Future of Mobility Brandon Bartneck

This is a special episode, welcoming Paul Comfort (3x Future of Mobility podcast guest) to share an episode of his Transit Unplugged podcast, featuring a conversation with Adam Hill. This podcast swap format provides the opportunity to introduce an adjacent show that Future of Mobility listeners might like.

The original show notes are below:

https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-podcast/future-of-mobility-avs/

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort interviews Adam Hill, Editor in Chief of ITS International Magazine. They discuss the challenges and prospects of high-speed rail in England and the US, including the various political and logistical issues. Adam explains London’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone, designed to encourage public transit use and discusses the struggles with its introduction. They explore how public transit can be made popular, touching on how to capture public interest and cater to convenience for the users. Paul and Adam wrap up the episode discussing the impacts of congestion charging and low emissions zones in encouraging public transit use.

In Mike’s Minute, Mike Bismeyer reports from the CUTA Meeting in Edmonton about the Youth Leadership Summit and his work mentoring future transit leaders.

Coming up next week we have Scott Smith, former CEO of Valley Metro reflecting on transit and leadership.

If you have a question or comment, email info@transitunplugged.com.

Episode flow:


Introduction and Introducing Adam Hill
Adam Hill’s Background and Role at ITS International Magazine
Challenges and Developments in High Speed Rail
Exploring the Impact of ULEZ in London
Political Implications of ULEZ and Public Transit
Mike’s Minute with Mike Bismeyer
Coming up next week on the show

John McElroy joins for a second time to discuss topics such as electrification, autonomy, and the concept of peak auto. McElroy shares his perspective as an automotive industry enthusiast and highlights the diverse skill sets required in the industry.

Takeaways


The automotive industry requires diverse skill sets and drives economic growth.


Autonomy has the potential to save lives and transform society.
Car sales in certain regions may not significantly increase in the future.
Automakers face the challenge of designing cost-effective vehicles. Legacy automakers can face challenges in adapting to new technologies and the shift towards electric vehicles.
Creating separate organizations or skunk works programs can enable a more entrepreneurial approach to develop new products.
Balancing the risks of launching new products with an all-new team, plant, and workforce is crucial.
The Innovator's Dilemma provides examples of successful shifts in other industries.
Chinese startups with lower cost structures pose a significant challenge to legacy automakers.
The supply chain faces disruption as the transition to electric vehicles reduces the demand for conventional components.
Suppliers must adapt by diversifying their offerings or finding new industries to apply their core competencies.
Legacy automakers must find ways to design costs out of vehicles effectively.

Links:


Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/johnmcelroy2


https://open.substack.com/pub/brandonbartneck/p/introducing-the-edison-manufacturing?r=1qx5wl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
https://www.autoline.tv/whatisad/

Bio

John McElroy is an influential thought leader in the automotive industry. He is a journalist, lecturer, commentator and entrepreneur. He created “Autoline Daily,” the first industry webcast of industry news and analysis. He is also the host of the television program “Autoline This Week,” an Emmy Award-winning, weekly half-hour discussion program featuring top automotive executives and journalists. And he co-hosts “Autoline After Hours,” a weekly live webcast that focuses on new cars and technology. The show can be seen online at www.Autoline.tv

McElroy also broadcasts three radio segments daily on WWJ Newsradio 950, the CBS affiliate in Detroit. He writes a blog for Autoblog.com and a monthly op-ed article for Ward’s Auto World.

As a journalist, McElroy put his automotive background to good use. His past experience includes five years at Detroit Editor for Road & Track, and as the American correspondent for World Cars, published by the Automotive Club of Italy. He was also invited to write the annual automotive entry for the Encyclopedia Britannica Yearbook. He spent most of his career at the trade magazine Automotive Industries where he ultimately rose to Editorial Director.

McElroy has appeared as an automotive expert on ABC World News Tonight, CBS News, and NBC Nightly News. He is often interviewed by CNN, NPR, and CBC in Canada. He is frequently asked to speak to automakers, suppliers and industry organizations. He is a member of the jury of the North American Car and Truck of the Year, and has won numerous awards for editorial excellence.

John McElroy is the president of Blue Sky Productions, Inc., which produces television, radio, and digital content, including video production.

Future of Mobility:

The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields.

