The CleanTechnica Article "EV Charging: We Have A Lot To Be Thankful For" gave me food for thought on this episode topic.  We sometimes like to complain about things not moving faster in the EV space, but if you look back where we were just a few short years ago, we have to acknowledge that things are pretty good!Show Notes and Links:- Thankfulness vs. Gratitude - https://www.psychmc.com/blogs/difference-between-gratitude-and-thankfulness- CleanTechnica - EV Charging: We Have A Lot To Be Thankful For - https://cleantechnica.com/2023/11/25/ev-charging-we-have-a-lot-to-be-thankful-for/- Michelin Cross Climate 2 Tires: https://www.michelinman.com/auto/tires/michelin-crossclimate2- EVs need winter tires - https://youtu.be/cSa4_at869U- Charge Deals - https://www.chargedeals.us/- Adopt A Charger - https://adoptacharger.org/- PlugShare - https://www.plugshare.com/- BP Boosts EV Charging with Tesla Hardware - https://www.bp.com/en_us/united-states/home/news/press-releases/bp-boosts-ev-charging-network-with-100-million-dollar-order-of-tesla-ultra-fast-chargers.html- Flying J and Pilot EVGo Build Out Reviews - https://www.youtube.com/@thenetworkarchitectchannel9507

Taking a holiday road trip with your EV?  A little bit of preparation goes a long way.  We spoke with seasoned Ford Mustang Mach E road tripper Luke Wilson about pointers for how to find charging along the way, etiquette for Level 1 and Level 2 charging at hotels as well as what to do and what to avoid at your destination.Ordering a new Tesla?  Use my referral code to get 6 months of free Supercharging (2023 offer):  http://ts.la/karl5062- Ford Mustang Mache E - https://www.ford.com/suvs/mach-e/- A Better Route Planner - https://abetterrouteplanner.com/- Plug and Charge - https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a35044132/plug-and-charge-ev-charging-mustang-mach-e/- PlugShare - https://www.plugshare.com/- EVGo - https://www.evgo.com/- Electrify America Pass + Pricing - https://www.electrifyamerica.com/mobile-app/- Tesla Destination Chargers - https://www.tesla.com/destination-charging- Tesla Tap adapter - https://www.umc-j1772.com/- Stormcloud Brewing Taproom - https://www.plugshare.com/location/155656- Lucid Motors - https://lucidmotors.com/- Spring Lake DCFC - https://www.plugshare.com/location/540038- Red E Charging - https://www.redecharge.com/- Travel Centers of America - Electrify America partnership - https://media.electrifyamerica.com/en-us/releases/204- Flying J - EVGo partnership - https://pilotflyingj.com/press-release/19335- Buc-ee’s - Mercedes charging partnership - https://electrek.co/2023/11/09/mercedes-taps-largest-convenience-store-operator-ev-charging/

The Dodge RAM and Ford Ranger pickup trucks have recently been announced coming out as plug-in hybrids (PHEV) versions.  Larry and I talk about PHEV use cases to see what makes sense.  There are also quite a few used PHEVs on the market.  If you're considering a plug-in vehicle, this might be a good way to get into EVs without the range anxiety or needing to find public charging on a road trip.Show Notes and Links- How does a plug-in hybrid work? https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how-do-plug-in-hybrid-electric-cars-work- Plug-In America Vehicle Guide - https://pluginamerica.org/learn/guide/- Which plug-in vehicles qualify for the federal tax credit?  https://electrek.co/2023/11/07/which-electric-vehicles-still-qualify-for-us-federal-tax-credit/- CleanTechnica: “The PHEV Era Needs to End, Now” - https://cleantechnica.com/2020/06/10/the-phev-era-needs-to-end-now/- RAM PHEV   - https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/07/new-ram-pickup-ev-has-gas-powered-electric-generator.html   - https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1141355_2025-ram-1500-ramcharger-plug-in-hybrid-pickup-ev-range   - Why a V6? https://insideevs.com/news/695698/2025-ram-ramcharger-v6/- Ford Ranger PHEV - https://www.drivingline.com/articles/ford-introduces-ranger-plug-in-hybrid-is-this-a-game-changing-alternative-to-full-electric-pickups/- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid uses a 3.6 L Engine - https://www.caranddriver.com/chrysler/pacifica- Hybrids vs. PHEVs - https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1137409_phevs-are-no-longer-a-no-brainer-vs-hybrids- Used EV tax credit   - Electrek overview - https://electrek.co/2023/08/07/here-are-all-the-used-evs-that-qualify-for-the-new-4000-tax-credit/   - IRS - https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit

Dave Stein joins us to talk about the Portage MI Celebrations Cinema whose EV chargers were taken off-line.  Larry has been arguing that they should be reactivated, but we take a deep dive whether that makes sense.  What makes a good Level 2 charging location?  What's the business case for the site host?  Show Notes and LinksCelebration Cinema Crossroads, Portage, MI - https://www.celebrationcinema.com/cinemas/celebration-cinema-crossroadsLoss Aversion Behavior - https://www.behavioraleconomics.com/resources/mini-encyclopedia-of-be/loss-aversion/ChargePoint - https://www.chargepoint.com/Blink Charging - https://blinkcharging.com/Orange Charger - https://www.orangecharger.com/Orange Charger review - https://youtu.be/k5ca_JcHUY0?si=oTI2gzxzi2kaAIy4Red E Charge - https://www.redecharge.com/Electrify America:  https://www.electrifyamerica.com/  EA location at Sam’s Club Portage, MI -https://www.plugshare.com/location/171112Consumers Energy  Residential EV Charging - https://www.consumersenergy.com/ev  Commercial EV Charging - https://www.consumersenergy.com/business/products-and-services/electric-vehicle-support-for-businessAdopt a Charger - https://adoptacharger.org/Grizzl-E chargers - https://grizzl-e.com/products/grizzl-e-classic/Grizzl-E Duo - https://grizzl-e.com/products/grizzl-e-duo/Enphase (former Clipper Creek) EV chargers - https://enphase.com/store/ev-chargersCharlotte MI Community Library EV charger - https://www.plugshare.com/location/322556LEED building certification - https://www.usgbc.org/leed

Big power hungry RVs are already causing power overloads at campgrounds, but charging EVs at the site adds to that issue.  We speak with seasoned camper and EV owner Ken Mol about how to charge at campgrounds, how to minimize power shortages, and the etiquette surrounding EV charging in an RV Park.  Show Notes and LinksKOA - https://koa.com/PlugShare - http://www.plugshare.com/Difference between 30A and 50A RV Outlet - https://koa.com/blog/30-vs-50-amp-rv-service/What is an EVSE? - https://www.evconnect.com/blog/what-is-evseAngled extension cord with switch - https://a.co/d/dA9AcYvEV Charging Adapter NEMA TT-30P to 14-50R -  https://a.co/d/fKHYhKAWORKERSBEE Level 2 EV Charger, 110V-240V 32Amp, NEMA 14-50 Plug, 25ft Extension Cord, Indoor/Outdoor Portable EVSE Electric Vehicle Charger, Compatible with J1772 EVs - https://a.co/d/2OjzCHLParkworld 692095 RV 50 AMP Splitter Adapter, 240V Splitter 14-50P Male Plug to Dual 14-50R Female Connector 3FT (Black) - https://a.co/d/6xmObjWRV Park Energy Metering - https://www.ekmmetering.com/pages/rv-parksShould RV Parks Meter Power? - https://www.rvtravel.com/rv-electricity-rv-park-meter-power-rvt-1045/Mackinaw City KOA Charger - https://www.plugshare.com/location/318744RV Trailers with Batteries - https://cleantechnica.com/2023/04/21/a-self-propelled-battery-powered-travel-trailer-from-tesla-other-auto-tech-alums-a-cleantechnica-exclusive/Ludington Pumped Storage - https://www.consumersenergy.com/company/electric-generation/renewables/hydroelectric/pumped-storage-hydro-electricityTransport Evolved - How The Ford F150 LIghtning Home Integration System ACTUALLY Works - https://youtu.be/a6a6MYmks7A?si=wlfva2BiazaooW68Claybanks Township Campground -  https://www.claybankstownship.org/claybanks-township-park/camping-at-claybanks-township-park/

Hertz store manager Oren Danino spoke with us about his experience renting out Teslas, Polestar, Volvos, Kias, and many other EVs from his location at 640 28th Street Southeast in Grand Rapids, MI.He shared some fascinating facts and experiences of how the EV rental business is progressing.  Show Notes and Links- Hertz EV Rentals - https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/rental-car-deals/electric-car-rentals/- Hertz 28th Street Grand Rapids location - https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/location/unitedstates/michigan/grandrapids/GRRC20- Activating Shell Recharge with ChargePoint app - https://youtu.be/gyOOvRVFIzY- Tesla “Magic Dock” Charge your non-Tesla - https://www.tesla.com/support/non-tesla-supercharging- SparkCharge EV roadside charging - https://www.sparkcharge.io/- GM EV1    - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_EV1   - “Who Killed the Electric Car” - the GM EV1 story - https://www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com/   - EV1 display locations:      - Studebaker National Museum, South Bend, IN - https://www.studebakermuseum.org/      - R.E. Olds Museum, Lansing, MI - https://www.reoldsmuseum.org/- Volvo C40 - https://www.volvocars.com/us/cars/c40-electric/- Polestar - https://www.polestar.com/us/

