Field Frequency

Jason Cortes

Field Frequency sits at the intersection of energy and technology, where innovation powers possibility. Each episode brings you a steady stream of insights, real-world stories, and timely updates straight from the field. From breakthrough advancements and evolving infrastructure to expert perspectives on emerging tech, we uncover the tools, trends, and talent shaping the future of EV, fueling, and the technology that surrounds both industries. Whether you’re deep in the industry or simply curious about where energy meets innovation, Field Frequency keeps you connected, informed, and inspired — fueling the future, one conversation at a time.

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Tuesday · 28 min
The EV Charging Reliability Problem Nobody Owns
Send us Fan Mail Reliable EV charging depends on more than functioning hardware. It requires coordination among charge point operators, software providers, equipment manufacturers, site hosts, service organizations, and the technicians working directly on the equipment. In Episode 43 of Field Frequency, host Jason Cortes welcomes Hilary Taylor, co-founder and CEO of WattsUp, for a conversation about the EV charging reliability problem—and the gaps in ownership, information, and accountability that may allow it to persist. Hilary shares how her electrical engineering career took her from wireless EV charging to mobile and megawatt-level charging systems. She also recounts the difficult road trip that helped her recognize the scale of the industry’s reliability challenge and ultimately contributed to the creation of WattsUp. Jason and Hilary examine how hardware, software, environmental conditions, and disconnected service workflows can compound charger failures. Hilary explains how WattsUp seeks to connect the industry’s fragmented systems by combining machine learning, contextual data, prescriptive operational workflows, and structured feedback from field technicians. The discussion also explores why technicians need context in addition to instructions, how environmental and utility data may prevent unnecessary truck rolls, and how predictive insights could support stronger service-level agreements and more consistent uptime. Topics discussed include: Hilary’s journey from electrical engineering to EV charging The experience that inspired the creation of WattsUp Why EV charging reliability is a compounding problem Accountability gaps across the charging ecosystem The importance of standardized operational workflows Giving field technicians context—not only instructions Using service history to improve on-site decision-making The limitations of predictive data without prescribed action Incorporating weather, utility, and environmental conditions Turning technician feedback into structured data Standardization challenges surrounding OCPP Predictive maintenance as a tool for managing SLA risk The relationship between technician productivity and charger uptime Building greater driver confidence in public charging
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#43
September 15 · 48 min
i-Charging: From Fixed Hardware to Adaptive Infrastructure
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Field Frequency, Jason Cortes sits down with Jeff Cohen, CEO of i-charging USA. For most of the last decade, EV charging ran on one question: how many chargers did you deploy? That era is over. The questions now are harder — is the site profitable, is the infrastructure scalable, and when something breaks, how fast is it back online? Jeff brings fourteen years in this industry — GE, ChargePoint, Tritium, and now a Portuguese DC charging manufacturer building out of Atlanta's Curiosity Lab. His read on the market comes down to three shifts. Profitability: the industry moved from land grab to site-by-site business case, and ROI now decides whether a site gets built at all. Serviceability: the old OEM question of "is it in warranty or out of warranty" was always the wrong question — the right one is whether the charger is operational and serviced on time. And scalability: fixed-output hardware forces operators to make kilowatts fit, while adaptive architecture sizes power to the site and grows with it. The conversation gets specific fast. Jason shares a unit that sat dead for nine months — abandoned by its manufacturer, costing the operator $300–400 a month in a single parking space — and took a day and a half to fix once someone actually showed up. Jeff walks through what i-charging does at the site design stage, including an RFP where reading the e-sheets first saved a fleet depot roughly a million dollars in DC cable runs. In this conversation: Land grab to site business case — why ROI, not availability, now decides where chargers go Why "in warranty or out of warranty" was always the wrong question Fixed-output hardware vs. architecture that scales from 50 kW to 1.6 MW Dynamic power allocation: moving power between vehicles in real time instead of stranding it 20–25% more power in 60–65% of the footprint — and why space is the real site constraint The nine-month outage that took 36 hours to fix Substituting AC runs for DC runs at the design stage to cut CapEx before a charger is ever ordered Availability, uptime, and charge session success — what to actually measure, and why 40% of service issues are comms Charging education as the industry's unfinished work — even a fourteen-year veteran had to call support eVTOL charging with Embraer's Eve Air Mobility, and one site serving cars, trucks, and aircraft Why the next five years bring convergence, not more segment-by-segment funding silos CONNECT WITH JEFF LinkedIn: Jeff Cohen Web: https://i-charging.tech
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#41
September 8 · 34 min
The Future of Trucking Is Electric. Are We Ready?
Send us Fan Mail Transportation electrification is moving beyond passenger vehicles and into freight, logistics, and other commercial applications. In Episode 41 of Field Frequency, host Jason Cortes welcomes John Friedrich, Chief Development Officer of Skycharger. John shares his path from environmental and clean-energy work to developing EV charging infrastructure for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. The conversation explores why short-haul and drayage operations may be particularly well suited for electrification, as well as the factors fleet operators should consider when evaluating a transition from diesel. John discusses vehicle range, driver experience, charging availability, replacement cycles, public funding, and potential fuel and maintenance savings. Jason and John also examine Skycharger’s planned charging hub at the Port of San Diego. The proposed project includes 70 chargers—50 of which are expected to use the Megawatt Charging System—to help support the port’s broader clean-air and zero-emission transportation objectives. The episode concludes with a broader look at global EV adoption, infrastructure policy, and why John believes technological progress and economics may continue moving commercial transportation toward electrification. Key topics discussed: • John’s journey into clean energy and transportation electrification • Skycharger’s role as a charge point operator • The growing opportunity for medium- and heavy-duty EVs • Why drayage and short-haul routes may be strong early applications • Indicators that a fleet may be ready to electrify • Vehicle range, charging breaks, and long-haul operations • The planned charging hub at the Port of San Diego • MCS and CCS charging for commercial vehicles • Driver experience and potential operational savings • Public funding and infrastructure development • Differences between EV deployment in the United States and other markets • The long-term influence of technology and economics on electrification
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September 1 · 43 min
Electrification Meets Reality: Infrastructure, AI, and Energy Demand
Send us Fan Mail AI is accelerating. Data centers are expanding. Electrification keeps moving. But behind all of it sits a question that rarely gets asked out loud: where is the power actually coming from? In this episode of Field Frequency, Jason Cortes is joined by Peter Snel, CEO of PetroVybe, for a conversation about the infrastructure behind the headlines. Peter came into oil and gas as an outsider — a management consultant and self-described "business fixer" — and that outside view is exactly what makes his read on the energy chain worth hearing. The chain is simple to say and hard to build: AI needs data centers, data centers need electricity, and electricity needs a fuel source. Peter walks through where that chain is actually breaking — a two-year backlog on turbine manufacturing, turbines that convert only 30–40% of the fuel you feed them, an aging grid, a severe shortage of commercial electricians, and stranded natural gas in the Permian Basin that gets flared off because the pipeline capacity to move it doesn't exist. Jason brings the transportation side: what NEVI-spec charging sites really demand from a utility, why subsidy money was always "nice to have" and never a business case, and how forward-thinking fuel retailers approached EV charging as a commercial offering rather than a replacement technology. In this conversation: • Why having abundant fuel and being able to deliver power are two completely different problems • The two-year turbine wait list — and the 60% of energy value lost in conversion • The fleet that tried to go electric and needed more daily power than its entire town produced • Why the labor shortage may be the hardest infrastructure constraint to solve • Trapped gas, negative prices, and what those flares off I-20 in West Texas actually are • The case against building an industry on subsidies — and the honest counter-argument • Why Toyota's hybrid strategy beat the all-in EV bet, and what that says about reading a market • Where the transportation ecosystem lands: not all-electric, but genuinely hybridized It's a direct conversation, and Peter doesn't soften his positions. Whether you're building chargers, operating fleets, or trying to understand the grid underneath all of it, this one is worth your time.
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August 25 · 37 min
Location, Utilization, Cash Flow: The Basic Economics of EV Charging
Send us Fan Mail What turns an EV charging site from an ambitious deployment into a financially viable infrastructure asset? In Episode 38 of Field Frequency, host Jason Cortes speaks with Gideon Pfeffer, co-founder and partner of Charge Capital, about the economics behind EV charging infrastructure. Drawing on more than 20 years in commercial real estate and private equity, Gideon explains why EV charging should be evaluated with the same discipline applied to other cash-flowing assets. The conversation examines what the market may have misunderstood during the early rush of capital into EV infrastructure—and why location, utilization and site-level performance matter more than deployment volume alone. Gideon shares how Charge Capital evaluates revenue assumptions, expenses, incentives, operational costs and the evidence needed to validate a project before capital is deployed. Jason and Gideon also discuss the future of the charge point operator model, the likelihood of industry consolidation and the financial importance of uptime and ongoing maintenance. From choosing sites where charging is easy to install to choosing sites where charging is likely to succeed, this episode offers a practical look at the fundamentals that could shape the next phase of EV infrastructure investment. In this episode Gideon’s path from commercial real estate and private equity into energy infrastructure The capital gap facing middle-market EV charging and energy projects Why EV charging infrastructure should be evaluated as a cash-flowing asset What early investors may have overlooked about utilization and site-specific demand Why “location, location, location” still applies to EV charging The risks of relying too heavily on incentives or broad EV adoption forecasts How proof of cash flow affects the cost and availability of capital Asset-light, vertically integrated and partnership-driven CPO models Why the EV charging market may be positioned for consolidation How uptime, O&M and reliability affect financial performance The importance of validating every assumption in a project pro forma The demand signals Charge Capital considers when evaluating new opportunities About Gideon Pfeffer Gideon Pfeffer is a co-founder and partner of Charge Capital, a capital markets firm focused on helping middle-market energy developers and charge point operators access debt and equity. He is also CEO and managing partner of the GSH Group and brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, private equity and cash-flowing residential investments. Through Charge Capital, Gideon and his team work with energy developers and operators to evaluate projects, organize capital and build infrastructure portfolios. Connect with Gideon and Charge Capital Connect with Gideon Pfeffer on LinkedIn Email Gideon: gideon@charge-capital.com General inquiries: info@charge-capital.com Visit Charge Capital’s website: https://charge-capital.com
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August 19 · 55 min
From Hardware to Charging Success: Mike DiNucci on the Next Era of EV Infrastructure
Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build an industry before the market fully understands the need? In this episode of Field Frequency, host Jason Cortes sits down with Mike DiNucci, Chief Revenue Officer at AmpUp and one of the earliest commercial leaders in EV charging. Mike shares the unconventional path that took him from owning a neighborhood coffee and ice cream shop to becoming the first nontechnical employee at Coulomb Technologies, later known as ChargePoint. Drawing on nearly two decades in the industry, Mike explores how EV charging has evolved through three distinct eras: hardware differentiation, software capabilities, and the growing demand for serviceability and charging success. He and Jason discuss why a charger showing “online” does not necessarily mean a driver can complete a session—and why post-installation support may determine which companies lead the next decade of EV infrastructure. The conversation also covers the shift from a “pump” mindset to a “park” model, the importance of simplifying complex charging operations, the value of hardware and software flexibility, and the consolidation Mike expects to see across the market. Along the way, Mike explains why he remains confident in the future of electric transportation despite industry headwinds. • Mike’s unconventional path from small-business owner to EV charging pioneer • What it was like selling charging infrastructure before mass-market EVs existed • Why workplace charging helped establish the early market • The three eras of EV charging: hardware, software, and service • The difference between platform uptime and charging-session success • Why site hosts need simplicity without sacrificing capability • How the “pump-to-park” shift changes the way drivers think about charging • Why post-installation service could shape the next decade of EV infrastructure • What market consolidation may mean for charging networks, hardware providers, and site hosts • Mike’s outlook for EV adoption and the future of the industry About Mike Mike DiNucci is the Chief Revenue Officer at AmpUp. An early leader in EV charging, he joined Coulomb Technologies—later ChargePoint—as its first nontechnical employee and went on to spend nearly 12 years helping grow the company’s global sales organization. Today, he brings nearly two decades of industry experience to AmpUp, where he helps advance flexible EV charging management solutions designed to work across a wide range of hardware. Connect with Mike and AmpUp Connect with Mike DiNucci on LinkedIn Email: mike@ampup.io Visit: https://ampup.io CHAPTERS 00:00 — "What does EV stand for?" 00:52 — Meet Mike DiNucci, CRO of AmpUp 01:15 — The mentor Mike never knew he had 03:06 — From selling gelato in Saratoga to selling $80K workstations 06:04 — Laid off in 2008: the lunch that changed everything 08:50 — Employee #1 who wasn't an engineer at ChargePoint 09:15 — "Shouting into a hurricane": selling EV charging in 2009 10:07 — Whose problem is charging infrastructure, anyway? 11:15 — The four places people park, and why dwell time changes everything 14:20 — The one vertical that didn't care about ROI 16:37 — The three eras: hardware, software, and service 19:04 — "Who's going to roll the truck when I need help?" 20:25 — Why the industry still can't operationalize charging 21:55 — Uptime vs. charging success rate: the metric that matters 23:51 — Charging-as-a-service and the chasm we're in 26:27 — Hiding complexity: the single pane of glass 31:31 — Better Place, battery swapping, and $1B in failed bets 34:19 — Pump model vs. park model: "It takes 15 seconds to charge" 35:26 — Your mom's 100-foot phone cord and every paradigm shift ever 37:07 — Texas grew 15x in EVs. The chargers didn't follow. 39:48 — Why car companies don't actually want to sell you an EV 41:51 — The cellular network analogy: how many CMS platforms survive? 44:01 — Rivian, vertical integration, and knowing your lane 46:22 — AmpUp's original idea: "Airbnb for EV charging" 48:10 — Five-year prediction: attrition, consolidation, and the three pillars 50:36 — $7.49 gas and the case against EV pessimism 54:48 — What actually differentiates a CMS platform in 2026 54:55 — How to reach Mike
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August 11 · 1 hr 1 min
Charging 3.0: Beyond the EV Charger Ribbon Cutting
Send us Fan Mail A charger can be online, well-located, and still fail commercially. Uptime tells you the hardware works. Utilization tells you the business works — and right now, too many stations are stuck at 1–4%. In this episode, Jason Cortes is joined by Loren McDonald, founder of Chargeonomics, to unpack what actually pulls an EV driver to a charger: pricing, retail partnerships, customer experience, amenities, and — increasingly — showing up in the car's navigation screen. Recorded the same morning the news broke, they dig into EVgo partnering with Tesla — a move Loren calls an "earthquake" — and why the real battleground has shifted from who deploys the most hardware to who wins the driver. Along the way: Why Walmart, Costco, and the new convenience stores are rewriting the playbook through "habit stacking" The Francis Energy site that jumped 5x in utilization overnight — with no change to location or amenities NACS vs. CCS, and the flawed assumption that adding a plug brings the Tesla drivers Why rideshare and fleet drivers are the "business travelers" of charging What "Charging 3.0" looks like — loyalty, retail data, and real differentiation How ChargeMate's AI support is solving the "hidden failures" that never show up in the data If you build, operate, or invest in EV charging, this one reframes where the next phase of the industry is actually won. Field Frequency is brought to you by Field Advantage, a national field services organization supporting EV charging infrastructure across the United States. Guest: Loren McDonald, Founder, Chargeonomics Host: Jason Cortes Enjoying the show? Follow Field Frequency on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and leave a rating to help more people in the industry find it.
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August 4 · 56 min
Percepta — How Customer Experience Will Become Mobility Infrastructure
Send us Fan Mail Omar Riahi, Global EV Enablement and Sales Development at Percepta, joins Field Frequency to discuss why customer experience is becoming essential mobility infrastructure. From EV onboarding and charging reliability to connected vehicles, fleet electrification and autonomous transportation, Omar explores how reducing friction could accelerate EV adoption and strengthen customer loyalty. The future of mobility depends on more than innovative vehicles and charging technology—it also requires an ownership experience customers can understand and trust. In Episode 36 of Field Frequency, host Jason Cortes speaks with Omar Riahi, Global EV Enablement and Sales Development at Percepta. Omar explains how Percepta supports the automotive customer lifecycle, from presale and onboarding through charging assistance, connected services, dealership support and resale. Drawing on his experience working directly with EV owners, dealerships, charge point operators and engineering teams, Omar identifies fragmentation as one of the industry’s most significant challenges. Charging procedures, payment systems, adapters and digital platforms can vary widely, creating unnecessary friction for drivers. Jason and Omar also explore how software-defined vehicles are reshaping transportation. Over-the-air updates, connected services, telematics and bidirectional charging could turn vehicles into increasingly integrated parts of our homes, businesses and energy systems. The conversation covers: Why customer trust and effective support are critical to EV adoption How proactive onboarding can improve the ownership experience The need for simple, consistent and reliable charging Why charging availability may be the key to making charging feel invisible How customer experience can support loyalty, revenue and ROI The growing role of software-defined and connected vehicles Differences between retail and fleet electrification Home-charging reimbursement options for fleet vehicles Vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-building and vehicle-to-grid applications A future shaped by autonomous mobility and wireless roadway charging Connect with Omar on LinkedIn and learn more about Percepta at percepta.com. Omar Riahi is the Global EV Enablement & Sales Development Manager at Percepta, specializing in innovative customer support strategies for the EV industry. With over 15 years of expertise in customer service operations, process optimization, and EV support technologies, Omar has driven initiatives that enhance satisfaction, streamline workflows, and reduce costs. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he is known for implementing data-driven solutions that elevate EV customer experiences while creating new value for automotive clients.
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July 28 · 46 min
Process then Scale: Maricela McKenzie on Operational Clarity Over Growth Hype
Send us Fan Mail Most companies think they have a growth problem. This week's guest says they actually have an operational clarity problem. Host Jason talks with Maricela "Marcy" McKenzie, CEO and founder of Clarida Strategies, about how clean-tech and EV startups move from founder-led momentum to repeatable, scalable execution. With a career spanning oil & gas, SolarCity/Tesla, EVBox, Rivian's Waypoints team, and ChargerHelp, Marcy has seen exactly where growth breaks down — and it's rarely a lack of good ideas. In this conversation: Why "the founder cannot continue to be the operating system of the company" The difference between a real pipeline and the illusion of one The hidden costs of scaling without systems — and how you burn capital quietly Using your CRM as a system of truth, not a filing cabinet How buyers actually buy vs. how you wish they would Where AI genuinely helps go-to-market — and where it's just noise A look inside Marcy's SCALE framework: Survey, Clarify, Architect, Launch, Enhance Whether you're a founder, sales leader, or operator, you'll walk away with a sharper sense of how to build capability instead of chaos. Field Frequency is powered by FieldAdvantage, specialists in the maintenance and operation of critical infrastructure, including EV charging networks.
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July 21 · 27 min
The Hidden Cost of EV Deployment Delays with Trevor Palmer
Send us Fan Mail Trevor Palmer, founder of EVBlocks, joins Field Frequency to discuss how smarter foundation design is helping accelerate EV charger deployments, simplify future upgrades, and improve long-term infrastructure planning. From lessons learned in the UK to scaling across the U.S., Trevor shares practical insights on building charging networks that are faster to deploy and built for what's next. Show Notes: Trevor Palmer's journey from electrician to founder of EVBlocks How EVBlocks was created to eliminate deployment delays Saving up to a week on charger installations Why foundations should be designed for future charger upgrades Lessons from EV deployment across the UK and Europe Scaling EV infrastructure in the U.S. Grid capacity challenges and planning for expansion The hidden costs of poor construction practices Building charging sites for long-term flexibility Creating a seamless charging experience for EV drivers Trevor Palmer Bio Trevor Palmer is the founder and CEO of EV Blocks, a company transforming EV charger installations with modular, precast concrete foundations designed to simplify deployment and future-proof charging infrastructure. A qualified electrician with more than 20 years of experience in electrical contracting and construction, Palmer developed the EV Blocks system after seeing firsthand how traditional poured concrete foundations delayed projects and complicated future maintenance. His patented foundation system features a universal adapter plate that enables faster installations, easier charger replacements, and up to a 35% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional on-site concrete pours. Under his leadership, the Peterborough, UK-based company has expanded into North America, Canada, Australia, France, and Ireland, supported by an international manufacturing and distribution network. Named Global Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Palmer is a recognized voice in EV infrastructure, advocating for scalable deployment strategies, future-ready site design, and a better charging experience for drivers. On this episode of Field Frequency, he shares lessons from deploying charging infrastructure across Europe and North America, offering practical insights into accelerating installations, overcoming grid constraints, and building EV charging networks designed for long-term success.