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

Rakesh Koneru, CEO of Hummingbird EV, discusses the company's approach to electrification in the medium and heavy-duty vehicle segment. The conversation covers topics such as vertical integration, modular electric vehicle propulsion systems, transitioning from retrofit to OEM, application in the mining industry, customization and modularity for different use cases, challenges and benefits of building a new strategy, microfactory strategy and vision, supply chain robustness and vertical integration, benefits of microfactories and localized production, and trade-offs and risk mitigation.

Takeaways:


Hummingbird EV focuses on electrification in the medium and heavy-duty vehicle segment, with a focus on vertical integration and modularity.
The company is transitioning from a retrofit company to a full-scale OEM, with a focus on building its own chassis platform.
Hummingbird EV aims to build microfactories in different locations to meet demand triggers and localize the supply chain.
The company's strategy allows for customization and modularity to meet the specific needs of different applications.
Hummingbird EV is focused on building a robust supply chain and reducing reliance on external suppliers.

Chapters


Introduction and Background
Vertical Integration in the Commercial Vehicle Space
Transition from Retrofit to OEM
Application in the Mining Industry
Customization and Modularity for Different Use Cases
Challenges and Benefits of Building a New Strategy
Microfactory Strategy and Vision
Supply Chain Robustness and Vertical Integration
Benefits of Microfactories and Localized Production
Trade-offs and Risk Mitigation
Key Takeaways and Parting Thoughts

Links:


Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/rakeshkoneru
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakesh-k-396879b/
https://www.hummingev.com/

Bio

Rakesh Koneru is founder and CEO of HummingbirdEV.

HummingbirdEV description

HummingbirdEV, Inc. (HBEV) is a global leader and innovator of advanced products, and technologies for zero emissions commercial vehicle applications including offering complete vehicles, electric drivetrain systems, bi-directional charging systems, modular batteries, control and telematic software, and other related products. The company has clients and active development programs throughout the U.S., China, and India and maintains a focus on innovating next generation products that provide significant feature and performance advantages over the status quo. HummingbirdEV was incorporated in 2015 and has its global headquarters located in Livermore, California.

Future of Mobility:

The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields.

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Laura Fox is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Streetlife Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund investing in B2B urban climate solutions to transform sectors including mobility, buildings, energy, waste, and water. She joins to discuss the challenges and opportunities in improving quality of life in cities and the urban climate space

Takeaways


Street Life focuses on the climate transition in the mobility and logistics industry, seeking opportunities beyond traditional big players.
The MORE framework (enablement, rebuild, mobility solutions, maintenance) guides Street Life's approach to addressing mobility challenges.
Infrastructure rebuilding and reimagining are crucial, as a significant portion of urban infrastructure needed by 2050 does not exist yet.
Balancing business goals and impact is a challenge, but partnerships with the public sector can be a major accelerant to growth.
Policy plays a vital role in driving change, and resistance to change can be navigated through thoughtful implementation and clear benefits.

Chapters


Introduction and Background
Defining the Problem of Improving Life in Cities
Choosing the Right Size Problem to Solve
Adaptation and the Changing Environment
Electrification and Closing the Gap
Core Thesis of Street Life and Opportunities in Mobility and Logistics
The MORE Framework for Mobility
Infrastructure Rebuilding and Reimagining
Mobility Solutions and Maintenance
Balancing Business Goals and Impact
The Role of Policy in Driving Change
Navigating Resistance to Change
Street Life's Role in Solving Mobility Problems
Encouraging Different Approaches to Problem-Solving
The Economic Opportunity in the Transition to Net Zero

Links:


Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/laurafox
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraafox/
Streetlife website 
Pre-seed or seed B2B startup in the Streetlife
thesis space? Pitch Streetlife here 

Bio

Laura Fox speaks on mobility, city, and climate topics globally, and is on ‘Transportation Power 100’ and ‘Top Women in Mobility’ lists. She is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Streetlife Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund investing in B2B urban climate solutions to transform sectors including mobility, buildings, energy, waste, and water.

Previously, Laura was the General Manager of Citi Bike at Lyft and built it into a $100M+ ARR business and one of the country’s largest transportation systems, led diligence on urban climate tech companies at Sidewalk Labs, launched new mobility products with Boston Consulting Group’s digital ventures team, and advised Bloomberg Philanthropies on their urban investment strategy.

Laura also teaches MBA strategy courses at NYU Stern, and is on the board of Governors Island, which will be the test bed for climate innovation in NYC. She is a Senior Fellow with MIT’s Mobility Initiative, and on the urban-focused Expert Taskforce for the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Fun fact: Laura’s friends call her ‘20 Questions’ since she loves getting to the heart of a good idea - and she’s given a TED Talk on the topic.

