A new podcast about electric vehicles (EVs) featuring Alabama experts releases its first episode today, with more episodes coming to streaming platforms in the coming weeks.
The Drive Electric Alabama podcast features discussions about the transition to EVs. EV infrastructure, financing, and car manufacturing. EVs are also tied to economic development, training and workforce development in Alabama. Other topics include EV car sales, EV battery research, and EV commercial vehicles.
The podcast is hosted by Cedric Daniels, recently retired EV marketing manager for Alabama Power, and Michael Staley, president of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. The nine-episode series will explore the broader impact of EVs in Alabama.
“The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition has the goal of promoting clean, renewable, domestic energy sources that help reduce dependence on foreign oil, improve local air quality, and increase economic development investment in local communities. I have,” Staley said. “The Drive Electric Alabama Podcast provides a new platform to educate listeners about everything happening in the state and the benefits of EVs.”
Podcast episodes include discussions with more than a dozen Alabama leaders in auto manufacturing and sales, economic development, and government. New episodes will be released every Wednesday until June 12th. Listeners can find his podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. The episode will also be posted on a special page on the Drive Electric Alabama website.
The guests joining us on the podcast are:
- Kenneth Boswell, Alabama Department of Economic Community Affairs (ADECA) Director;
- Houston Smith, Vice President of Government Affairs, Alabama Power;
- Blake Hardwich, executive director of the Alabama Energy Institute;
- Justin Harrison, Grid Transformation and Planning Manager, Alabama Power Company.
- Drew Fry, Tennessee Valley Authority Electric Vehicle Manager.
- Robert Burns, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama;
- Tom McNeal, Craft Workforce and Workforce Development Program Manager, Alabama Power
- Jim Fugate, Energy Infrastructure Training and Technical Training Manager, Alabama Power
- Mitchell Watts, vice president and co-owner of Town & Country Ford.
- said Ron Davis, president and CEO of the Alabama Automobile Manufacturers Association.
- Mike Ortridge, Executive Director, Alabama Mobility and Power Center.
- Ellen McNair, Alabama Department of Commerce.
- Greg Canfield, former Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce;
- Blair King, Director of Business Development, Alabama Power.
- Dion van Leeve, vice president of commercial vehicle engineering at AutoCar Trucks, said:
- David Nethercut, Transportation South Electric Vehicle Program Manager
“Drive Electric Alabama's efforts are aimed at educating Alabamians about EVs, and the information provided in the podcast will help fulfill that mission,” Boswell said. “This is a great way to promote that work in a format that is appealing to many people.”
Cedric Daniels is one of the hosts of the new EV podcast. (contribution)
Michael Staley is one of the hosts of the new EV podcast. (contribution)
Alabama Power is one company currently using plug-in electric vehicles as part of its commercial fleet. (Drive Electric Alabama)
“We are proud to support the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and Drive Electric Alabama,” said Hasin Gandakwala, manager of electric transportation for Alabama Power. This podcast is sponsored by Alabama Power's “You're in Charge EV” incentive program.
Gandakwala said the podcast is an “excellent platform to educate Alabamians about the activity and growth of EVs and the benefits of driving an electric vehicle, including incentive programs offered by Alabama Power and other utilities.” He said he is providing it.
The podcast is produced in partnership with Drive Electric Alabama, a statewide initiative coordinated by Alabama Power, the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, and ADECA and dedicated to improving the state through EV adoption. Ta. Podcast produced with technical support from Ingredient Creative.
Click here to learn more about Alabama Power's long-standing commitment to electric transportation and the company's EV incentives for customers.
