Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

Latest Episodes:

#113 – Gorazd Gotovac | Elaphe – Distributed Drive, In-wheel Motors & Vehicle-level Optimization Jul 31, 2022

Show notes

Dr. Gorazd Gotovac, CTO of Elaphe Propulsion Technologies, is a physicist who holds a PhD in electrical engineering and is a winner of several awards in business plan competitions

Key topics in this conversation include:

The potential of in-wheel motors
Why distributed drive EVs haven’t taken off at-scale yet
How Elaphe’s technology overcome the typical challenges associated with in-wheel motors
Elaphe’s partnerships with Aptera and Lightyear
Innovator’s Dilemma and Crossing the Chasm

Links:

Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/GorazdGotovac
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gorazdgotovac/
https://in-wheel.com/en/news/aptera-and-elaphe-ink-deal-for-scale-production
Elaphe is hiring, see open positions here https://in-wheel.com/en/careers/

Gorazd’s Bio

Dr. Gorazd Gotovac, CTO of Elaphe Propulsion Technologies, is a physicist who holds a PhD in electrical engineering and is a winner of several awards in business plan competitions. Within his role as the CTO, Dr. Gotovac heads the shaping and implementation of Elaphe’s development roadmap. As a part of the management team, he is also active in all business development activities and strategic decisions. Market knowledge, a general physics background and a specialization in the field of electromagnetics and heat transfer allow him to perform informed decision-making based on a holistic approach to electric propulsion, while continually being involved in a variety of R&D activities to provide fresh insight in the development status and challenges that arise. He is also a member of the first generation of Y-TILI (Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative), a European delegation of entrepreneurs selected by the US Department of State, and the 2018 recipient of the Rising Star in Automotive award in the field of electrification.

Elaphe Overview

Elaphe Propulsion Technologies Ltd. is a leading EU-based developer and manufacturer of disruptive in-wheel electric propulsion systems for electric and hybrid vehicles, such as LEVs, passenger cars of all segments, and public transportation. Elaphe off-the-shelf or custom-developed motors, combined with advanced power electronics and multiple-wheel control systems, present the simplest platform for the electric vehicles of tomorrow. Patented and innovative electromagnetic and mechanical designs for in-wheel propulsion enable Elaphe products to boast market-leading specific torque, compact design, modularity, and use of standard brake and bearings for in-wheel propulsion systems. The Elaphe distributed propulsion architecture is the ultimate propulsion platform for connected and automated vehicles, bringing new opportunities to mobility and transportation.

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.

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Edison Manufacturing:

At Edison Manufacturing, our specialty is building and assembling highly complex mobility products in annual quantities of ten to tens of thousands utilizing an agile, robust, and capital-light approach.

#112 - Fedor Antonov | Anisoprint - 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Composites & Intelligent Design Jul 24, 2022

Show notes

Fedor Antonov Fedor is the CEO and co-founder of Anisoprint, a Luxembourg-based startup that develops and manufactures 3D printers for producing carbon fiber reinforced composites.

Key topics in this conversation include:

Why composites haven’t lived up to their potential for mobility applications
Structural design in nature
Specific strength and space elevators
What it takes to fully utilize the benefits of composite materials, starting with design
Anisoprint’s Continuous Fiber Coextrusion technology in their 3D printers

Links:

Fedor Antonov - Bio

Fedor Antonov Fedor is the CEO and co-founder of Anisoprint, a Luxembourg-based startup that develops and manufactures 3D printers for producing carbon fiber reinforced composites. He holds a Ph.D. in Fundamental Mechanics and has authored 16 scientific publications and 5 patents.

Fedor is a former research fellow in the Institute of Mechanics at Moscow State University, and former Research Scientist for the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology. He is both a scientist by heart but also a visionary thinker and passionate about the future of manufacturing. Fedor brings over a decade of academic and industrial experience in design and optimization of composites.

Anisoprint – Company description

Anisoprint is a deep tech startup and the only 3D printing OEM based in Luxembourg today. We’ve developed 3D printers, materials (carbon, basalt) and software for manufacturing anisoprinted composite parts: stronger, lighter and cheaper than metal or non-optimized composites.

Our patented Continuous Fiber Coextrusion (CFC) technology is used in aerospace, engineering, mobility, and many other areas to produce functional parts while cutting costs and increasing productivity. Anisoprinted parts are incredibly strong can actually replace metal parts in some applications.

Anisoprinting is already applied at BMW, Schunk Carbon Technology, Airbus, Brightlands Materials Center, Technical University of Munich, Bauhaus, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, etc.

Future of Mobility:

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Edison Manufacturing:

#111 - Neha Palmer | Terawatt – Scaling Commercial EV Charging Infrastructure Jul 17, 2022

Show notes

Neha Palmer is the CEO and co-founder of Terawatt Infrastructure, a company that’s focused on scaling commercial EV charging infrastructure across the U.S.

Key topics in this conversation include:

The biggest challenges that need to be overcome while scaling commercial EV charging
Neha’s learnings from her previous role as Head of Energy Strategy at Google
The complexity of integrated renewables into the grid
How to design a reliable and sustainable charging hub
Commons misconceptions about charging networks

Links:

Neha's bio:

Neha Palmer is the CEO and co-founder of Terawatt Infrastructure, a company that’s focused on scaling commercial EV charging infrastructure across the U.S. Neha previously served at the Head of Energy Strategy at Google where she led the development of electric infrastructure and electricity procurement for the global data center fleet, helping to make Google the first company of its size to achieve 100% renewable energy for operations. Previously, Neha held leadership roles at Pacific Gas and Electric, and worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. Neha holds an MBA in Finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo.

About Terawatt

TeraWatt Infrastructure provides permanent, durable solutions for the future of fleet transportation. The company designs, operates and owns electric vehicle charging hubs for fleet operations leveraging a robust combination of property assets, financing capabilities and deep energy expertise. With a business model based on well-established economics of renewable energy project development and a proven real estate strategy, Terawatt was founded, in the absence of anything like it, to be the nation’s reliable, long-term partner in the inevitable transition to all-electric transportation.

Future of Mobility:

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Edison Manufacturing:

#110 – Alex Rodrigues | Embark – The “iPod” Approach to Automated Driving & What Winning Looks Like for Long Haul Truck Automation Jul 10, 2022

Show notes

Alex co-founded Embark and serves as Chief Executive Officer

Key topics in this conversation include:

Alex’s path to co-founding Embark
Why they chose to focus on trucking automation as the first application for self-driving technology
How Alex thinks about competition
Why Embark is taking the “iPod approach” instead of the “iPhone approach,” and initially focusing on the sunny areas in the US
Automated laundry folding and house construction

Links:

Alex’s Bio:

Alex co-founded Embark and serves as Chief Executive Officer. Upon closing of Embark’s SPAC merger with Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp II, Alex became the youngest CEO of a publicly traded company.

Alex started building robots at age 11. As a middle schooler, he won a world robotics championship competing against high school teams. While studying at the University of Waterloo, Alex and co-founder Brandon Moak built Canada’s first self-driving vehicle, a golf cart named “Marvin” that was used to take guests on tours of the campus. Alex is a Thiel Fellowship recipient and was accepted into Silicon Valley’s premier startup incubator Y-Combinator, where he launched Embark.

About Embark:

Embark is an autonomous vehicle company building software for carriers to enable autonomous trucks within their fleets. We’re on a mission to build a world where consumers pay less for the things they need, drivers stay close to the homes they cherish, and roads are safer for the people we love.

Future of Mobility:

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Edison Manufacturing:

#109 - Low Volume Manufacturing & Joining Edison Jul 03, 2022

Show notes

Special episode this week, focused on my move to Edison Manufacturing and Engineering and why I believe that low volume manufacturing is a critical problem that needs to be solved to enable the companies creating the safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible transportation ecosystem of tomorrow.

Future of Mobility:

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Edison Manufacturing:

#108 – Daniel Barel | REE – Game Theory, the REEcorner & the Backbone for Class 1 through 6 EVs and AVs Jun 26, 2022

Show notes

Daniel Barel is the Chief Executive Officer of REE.

Key topics in this conversation include:

How Daniel’s background in game theory has helped him shape the value REE aims to provide
The design philosophy behind the REEcorner
Why partnering with an existing platform provider can be cheaper and more effective than starting from square one
The most promising applications for electrified and automated vehicles

Links:

Daniel’s Bio:

Daniel Barel has been the Chief Executive Officer of REE since 2013. Mr. Barel is a serial entrepreneur who founded several startups in the fields of medical devices, cyber security, and software applications. He co-founded SpecterX, an Israeli data management company in 2017 and has served as the chairman since 2019. Between 2007 and 2013, Mr. Barel served as Chief Executive Officer of CAUTES International, a boutique business consulting firm in Hong Kong that he founded in 2007. He previously served as chairman of WOOOF, a social networking platform he founded in 2012. Mr. Barel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Administration from the Hebrew University.

About REE:

REE (Nasdaq: REE) is an automotive technology leader whose mission is to empower companies to build any size or shape of electric or autonomous vehicle – from Class 1 through Class 6 – for any application and any target market. REE aims to serve as the underpinning on top of which EVs and AVs will be built and envisions a future where EVs and AVs will be 'Powered by REE'.

REE's revolutionary technology – the REEcorner™ – packs critical vehicle components (steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control) into a single compact module positioned between the chassis and the wheel, enabling REE to build the industry's flattest EV platforms with more room for passengers, cargo and batteries. REE uses x-by-wire technology for fully independent control of driving, braking and steering functions.

REE's EV platforms afford complete freedom of design, enabling auto-manufacturers, OEMs, delivery & logistic fleets, Mobility-as-a-Service providers and new mobility players to design mission-specific EVs and AVs based on their exact business requirements and significantly reduce their time-to-market, lower TCO and meet zero-carbon regulations.

Headquartered in Herzliya, Israel, REE has an Engineering Center in Coventry, UK, and Texas, U.S., as well as subsidiaries including Japan and Germany. REE's unique CapEx-light manufacturing model leverages Tier-1 partners' existing production lines; the company's extensive partner ecosystem encompasses leading names including Hino Motors (truck arm of Toyota), Hitachi America, Magna International, JB Poindexter, Navya and American Axle & Manufacturing to provide a full turnkey solution.

Future of Mobility:

Edison Manufacturing:

#107 – William Santana Li | Knightscope – Autonomous Security Robots & Creating the Safest Country in the World Jun 19, 2022

Show notes

William Santana Li is a veteran entrepreneur who has guided success across multiple corporations and start-ups.

Key topics in this conversation include:

Why security robots are an ideal application for electric and autonomous vehicle technology
The key to a successful rollout of an autonomous security robot
Common roadblocks, and how those are overcome
The importance of manners
Bill’s mission to make America the safest country in the world

Links:

Bill’s Bio

William Santana Li is a veteran entrepreneur who has guided success across multiple corporations and start-ups. He has extensive experience and expertise, which includes serving as a former executive at Ford Motor Company. In addition, Li is the founder of GreenLeaf, a company that grew to become the world’s second-largest automotive recycler and is now part of LKQ Corporation (NASDAQ: LKQ). a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

About Knightscope

Knightscope, Inc. is a leader in the development of autonomous security capabilities and on target to disrupt the $500 billion security industry. Founded in 2013 and based in Mountain View, California, Knightscope leverages unique technology that combines next generation functionalities including self-driving, robotics and artificial intelligence. The company builds Autonomous Security Robots ("ASRs") that are designed to provide 24/7/365 security to a variety of locations that include places where people live, work, visit and study. To date, Knightscope's client base covers a federal government contract, public institutions and commercial business operations that include multiple Fortune 1000 companies. Its ASRs have been proven to enhance safety across a range of locations including hospitals, corporations, school campuses, entertainment venues, logistics and storage facilities, and manufacturing plants. Knightscope's ASRs are highly cost-effective and may be deployed to enhance traditional security systems and law enforcement functions. They provide the added advantage of continuous, automated patrolling capabilities despite conditions that hinder operations, such as the pandemic. Knightscope's ASR solutions can be customized to suit specific needs of the location of deployment to enhance security and safety while also providing customer assistance capabilities.

Future of Mobility:

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Edison Manufacturing:

At Edison Manufacturing, our specialty is building and assembling highly complex products in annual quantities of ten to tens of thousands utilizing an agile, robust, and capital-light approach.

#106 – Glenn Fogel | Booking Holdings – Sustainable Travel and An Enriching Experience of the World Jun 12, 2022

Show notes

Glenn Fogel, President and CEO of Booking Holdings and Booking.com.