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July 14 · 35 min
Mobility Evolves: The New Economics of Vehicle Miles
Send us Fan Mail Is the future of transportation really about electric vehicles, or is something much bigger happening? In this episode of Field Frequency, Field Advantage welcomes Joe George, President of Mobility at Cox Automotive, for a thought-provoking conversation about how technology, AI, autonomy, digital commerce, and changing consumer behavior are reshaping transportation. Drawing on insights from the Transportation Energy Institute (TEI), Joe explores why the industry should stop focusing solely on electric vehicles and start thinking about transportation as an integrated system centered around efficiency, uptime, and total cost of operation. The discussion covers everything from autonomous fleets and predictive maintenance to AI-driven routing, consumer ownership trends, and what tomorrow's mobility ecosystem could look like. Transportation is evolving beyond the vehicle itself. In this episode of Field Frequency, Joe George, President of Mobility at Cox Automotive, joins Field Advantage to explore how AI, autonomous technology, digital commerce, and changing fleet economics are reshaping the future of mobility. From optimizing total cost of operation to improving uptime through predictive maintenance, this conversation offers practical insights for organizations preparing for the next generation of transportation. Inside The Episode: Why the future of transportation is bigger than EV adoption How "cost per mile" is becoming the new performance metric Why vehicle ownership may decline over the next decade The economics behind fleet uptime and preventive maintenance AI's role in routing, diagnostics, and operational efficiency Autonomous vehicles, data ownership, and the future customer experience How retailers, fleets, and mobility providers may compete for consumer attention What infrastructure operators should prepare for today Key Takeaways: Transportation is evolving from vehicle ownership to mobility services. Fleet uptime is becoming one of the most valuable operational metrics. AI will improve maintenance planning, routing, and decision-making long before fully autonomous transportation becomes commonplace. Consumers increasingly value convenience over ownership. Businesses that optimize operational efficiency rather than simply adopting new technology will have the strongest competitive advantage. Field Frequency is powered by Field Advantage, delivering conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of field service, critical infrastructure, retail technology, EV charging, and connected operations. Guest Bio Joe George leads the Mobility Solutions Group at Cox Automotive. He is focused on helping Cox Automotive’s partners and clients successfully navigate the technology and services that support evolving consumer mobility, including delivering advanced fleet management solutions. The drive of Cox Automotive Mobility is to keep fleets and people moving safely and sustainably for the next generation. Prior to leading Mobility Solutions, George served as interim president of Cox Automotive Media Solutions Group, overseeing the company’s Autotrader, Dealer.com and Kelley Blue Book business divisions and brands. As an industry veteran with more than three decades of experience working with Cox Automotive and several of its brands, George began his career with Manheim as an auction employee and rose through the ranks at operating locations to become marketing manager, general sales manager, and assistant general manager. Later, he joined the company’s executive team, becoming senior vice president of Product Development, as well as group vice president of Manheim Digital. George previously served as senior vice president of Assurance and Reconditioning for Manheim. He was responsible for wholesale and retail services strategy and execution, leading efforts to deliver innovative end-to-end inventory solutions and a high level of client service that supports dealer success. Prior to that, George served as senior vice president and chief strategy officer for Cox Automotive. Earlier in his career as vice president of Dealer Services, chief product officer and senior vice president of Operations, he helped launch Autotrader.com and held several leadership positions with Autotrader’s parent company, including president of Cox Autotrader/AutoMart Publishing. George holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degrees from The Ohio State University. He is an active community volunteer, supporting St. Vincent de Paul Society, Marist Way, and serving as chairman of the board of trustees for Notre Dame Academy.
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July 7 · 29 min
Install First, Optimize Next: INF Associates on Making Charging Perform
Send us Fan Mail EV charging success doesn't end when the station is installed. In Episode 32 of Field Frequency, Monica Davis of INF Associates joins the show to discuss why long-term performance, utility programs, and data-driven optimization are becoming the next frontier of EV charging. From maximizing ROI and reducing operating costs to navigating utility incentives and improving station utilization, Monica shares practical strategies every charging operator should know. Show Notes Building EV charging infrastructure is only the beginning. The real opportunity lies in maximizing station performance long after the ribbon cutting. In this episode, Jason Cortez sits down with Monica Davis, Client Engagement Manager at INF Associates, to explore how charging network operators can improve profitability through operational optimization, utility incentive programs, and smarter data management. Monica shares how INF Associates helps charging site owners identify hidden value by analyzing utilization, managing utility reporting requirements, optimizing charging behavior, and uncovering rebates that many operators don't realize exist. In this episode you'll learn: Why the EV industry is shifting its focus from deployment to operational performance. How utility incentive programs can improve long-term station profitability. The importance of data collection and reporting for rebate eligibility. Why charging utilization matters more than simply installing more stations. How load management programs can reduce operating costs while supporting grid stability. The role software plays in maximizing charging station performance. Common opportunities operators miss that impact ROI. Why every charging portfolio has room for optimization. How INF Associates helps operators navigate an increasingly complex utility landscape. Monica Davis Bio Monica Davis is the Client Engagement Manager at INF Associates, where she supports EVSE infrastructure customers through software renewals, charger utilization analysis, utility program coordination, and customer success initiatives. She helps clients move beyond installation toward the long-term optimization of EV charging infrastructure through load management, rebate participation, customer communication, and data-driven service improvement. Her work bridges the gap between clean energy goals, real-world site operations, and sustainable charging performance.
