Kendall Cody, Director of Marketing and Communications at WeaveGrid is on the show today to talk about WeaveGrid’s EV Driver Program, where your EV can help you score major savings while charging at home. Kendall spills all the tea on how their platform turns EV drivers and utilities into the ultimate power couple: WeaveGrid's automatic Smart Charging technology helps cut charging costs smoother than a Tesla in Ludicrous Mode, while Fort Knox-level data security keeps your info on lockdown. We’ll also explore WeaveGrid’s collaborations with major automakers as well as some other pro tips for budget-friendly EV charging. If you drive an EV, this is a must listen!

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This episode is sponsored by WeaveGrid. WeaveGrid works with utilities, automakers, EVSEs, and EV owners to enable and accelerate the electrification of transportation. Using machine learning, optimization, and predictive analytics, our software solution solves several EV-grid integration challenges for utilities in a systems-oriented manner; helps integrate renewable energy resources on the grid; and saves utility customers money on their bills. Learn more at https://www.weavegrid.com/

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Kendall Cody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cody/

No, I don't have a Real ID (and I won't be getting one anytime soon). In other news, Tesla attempted to trademark "Robotaxi" but gets rejected by the U.S. Patent Office, leaving fans on X suggesting names like "Roxi" for the futuristic ride. Then, Ford Motor Company raises prices on its Mexico-made models by up to $2,000, blaming Trump’s tariffs in a move that’s spicier than a Chick-fil-a spicy chicken sandwich. Meanwhile, Foxconn strikes a landmark deal to build EVs for Mitsubishi, forming an interesting partnership that could shake up the industry.

Hey, you wanna babysit Bear next week? Let me know 🤣

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Have an idea for an episode or want to be a FEATURED GUEST on the show? Send me an email at elena@evs4everyone.com

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Finance Insights at Experian, is back on the show today to talk about how EV leasing has surged to 58% in Q1 of 2025, with stars like the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, and (surprisingly) the Honda Prologue leading the pack. According to the latest Experian data, leasing saves approximately $226 per month over loans thanks to incentives, but we all know federal tax credits might fade, which will most likely shake up adoption in the U.S. this year. Also, be on the look out for a wave of lease returns from 24-month EV leases, flooding the market with a bunch of pre-loved rides.

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Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data:

https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone

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This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more at https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Melinda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-zabritski-3951834/

Buckle up for today’s wild ride with Michael Dunne, where we dive into the automotive world’s plot twist of the century. Chinese automakers are zooming into markets like Mexico faster than you can say, "Cinco de Mayo" and guess who’s accidentally handing them the keys? GM, outsourcing Chevy production to Chinese partners like it’s a global game of hot potato. We unpacked the high-stakes drama for American carmakers, who are skidding in the global EV race while China’s out here flexing its EV production, battery tech, and market swagger. This episode spills ALL the tea on why legacy automakers are sweating—think sky-high costs, very little battery game, and dealerships that are STILL having trouble selling EVs. Michael also shares his hot take on Slate Auto, the new kid on the block promising wallet-friendly EVs made in the U.S., potentially sparking a domestic EV revolution and battery supply chain glow-up. Plus, listen until the end where we played a game of "Fund It or Dump It" - a totally nonsensical game where Michael acts as a VC and tells me if any of my outrageous EV start-up ideas are any good.

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Michael's article: https://newsletter.dunneinsights.com/p/how-gm-led-a-parade-of-chinese-automakers

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Follow Michael Dunne on X: https://x.com/dunne_insights

Subscribe to Michael's newsletter: https://newsletter.dunneinsights.com/

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dunne-a696901a

Subscribe to the Driving With Dunne Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-with-dunne/id1510140333

These voice memos are starting to feel more and more like The Fast and the Furious: nobody knows the plot, but it’s loud and it keeps coming back. Slate Auto is shaking things up with a sub-$25,000 electric pickup truck, built in a repurposed Indiana printing plant, aiming to be the budget king of EVs. Meanwhile, Waymo and Toyota are flirting with a partnership to bring self-driving tech to robotaxis and maybe even your next Corolla, but the deal’s still playing coy.

And always remember. A crush is for a time of prosperity.

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Meet me at ASOTU CON on May 14th! https://www.asotucon.com/speaker/elena-ciccotelli

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Wanna be a featured guest on the show? Email me elena@evs4everyone.com

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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*Welcome to Miami* I had the thrill of experiencing the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s electrifying return to Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway, marking its first appearance since season 1! ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, is driving innovation through partnerships with Formula E and NASCAR, showcased by a captivating race-day driver swap where W-series triple champion Jamie Chadwick piloted NASCAR’s EV prototype, and NASCAR’s Rajah Caruth tested the Formula E Gen3 Evo. In this episode, I sit down with Chris Shigas, ABB’s Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Chris Poynter, Division President at ABB, and Mark Preston, Motorsport Director of Lola Cars, to dive into the future of electrified motorsport. Fun fact: shortly after our interview, Mark Preston’s team at Lola celebrated a stellar second-place finish with Brazilian Formula E star Lucas Di Grassi! Tune in for an inside look at the technology and passion fueling this high-voltage weekend.

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This episode is sponsored by ABB, a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high perfor-mance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engi-neered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). To learn more visit https://global.abb/

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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We're on-location at the Auto Intel Summit with my podcast bestie and EV data guru, Kirsten Von Busch, Director of Product Marketing at Experian. Based on the findings from Experian's 2024 Year In Review which tracked electric vehicle trends, we quizzed unsuspecting conference attendees to see how much they *really know* about EVs. HUGE thanks to our EV Trivia victims (I mean contestants!)

• Kelsey Summs-Chitwood // Summs Skip and Collateral Solutions
• Jake Warren // Central Arkansas Auto Auction
• Dan Dionne // RockEd (with "phone a friend" -> Jimmy Douglas // Plug)
• Sean Hopper // Fasten

So where did you put your sticker? Photos are needed.

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Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data:

https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone

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This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more at https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Kirsten Von Busch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-von-busch-5512767/

*Published this one so fast, I didn't even edit it!* The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) is slamming the brakes on Volkswagen and its EV sidekick, Scout Motors, with a lawsuit spicier than a jalapeño-fueled road trip. The charge? Violating California's franchise laws by attempting to sell vehicles directly to consumers. Ellena Sweet, a third-gen dealer, CNCDA board member and Chief Compliance Officer at Stevens Management, explained that Scout Motors knowingly opposed the 2023 franchise law amendment that would make their direct-to-consumer model illegal. The lawsuit seeks to halt Scout's sales in California and impose a $2,500 fine for each deposit taken, totaling approx $35 million. The core issue centers on manufacturers being prohibited from competing directly with their franchisee dealers, with VW’s bankroll and Scout’s “affiliate” status stirring the pot and being a key point of contention. There's gonna be so much more to this conversation, subscribe to the show to stay up to date!

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Read the full lawsuit here: https://www.cncda.org/wp-content/uploads/4024-04-22-FILED-Complaint_Case_InitiationVolkswagen.pdf

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Ellena Sweet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenawoodhams/