The transition from charging points to paid points to EVs is progressing. It's uneven. It's fragmented. The market has yet to converge. How are you positioning yourself for the transition? In our podcast Running Out of Fuel (ROOF), we ask these questions to get to the heart of this rapidly changing industry. If you're not ahead of the curve, you're falling behind.
upon latest episode, host Ilya Matiunin speaks with Om Shankar, vice president and general manager of global e-mobility at Gilbarco Veeder-Root (and CEO and co-founder of Juxta). They will delve into the dynamic landscape of alternative fuels and discuss how they are reshaping the industry, from technology and infrastructure to user experience and market trends.
The demand for cleaner, more sustainable transport is growing, and so is the demand for sustainable alternative fuels, leading to increased demand for hydrogen-powered vehicles for heavy transport and electric vehicles (EVs) for personal transport. The transition is underway. In fact, Shankar views his EV as: “It’s a key enabler towards this inclusive decarbonized future that we all want.”
Shankar and Matiunin take a closer look at the factors driving EV adoption, including some of the biggest barriers to adoption.
“We are now seeing a huge push by Chinese OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) towards the European market.” says Shankar. “We're seeing battery prices come down and we're seeing progress towards alternative battery chemistries, from lithium-ion to preferably solid-state in the future, which will reduce charging times and eliminate range concerns. .”
These indicators suggest that the biggest barrier to adoption remains the availability of the necessary infrastructure. “How can we spread EV charging infrastructure around the world so that charging becomes as ubiquitous as charging ICE (internal combustion engine) cars?” Shankar's passion is evident throughout the episode and his drive to support industry and consumers in their infrastructure efforts.
of conversation We explore the potential impact of integrating EV infrastructure into existing ecosystems and autonomous stores to revolutionize convenience retail. The key is the importance of holistic innovation and ecosystem integration to drive meaningful change.
“When we talk about innovation and the evolution of things, it doesn't happen in silos.” Matiunin says. “In 2024, everything is connected. You need to bring the whole ecosystem. It’s hard to innovate on your own. [outside of] Enable a broader ecosystem. ”
However, despite significant consumer support and continued regulatory pressure, there remain significant gaps in common standards for e-mobility services. Shankar believes this is an important call to action for “full-service” suppliers like his Gilbarco Veeder-Root.
“We're looking straight at us. Gilbarco-Veeder Root has played a huge role in standardizing the fuel retail industry, from a safety perspective, from a technology perspective…We… Make this call to action. [standardisation on EV charging and payment] That happens in this industry. ”
Shankar goes on to discuss the disadvantages of a disparate technology stack as opposed to the advantages of owning a single value chain. “The ability to control each component and create a more harmonized and homogenized value chain and technological proposition. [cannot be overstated]” Shankar cites Tesla and Gilbarco Wiederroot as examples of value chain owners that can add value, but mergers and acquisitions (particularly in the North American market) are also driving this trend as a strategic shift in the market. I'm emphasizing it.
Matiunin and Shankar are also discussing the future front garden. “Technological push and market pull” It has implications for things like payments and the future of autonomous retail.
Don't miss this insightful discussion that will shape the future of transportation! Listen now YouTube or spotify.
ROOF Podcast: Big questions and bold answers about fuel and convenience retail. This podcast features experts from across the industry and explores the nitty-gritty of industry challenges, trends, and successes. Join the conversation on YouTube and Spotify.
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