391. FULL INTERVIEW with Trucked Up EVs YouTuber Simon Lindley

Simon Lindley, the creator of the Trucked Up EVs YouTube channel, discusses his passion for electric trucks and his mission to dispel misinformation surrounding their capabilities. He details his cross-Canada tour, highlighting the diverse charging infrastructure and experiences across provinces, and emphasizes the need for a standardized and equitable charging network.

Trucked Up EVs Channel

• 00:00:38 Simon Lindley created the Trucked Up EVs YouTube channel to showcase the potential of electric pickup trucks and help truck enthusiasts understand the EV landscape. He aims to counter misinformation and fear surrounding EV adoption while providing an entertaining and inclusive perspective. The channel has grown quickly, garnering thousands of views for videos covering topics such as charging experiences and the pros and cons of various EV models.

EV Truck Capabilities

• 00:01:50 Lindley found electric trucks to be incredibly efficient, with a high percentage of energy going to the wheels rather than being lost as heat. He emphasizes the significant improvements in efficiency compared to other transportation methods, from horses to gasoline. The trucks' efficiency and low maintenance requirements are highlighted as key advantages.

Countering Misinformation

• 00:03:37 The channel aims to counter the fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) surrounding EV trucks. Lindley actively debunks common misconceptions, such as the perceived risk of EV battery fires, which are statistically less likely than gasoline car fires. He strives to provide verifiable data and demonstrate the capabilities of EV trucks through his content and personal experiences, ultimately fostering informed adoption.

Charging Infrastructure Tour

• 00:09:31 Lindley embarked on a Canada-wide tour, visiting all provinces and testing various charging networks. His experience revealed a significant disparity in the quality and availability of charging infrastructure across the country. BC Hydro's comprehensive electric highway initiative was a standout, while Alberta's fragmented and underdeveloped charging network was a point of concern, raising questions of protectionism.

Charging Infrastructure

• 00:29:42 Lindley highlights the need for a standardized and equitable charging network. He criticizes charging practices based on time, which disproportionately impacts drivers of less expensive or slower-charging vehicles. He believes that charging infrastructure should be regulated, similar to gas pumps, to ensure fair pricing and encourage competition, preventing monopolies in the industry.