Streetlife Ventures description

Streetlife Ventures invests in pre-seed and seed B2B startups at the intersection of cities and climate, across the building, energy, mobility and logistics, waste and water, and adaptive tech sectors.

Future of Mobility:

The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields.

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Desmond Wheatley is President and CEO and Chairman of the Board at Beam Global, a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies.

Chapters


Introduction and Background
Early Challenges and Market Approach
The Off-Grid Charging Solution
Challenges in Implementing EV Charging Infrastructure
The Need for Decentralized and Scalable Solutions
The Product and its Hard Parts
Changing the Fueling Behavior for EVs
The Future of EV Charging: Fueling Behavior and Infrastructure
The Importance of Ubiquitous, Slower Speed Charging
Challenges of Energy Storage and Thermal Management
Reasons for In-House Battery Manufacturing
Balancing Manufacturing and System Level Assembly
Strategic Considerations in Acquiring a Battery Company
Managing Diversification and Focus
Maintaining Motivation and Excitement in the Early Stages
The Importance of Capital Markets and Innovation
The Growth Potential and Expansion Plans
Balancing Growth and Managing Success
Embracing Progress and Electrification of Transportation

Links


Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/desmondwheatley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmondwheatley/
https://beamforall.com/

Bio:

Desmond Wheatley is President and CEO and Chairman of the Board at Beam Global. Wheatley joined BEAM as a consultant in 2010 when it was Envision Solar and has served as the Company’s CEO since 2011 and as Chairman of the Board since 2016. He has two decades of senior international management experience in technology systems integration, energy management, communications and renewable energy. He was a founding partner in the international consulting practice Crichton Hill LLC. Prior to Crichton Hill, Wheatley was CEO of iAxis FZ LLC, a Dubai based alternative energy and technology systems integration company. From 2000 to 2007, he held a variety of senior management positions at San Diego based Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, fka Wireless Facilities with the last five years as President of ENS, the largest independent security and energy management systems integrator in the USA. Prior to ENS, Wheatley held senior management positions in the cellular and broadband wireless industries, deploying infrastructure and lobbying in Washington DC on behalf of major wireless service providers. Wheatley has founded, funded and operated four profitable start-up companies and was previously engaged in M&A activities. Wheatley evaluated acquisition opportunities, conducted due diligence, and raised commitments of $500M in debt and equity.

About Beam Global:

Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Headquartered in San Diego with facilities in Chicago, Belgrade and Kraljevo, Beam Global has a deep patent portfolio and is listed on Nasdaq under the symbols BEEM and BEEMW.

Future of Mobility:

The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields.

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

Chris Wallbank is President and Chief Executive Officer of P.J. Wallbank Springs Inc., and CEO of Wallbank Industrial. Chris joins this milestone episode to discuss the Wallbank Industrial Vision, and the goal to have a significant positive impact on a billion lives.

Takeaways


The Wallbank Industrial Vision is driven by the importance of people and the intentional actions taken to enable the vision.
Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the culture and values of an organization.
Continuous learning and improvement are essential for personal and organizational growth.
Building an intentional culture requires hiring and firing based on values and finding alignment with the team.
Systems and communication are key to enabling the vision and creating scalability and sustainability.

Chapters


Introduction and Milestone Discussion
The Genesis of the Wallbank Industrial Vision
Learning from Reed Hastings and Netflix
Personal Reflection and Impact
The Importance of People in the Vision
Building Intentional Culture
Striving for More and Balancing Satisfaction
Building the Right Culture and Values
Key Practices for Enabling the Vision
The Importance of Systems and Communication
Closing Thoughts

Links:


Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/chriswallbank
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallbankchris/
https://www.pjws.com/
https://edison-mfg.com/

Bio:

Chris Wallbank has been President and Chief Executive Officer of P.J. Wallbank Springs Inc. since 2014. Chris earned his MBA in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and his BA in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University School of Business. A visionary leader constantly challenging the status quo, Chris aspires to impact the world through people, and believes anything can be accomplished with the right team and the right mentality. Chris began his career on the company’s manufacturing floor and eventually assumed responsibility for the organization’s sales. Under his leadership, the team tripled the annual sales and size of the organization. With this success, the company has been presented with the prestigious Inc. 5000 Award (recognizing P.J. Wallbank Springs as one of America’s Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies) for 3 consecutive years.

Future of Mobility:

The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields.

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/