EV Café Takeaway

<div> <p>This week: Tanya Sinclair, Chief Executive of Electric Vehicles UK (EVUK). Tanya shares how EVUK is tackling misinformation about electric vehicles, supporting both current and future drivers, and working with the wider e-mobility sector to build collaboration rather than competition.</p><p>She discusses the organisation’s approach to public engagement, from hosting hands-on events like Everything Electric to street-level outreach in city centres and even driving Members of Parliament around Westminster in EVs. Tanya explains how EVUK balances the need to educate hesitant drivers with the fast-paced innovation happening in the industry, all while building a sustainable organisation from the ground up.</p><p><strong>There’s insights on:<br></strong><br></p></div><ul> <li>Combating EV myths and online “guff”</li> <li>Engaging millions of future EV drivers beyond the enthusiast bubble</li> <li>The role of vans, taxis, and fleets in accelerating adoption</li> <li>Collaborating across the entire e-mobility ecosystem</li> <li>Bringing joy and positivity to serious industry work</li> </ul><div> <p>Events mentioned include Everything Electric West (12–13 June in Cheltenham) and upcoming city-centre activations in Manchester, plus EVUK’s continued presence at political and industry showcases.</p><p><strong>Tanya Sinclair (LinkedIn)</strong><br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyasinclair/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyasinclair/<br></a><br><strong>Electric Vehicles UK</strong><br><a href="https://electricvehicles.uk/">https://electricvehicles.uk<br></a><br><strong>Everything Electric</strong><br><a href="https://uk.everythingelectric.show/">https://uk.everythingelectric.show<br></a><br></p></div>

<div> <p>This week, Paul and Sara sit down with Becky Lalanne, Managing Director of Voqa, a new entrant in the UK EV charging market. Becky shares how Voqa is tackling the challenge of destination charging, introducing a 7–22kW AC charger with built-in contactless payments, designed to make charging effortless for drivers and more commercially viable for venues.</p><p><strong>The conversation covers:</strong></p></div><ul> <li>The frustrations of current destination charging and how Voqa addresses them</li> <li>Why tethered AC chargers and tap-to-pay improve the driver experience</li> <li>Voqa's approach to designing its own hardware for reliability and ease of maintenance</li> <li>The revenue-share model and business case for hotels, co-working spaces, and leisure venues</li> <li>Insights into Becky's career journey from Red Bull cliff diving events to EV innovation</li> </ul><div> <p>They also discuss future-proofing the UK charging network, the role of installers, and why putting the driver at the heart of design is key to accelerating electrification.</p><p><strong>Becky Lalanne (LinkedIn)</strong><br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lalanne/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-lalanne/<br></a><br><strong>Voqa</strong><br><a href="https://www.voqa.com/">https://www.voqa.com<br></a><br></p></div>

<div> <p>This week we sit down with Mike Seymour, the driving force behind TrueCharge, part of the TrueForm Group. With 50 years of experience in street furniture—think bus shelters, tram stops, and digital displays—TrueForm is now turning its expertise to the EV world, focusing on the often-overlooked infrastructure that protects and enhances charging sites.</p><p><strong>Mike dives into:</strong></p></div><ul> <li>Why many UK charging sites are underused, exposed, or already looking tired.</li> <li>How protecting EV chargers with shelters, canopies, and smart street furniture improves driver experience, utilisation, and long-term ROI.</li> <li>Lessons from his background in the military, sales, and early EV adoption—and how those experiences shaped his approach to business and problem-solving.</li> <li>The importance of moving the industry from talking and over-promising to actually delivering sustainable infrastructure.</li> </ul><div> <p>If you’ve ever arrived at a windswept charger in the rain and thought, “There must be a better way,” this conversation shows why the solution is already here—and why it matters for the future of EV adoption.</p><p><strong>Mike Seymour (LinkedIn)</strong><br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeseymour1/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeseymour1/<br></a><br><strong>TrueCharge</strong><br><a href="https://www.truecharge.co.uk/">https://www.truecharge.co.uk</a></p></div>

<div> <p>Paul and John sit down with Peter Heath of PLP—the “biggest company you’ve never heard of,” supplying critical infrastructure for energy networks, EV charging, and solar carports. From recycled-plastic EV foundations that remove the need for concrete to helical-screw solar carports that can be installed in a single day, Peter explains how PLP is cutting carbon while enabling the transition to net zero.  </p><p>The conversation moves beyond technology into Peter’s personal world—his love of the countryside, commitment to environmental action, late ADHD diagnosis, and the experience of adopting his daughter. He reflects on risk-taking, resilience, and the importance of leaving the planet in better shape for the next generation.  </p><p><strong>Peter Heath</strong><br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterheath1/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterheath1/</a></p><p><strong>PLP EV</strong><br><a href="https://www.ev.plp.com/">https://www.ev.plp.com</a></p></div>

<div> <p>This episode dives into the world of electric adventure travel with Tom Weiser and Kevin Murphy, co-founders of Nerpa Travel. Their company crafts low-impact, high-adventure trips that swap petrol-powered bangers for electric motorbikes and e‑bikes, combining sustainable transport with genuine cultural immersion.  </p><p>Tom and Kev share:  </p></div><ul> <li>How COVID and COP26 inspired them to launch Nerpa Travel  </li> <li>The reality of running EV adventures in places like Vietnam, Thailand, and Wales  </li> <li>Charging challenges, public transport hacks, and “squeaky bum” moments on the road</li> <li>Why small group travel and community connections are at the heart of their model  </li> <li>Plans for upcoming adventures, including potential West Africa expeditions  </li> </ul><div> <p>From mountain passes in rural Vietnam to the slow travel benefits of local buses, this conversation explores how EV travel can be both practical and transformative.  </p><p>Find out more at <a href="https://www.nerpatravel.com">https://www.nerpatravel.com</a> and discover their upcoming Lost in Vietnam trip, 3–13 December 2026. </p></div>