Key topics in this conversation include:

Booking’s role in sustainable travel
The objective behind the new Travel Sustainable Badge
Why standard global criteria isn’t ideal for measuring and regulating sustainable behavior
How Glenn maintains a skeptical eye on his own perspectives and prioritizes continual learning
Why enabling an enriching experience of the world needs to be part of the conversation as we work to transform travel

Links:

Glenn’s Bio

Glenn Fogel is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Booking Holdings, a position he has held since January 2017, and Chief Executive Officer of Booking.com, a position he has held since June 2019. He previously served as Head of Worldwide Strategy and Planning, an office he held from November 2010 to December 2016. He was also Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, a position he held from March 2009 to December 2016, and was responsible for worldwide mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances. Glenn joined Booking Holdings in February 2000. Prior to that, he was a trader at a global asset management firm and prior to that was an investment banker specializing in the air transportation industry. He is a member of the New York State Bar (retired). Glenn is a graduate of Harvard Law School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

About Booking Holdings

Booking Holdings is the world’s leading provider of online travel & related services, provided to consumers and local partners in more than 220 countries and territories through six primary consumer-facing brands: Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, Rentalcars.com, KAYAK and OpenTable. Collectively, Booking Holdings operates in more than 40 languages across Europe, North America, South America, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa. The mission of Booking Holdings is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world.

Future of Mobility:

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

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

#105 – Alex Mitchell | Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator - Unlocking Innovation, Debt vs. Equity, and The Most Promising Trends in Cleantech Jun 05, 2022

Show notes

Alex Mitchell is the SVP Unlocking Innovation, where he oversees all founder-facing efforts, including recruitment, all incubation programs, as well as investments of the LACI Impact Fund and LACI Cleantech Debt Fund.

Key topics in this conversation include:

Alex’s remarkable career journey, and how that led him to LACI
The unique value LACI provides for founders
The most promising trends in cleantech for impact and financial returns
When debt might be a better choice than giving up equity
Project Drawdown and our options for decarbonization

Links:

Alex’s Bio

He joined LACI from Groupe PSA in Paris where he was VP of Corporate Strategy, co-leading the company’s acquisition of Opel from General Motors and leading the company’s work on autonomous mobility. Alex previously headed an automotive industry vertical at the World Economic Forum, with a focus on autonomous mobility. Alex has also served as the VP of retail sales at an LA-based EV startup Coda Automotive and worked at Toyota Europe and McKinsey.

Alex is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he obtained an MBA from the Wharton School and an MA from the School of Arts and Sciences as a Fellow of the Lauder Institute Global MBA program. He holds a BA from Stanford University. His rescue dog makes frequent guest appearances on his Zoom calls.

About The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation through helping scale cleantech startups, transforming markets through catalytic partnerships like the Transportation Electrification Partnership, and enhancing communities through green workforce training and pilots. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP) in 2011, LACI is recognized as one of the top 10 innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. To date, LACI has supported 315 startup companies that have secured more than $695 million in funding, generated more than $308 million in revenue, and helped to create an estimated 2,480 jobs with a long-term projected economic impact of more than $555 million.

Future of Mobility:

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

#104 – Frank Heidinger & Evan Licht | Halevai – High Performance Electric Pontoons & Urgency to Decarbonize the Marine Sector May 29, 2022

Show notes

Frank Heidinger and Evan Licht are co-founders of Halevai, a new concept boat manufacturer focused on design, reliability and conservation.

Key topics in this conversation include:

Why decarbonizing marine vessels is so important
Halevai’s decision to initially focus on the pontoon market
How Frank and Evan’s unique backgrounds prepared them for this opportunity
What makes Halevai’s electric vessel unique
Halevai’s go to market strategy and long term plan

Links:

Frank’s Bio

Frank Heidinger is an ocean lover, explorer, producer and entrepreneur. He was on the founding team at Parley for the Oceans, an environmental organization and global collaboration network focused around ocean fragility issues. He is the creative director of the Fari Islands Foundation. Frank has worked extensively on concert and large scale media production and international brand licensing throughout Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.

Evan’s Bio

Evan Licht is an inventive executive with 25+ years experience leading high growth and start-up companies in the consumer, media and technology sectors. Prior experience includes senior leadership roles at eLance (Upwork), SonicNet (MTVi) and most recently as Founding Partner/ CBDO for Blade Urban Air Mobility.

About Halevai:

Halevai is a new concept boat manufacturer focused on design, reliability and conservation. We provide creative direction, program development, production services, and create conscious products to preserve and protect our planet. We are committed to building better solutions that aid in correcting the course of environmental damage while providing approachable, meaningful and long-lasting experiences.

Future of Mobility:

linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/

brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

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