utilities can decentralize innovation and engage employees at all levels—especially those closest to the problem.<br><strong>6. AI is changing the game for solution discovery and pilot matching.</strong><br> InnovationWorks AI can read hundreds of pages of grid modernization filings in seconds, identify critical challenges, and instantly match them to vetted startup solutions—replacing months of manual research.</p><p><br><strong>Support or Connect with Grid Connections</strong></p><ul><li>Looking to either <a href="https://gridconnections.fm/tesla"><strong>buy a Tesla</strong></a> or even test drive one, <a href="https://gridconnections.fm/tesla"><strong>use our referral code</strong></a>.</li><li>Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? <a href="https://www.gridconnections.fm/chase-cards">Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card</a>. </li><li>Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? <a href="https://www.gridconnections.fm/starlink">Try Starlink FREE for a month</a>.</li><li><a href="mailto:%[email protected]">Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?</a></li></ul><p><a href="https://gridconnections.fm/">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHl5x_M8XlEOxVlC2gqmGg?">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ConnectionsGrid">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gridconnections/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Connecting-the-Grid">Facebook</a></p><p>NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging</p>
April 8, 2025
<p><strong>Summary<br></strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-cantor/">Corey Cantor</a>, Research Director at the <a href="https://www.zeta.org/">Zero Emission Transportation Association</a> (ZETA), joins us to break down the data behind the electric vehicle (EV) transition in the U.S. We explore how falling battery prices, expanding public charging infrastructure, and landmark policies like the 30D EV tax credit and 45X manufacturing incentives are accelerating EV adoption and reshaping the auto industry. Corey shares insights on shifting consumer perceptions, domestic supply chain investments, and how visibility of chargers directly impacts buyer intent. Whether you're curious about EV market growth, U.S. competitiveness in clean transportation, or the broader electrification ecosystem—from lithium mines to school buses—this conversation is packed with data-driven takeaways and future-forward perspective.<br>⚡ <strong>Tune in now and don’t forget to </strong><a href="https://gridconnections.fm/newsletter"><strong>Subscribe to our new newsletter</strong></a><strong>!<br>Plus check out our new consultancy site: </strong><a href="https://www.gridconnections.co/"><strong>Grid Connections Consulting</strong></a></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ol><li><strong>U.S. EV Sales Grew Despite a Shrinking Auto Market</strong><br> While the overall U.S. automotive market contracted in 2024, EV sales continued to grow, highlighting strong consumer interest and resilience even in challenging conditions.</li><li><strong>EV Battery Prices Have Dropped Nearly 90% Since 2010</strong><br> This dramatic reduction in lithium-ion battery costs is unlocking new affordability and accelerating adoption across passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, and grid storage.</li><li><strong>Charging Station Visibility Boosts EV Purchase Intent</strong><br> Pew Research data reveals that people living within one mile of a public EV charger are 20% more likely to consider buying an EV, proving that visibility matters as much as access.</li><li><strong>Most EV Charging Happens at Home—But DC Fast Charging Still Has a Key Role</strong><br> With 80% of EV charging occurring at home, the conversation around infrastructure must balance fast charging buildout with scalable, everyday solutions like Level 1 and Level 2 charging.</li><li><strong>$190 Billion+ Invested in U.S. EV Supply Chain Since 2020</strong><br> Corey breaks down how investment in domestic EV manufacturing—spanning critical minerals, battery production, and vehicle assembly—is translating into tens of thousands of American jobs.</li><li><strong>Electric School Buses Offer Massive Public Health and Cost Savings Potential</strong><br> With over 500,000 school buses in the U.S., electrifying this fleet isn’t just an emissions play—it’s a public health and operational cost win for school districts across the country.</li><li><strong>Bipartisan Support for EV Manufacturing Is Rising</strong><br> New polling shows that a majority of U.S. voters—across political lines—support government action to back domestic EV production, signaling long-term policy momentum.<p></p></li></ol><p><strong>Support or Connect with Grid Connections</strong></p><ul><li>Looking to either <a href="https://gridconnections.fm/tesla"><strong>buy a Tesla</strong></a> or even test drive one, <a href="https://gridconnections.fm/tesla"><strong>use our referral code</strong></a>.</li><li>Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? <a href="https://www.gridconnections.fm/chase-cards">Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card</a>. </li><li>Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? <a href="https://www.gridconnections.fm/starlink">Try Starlink FREE for a month</a>.</li><li><a href="mailto:%[email protected]">Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?</a></li></ul><p><a href="https://gridconnections.fm/">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHl5x_M8XlEOxVlC2gqmGg?">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ConnectionsGrid">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gridconnections/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Connecting-the-Grid">Facebook</a></p><p>NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging</p>
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