Francie Saunders from Out of Spec Podcast

Grid Connections

Summary:
Francie Saunders, host of the Out of Spec podcast, discusses her role at Out of Spec Studios and her passion for electric vehicles (EVs). The podcast covers topics like EV reviews, charging behavior, and expert interviews. Francie, with a background in natural sciences and teaching, aims to make EV content accessible. The conversation explores automakers' challenges, the need for a seamless charging experience, and more small EV options. They also discuss public transportation, hydrogen fuel cell technology for trucks, and Francie's experience leasing a Vinfast VF8. The conversation emphasizes the importance of firsthand EV experience for industry professionals and policymakers to understand the market's challenges and opportunities.

Takeaways:

1. It's take awhile but now automakers prioritize reliable EV infrastructure and its effect on EV sales.
2. Market needs more small EV options and diverse models.
3. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles many challenges, however hydrogen truck show more promise, but still face challenges compared to EV semis.
4. Leasing EVs can be a cost-effective ownership trial.
5. Understanding EVs is crucial for informed industry decisions. Executives and industry leaders should drive EVs to understand the full ownership experience.
6. Tesla's superior route planning and charging still set industry standards around reliability, usability and ease.
7. Tech forward features like dog mode are significant consumer selling points, especially with younger buyers.

Videos Referred to in this podcast:

1. Part 1 of my conversation with Francie on Out of Spec Podcast
2. Out of Spec Podcast: Thoughts on Toyota's EV Strategy
3. Out of Spec Podcast: Modernizing the Grid with Kevin Hernandez
4. Out of Spec Reviews: Challenges of Buying a Vinfast VF8
5. Out of Spec Motoring: Roadtripping the Vinfast VF8 from Tennessee to Colorado

Watch the full episode of this podcast episode on Youtube

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Keywords
Out of Spec podcast, EVs, electric vehicles, EV infrastructure, charging behavior, expert interviews, automakers, charging experience, small EVs, public transportation, personal vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell, trucks, Vinfast VF8, EV leasing, Vinfast, driver assistance systems, electric vehicles, EVs, industry professionals, regulations, infrastructure, firsthand experience, senior executives, policymakers, Tesla, route planning, charging experience, dog mode