Overcoming Barriers Threatening the EV revolution with Michael Bakunin | Conversations in Cleantech | Season three, Episode one
In this episode of conversations in cleantech we’re joined by Michael Bakunin, Chairman of EpicCharging and Managing Director of Advanced Mobility at global consulting firm FTI Consulting. After leaving a successful career in telecoms in Moscow, Michael decided to explore international opportunities by attending IE Business School in Madrid. It was here he discovered that Nissan was in the process of releasing the first mass-market EV, the Nissan Leaf and this event completely altered his career trajectory. From this, his adoration for EVs flourished and he has since dedicated his life to spreading his extensive knowledge through his Youtube channel, Bakunin Live | Electric Vehicles and increasing EV ownership by helping companies create innovative solutions to overcome barriers. In this conversation in cleantech, Michael shares an insightful look into how to skyrocket the EV revolution - from the collaboration needed between different agencies to how to tackle one of the main barriers to ownership: charge points. Hosted by Ben Sparks, Vice President of Brightsmith, this episode of conversations in cleantech is a deep dive into the future of EV vehicles and how electrification will power every aspect of our transportation networks in the world of tomorrow. *All views are Michael's own. Timestamped guide: 00:55 - Introduction to Michael 02:32 - About Michael and his journey so far 06:44 - Do you have any funny career stories to share? 10:35 - How can culturally different organisations learn to collaborate? 12:28 - Why has it been important to share your content on YouTube? 17:42 - What are some of the themes driving EV charging in the US? 25:01 - How are consulting companies helping firms navigate the EV charging environment? 28:49 - What are the opportunities and challenges on the start-up side of the marketplace? 31:45 - In the vehicle-to-grid sector, what are the main challenges organisations are trying to solve? 33:53 - What most excites you in the EV space in the next three to five years? Connect with your host Ben Sparks on LinkedIn. Find your guest, Michael Bakunin on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith. This podcast is a Loaded Hype production.