It’s the award‑winning Ben Travis! A true champion of customer experience and electric vehicle education.

Ben joined the automotive industry in 2019 and became a trusted EV specialist, guiding customers through the transition from internal combustion to electric.

During the first lockdown, while many settled into furlough, Ben immersed himself in EV knowledge—devouring YouTube videos, manuals, and guides—to ensure he could deliver confident, first‑hand advice to customers.

Ben opens up about:

• His passion for customer‑first service and why empathy is at the heart of electrification.
• Building confidence in EV adoption through real‑world experience and storytelling.
• How LinkedIn and YouTube gave him a platform to educate and inspire.
• Staying grounded in the face of recognition, negativity, and life’s challenges.
• His personal “magic wand” wish for a better world.

Ben Traviss (LinkedIn)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentraviss/

LLoyd Motor Group
https://www.lloydmotorgroup.com

Ben’s YouTube Channel (Electric Ben)
https://www.youtube.com/@ElectricBenYT

Anne Snelson (Lead With Sustainability) shares hey journey from government statistician and AA policy researcher to senior marketing roles at Vodafone and RingGo, before finding her purpose in sustainability. She takes us through her work championing emissions-based parking, her role in influencing corporate sustainability at companies like BMW and Nissan, and how her Carbon Literacy Project training is sparking meaningful change across the automotive and built environment sectors.

Anne opens up about:
- Her personal motivations for tackling climate change and the influence of her parents, a statistician father and ecologist mother.
- The emotional moments from delivering her sustainability training, and the ripple effects it creates in corporate and personal lives alike.
- The importance of circularity, AI-driven innovation, and co-benefits in building a zero-emission future.
- Life lessons in resilience, building a purpose-led business in her 50s, and finding joy in making a difference.

Oh, and there’s talk of Climate Change Countdown, EV road trips to Italy, and why cheap renewable electricity is top of Anne’s “magic wand” wish list.

Lead With Sustainability
https://leadwithsustainability.co.uk

EV Cafe listeners can get a **20% discount** off the full price by entering promo code EVC2026 at the checkout https://www.tickettailor.com/events/leadwithsustainability

Anne Snelson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-snelson-bsc-dipm-mba-93a6701/

This week we have the multi-talented Jess Shanahan!

Jess discusses running a Porsche race team and teaching motorsport sponsorship to becoming a key figure in the EV and e-mobility space—creating content, hosting events, and speaking passionately about mental health and neurodiversity.

What’s discussed:

• Jess’s path through motorsport and e-mobility, and how she built her own thriving businesses, including Jet Social and Charge Happy.
• Her mental health and ADHD journey, and how embracing her authentic self has shaped her career and creativity.
• The power of vulnerability, self-expression, and collaboration, both in personal life and in driving the EV sector forward.
• Creative passions beyond EVs, including her historical romance novel, poetry, and the dream of making space for more writing.

This conversation goes beyond electric vehicles to the people who are shaping a zero-emission future, showing how authenticity and emotional safety can drive meaningful impact.

Jess Shanahan (LinkedIn)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessshanahan/

Charge Happy
https://www.chargehappy.co.uk

Jet Social
https://www.jetsocial.co.uk

Richard Guy, Fleet & Plant Director at Amey uncovers how he led one of the UK’s largest strategic government suppliers on a remarkable fleet electrification journey.

Amey operates 4,000 vehicles—cars, vans, and trucks—across highways, rail, facilities management, and consultancy services. Richard shares how his team successfully transitioned from just 5% EV adoption to over 90% in the company car fleet—three years ahead of target—all without mandating EVs - what a Guy.

Discover how Richard:

• Tackled driver objections with a behavioural, not just financial, approach
• Removed key barriers like home charger costs, mileage reimbursement fears, and lease timing
• Built trust and engagement through hands-on driver support and ambassador networks
• Navigates the “clay layer” of operational managers in the complex world of electric vans and trucks
• Balances decarbonisation ambitions with operational realities, mental health, and neurodiverse communication needs

We also dive into the challenges of commercial vehicle electrification, temporary charging solutions, the future of HGV decarbonisation, and why Richard’s magic wand wish is to change the mainstream media narrative on EVs.

Richard Guy (LinkedIn)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-guy-6195189a

Amey
https://www.amey.co.uk

Matt Cleevely, the driving force behind Cleevely Motors and Cleevely Electric Vehicles—and an industry personality—joins JC & Paul this week.

Matt shares how a family business founded in 1962 has transformed into a hub for EV repair, sales, and advocacy, all while staying rooted in the values passed down from his grandfather. He talks openly about:

• Building a multi-generational, family-led business in the age of electrification
• Overcoming industry resistance and championing EV adoption
• The challenges and rewards of running three intertwined businesses
• His personal journey with mental health, and how hobbies like golf and strong family support helped him overcome depression
• Why kindness, honesty, and community are at the heart of everything he does

Paul and JC sit down with Caroline Watson, Director of Transport at C40 Cities—a global network of mayors leading the charge toward a zero-emission future.

Caroline shares her incredible journey in the world of transport decarbonisation, from her early days at the Energy Saving Trust to spearheading international initiatives that are transforming city mobility. She reveals how C40 supports nearly 100 cities worldwide in tackling climate change, rolling out zero-emission buses and freight corridors, and creating healthier, more liveable urban spaces.

Highlights include:

• The story behind C40 Cities and its evolution from London’s climate initiative to a global force.
• How cities like Shenzhen, Oslo, and Amsterdam are setting the standard for electrification and clean transport.
• Groundbreaking projects like the ZEBRA initiative in Latin America and electric freight corridors in India.
• The power of city policies, heat-mapping for EV infrastructure, and the vital role of public transport in reducing congestion and emissions.
• Caroline’s personal passion for climate action, her vision for reaching the 1.5°C target, and why tangible solutions like electric vehicles keep her motivated.

Caroline Watson (LinkedIn)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-watson-53609125

C40 Cities
https://www.c40.org

• Falling into fleet: how Tim accidentally discovered his lifelong career.
• The EV van challenge: why decarbonising the commercial vehicle sector is so critical, and what must change.
• Hall of Fame moments: how it felt to be recognised by Fleet News and the BVRLA for outstanding contribution.
• Leadership lessons & life perspective: from navigating 9/11 and business administration in Europe to balancing family and career.
• A wish for the industry: Tim’s EV Café Magic Wand moment for the future of zero-emission transport.