Today we just have a brief update on upcoming West Michigan EV events and a sneak preview of next week's podcast.  The latest is always on the West Michigan EV Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WestMichiganEVSpecifically, the events page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/211692479643336/events

This week we have a fun and lively conversation with Brad and Erik - aka Teach and Spark.  These two convert small EVs like golf cars, shuttle buses, and pontoon boats to be powered on solar panels so those vehicles never need to be plugged in.  They also add an inverter to allow vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology so the excess energy can be used for other useful purposes.Show Notes and LinksZSR Solar: https://zsrsolar.com/Zynoc Foundation:  http://www.zynoc.com/Aptera:  https://aptera.us/Polaris GEM EVs: https://www.gemcar.com/National Drive Electric Week:  https://driveelectricweek.org/Rivian Amazon delivery van:  https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/everything-you-need-to-know-about-amazons-electric-delivery-vans-from-rivian4x4 Solar Electric across Africa:  https://4x4electric.com/

Dave Stein was a Subaru guy.  He dipped his toes into the EV world with a 2nd generation Chevy Volt and then made the leap to a Kia EV6 AWD.  As a software engineer in the auto industry he also “hacked” his Chevy Volt with a switch to avoid the combustion engine (ICE) from starting just to heat the cabin.  We also dive into AWD performance and winter tires for Michigan driving as well as EV specific repair shops.  Show Notes and LinksChevy Volt - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_VoltKia EV6 - https://www.kia.com/us/en/ev6Kia Niro - https://www.kia.com/us/en/niroSubaru Solterra - https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/solterra.htmlHyundai Ioniq 6 - https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/ioniq-6EV CommunityElectric Vehicle Association - https://www.myeva.org/chapter-listKalamazoo EV Association - https://www.facebook.com/KalamazooEVA/West Michigan EV Enthusiasts Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/WestMichiganEVMastodon - https://mastodon.social/exploreThe Social Dilemma - https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/TiresConsumer Reports - “Why You Should Be Driving on Winter/Snow Tires” https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-driving/why-you-should-be-driving-on-winter-snow-tires/Bridgestone Blizzak - https://www.bridgestonetire.com/our-tires/tire-brand/blizzak/Nokian - https://www.nokiantires.com/Michelin Cross Climate 2 - https://www.michelinman.com/auto/tires/michelin-crossclimate2Finding free charging - https://www.plugshare.com/LEED certification and EV charging - https://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction-core-and-shell-retail-new-construction-data-centers-new-construction-1?return=/credits/New%20Construction/v4.1Speed and EV range - https://www.geotab.com/blog/ev-range-impact-of-speed-and-temperature/Wind drag formula - https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/rocket/drageq.htmlEV brake maintenance - Tesla brake clinic:  https://youtu.be/CNz122uqBqEChevy Volt cabin air filter replacement - https://youtu.be/5-c-0hutT3w?si=b5Km7wmDv1pGZGLwChevy Volt ERDTT H

Anil Verma tested both a generator and a battery backup system to charge his Tesla, but his EV charger faulted.   Using this simple gizmo, a neutral ground bonding plug, he was able to make it work.  We talk to Anil what prompted this test, how fast and how many miles per hour can you get with this method and why would you want to.Anil also shared the details of his home solar panel system and battery backup.  From there were nerded out a bit more about solar charging, vehicle to load, and a few other upcoming technologies.  Show Notes and LinksTesla mobile connector:  https://shop.tesla.com/product/mobile-connectorSouthwire neutral-grounding plug: https://a.co/d/2es5zqTMulti-outlet extension: https://a.co/d/e9IEXY8Making a neutral grounding plug: https://youtu.be/iFpm04iJdGw?si=McT4bACfgadVW-aWJackery portable power packs and solar generators:  https://www.jackery.com/Aptera solar electric vehicle - https://www.aptera.us/What is a power inverter? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_inverterCamper EMS - https://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt50xMobile EV charging: https://www.sparkcharge.io/Tow charging a vehicle - Marc Travels: https://youtu.be/kw9MohZi3lk?si=ryc168K1SVlZrgcsEnphase Energy: https://enphase.com/storeClipper Creek EV chargers:  https://clippercreek.com/LiFePO4 vs Lithium Ion batteries: https://www.jackery.com/blogs/knowledge/lifepo4-vs-lithium-ion-batteriesNational Drive Electric Week - Attend National Drive Electric Week