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#31
June 30 · 48 min
Contracts Before Kilowatts: Jason Goldfarb on Bankability, Risk, and Hidden Liabilities
Send us Fan Mail What separates a successful EV charging site from an expensive mistake? In Episode 31 of Field Frequency, Jason Goldfarb, founder and principal attorney of the Law Office of Jason R. Goldfarb, joins the show to discuss the legal, contractual, and due diligence considerations that often determine whether charging infrastructure projects thrive or fail. From site selection and operational accountability to risk allocation and long-term business viability, Jason shares lessons learned from decades in telecom and infrastructure that are directly shaping the future of EV charging. Building EV charging infrastructure isn't just about securing funding and putting chargers in the ground. It's about ensuring the site is viable, maintainable, and positioned for long-term success. In this episode, Jason Goldfarb shares his unique journey from criminal prosecutor to telecom infrastructure executive and ultimately one of the EV industry's most recognized legal advisors. Drawing parallels between the early days of telecom and today's EV charging market, Jason explains why contracts, due diligence, and operational planning are often overlooked but critical elements of successful deployments. Jason and Jason Cortez discuss: How telecom infrastructure lessons apply directly to EV charging deployments Common mistakes made during site selection and charger placement Why government incentives should complement, not define, a business model The importance of legal due diligence before construction begins Contractual risks that can impact future investment, acquisition, and growth opportunities How uptime, maintenance responsibilities, and accountability should be structured contractually Why EV charging projects require both technical and legal alignment to succeed The evolution of the industry from rapid deployment to operational maturity What investors look for when evaluating charging network assets The role contracts play in protecting both property owners and charging operators Jason Goldfarb is the founder and principal attorney of the Law Office of Jason R. Goldfarb, PLLC, where he advises companies across the EV charging, telecommunications, energy, mobility, and infrastructure sectors. With a career spanning law, telecommunications, real estate infrastructure, project development, and asset management, Jason brings a unique blend of legal and operational expertise to complex infrastructure projects. He is widely recognized for helping property owners, developers, charging network operators, and clean energy companies navigate contracts, due diligence, site acquisition, deployment, and long-term asset management. A nationally recognized thought leader, speaker, author, and podcast guest, Jason is known throughout the EV industry for his practical approach to risk mitigation, accountability, and creating infrastructure projects built for long-term success.
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S1 · E30
June 23 · 30 min
Why IONNA Is Designing More Than Just Charging Infrastructure
Send us Fan Mail In Episode 30 of Field Frequency, Jason sits down with Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA, to discuss one of the fastest-growing EV charging networks in the United States. Backed by a coalition of major automotive OEMs, IONNA is redefining public charging through its “Rechargery” concept, blending high-power charging with premium driver experiences, simplified pricing, and strategic site design. Seth shares his journey through the EV industry, lessons learned from GE, Electrify America, and EV Connect, and how IONNA is building charging infrastructure focused on reliability, scale, and consumer trust. From 400kW charging to driver lounges, canopy-covered charging bays, and integrated OEM ecosystems, this conversation explores what the next generation of EV charging in America could look like. Show Notes Seth Cutler’s 14+ year journey through the EV charging industry, including roles at GE, Electrify America, and EV Connect The origin story and mission behind IONNA and its OEM-backed joint venture model How IONNA surpassed 1,000 high-power charging bays in just 26 months Understanding the “Rechargery” concept and how IONNA is building charging destinations, not just charging stations The three tiers of IONNA charging experiences: Rechargery Relay Rechargery Beacon sites Why canopy-covered charging bays, 24/7 bathrooms, driver lounges, and retail integration matter for EV adoption IONNA’s partnerships with brands like Circle K, Wawa, Casey’s, and Sheets How IONNA is using customer feedback, focus groups, and UX testing to improve charging experiences The importance of consistency, simplicity, and “muscle memory” for EV charging networks Competitive charging pricing strategy and OEM-specific charging discounts Why IONNA believes “quality and scale” are the keys to mass EV adoption The future roadmap for IONNA, including its goal of reaching 30,000 charging bays by 2030 Seth Cutler Bio Seth Cutler is a seasoned electric mobility and infrastructure executive with more than a decade of leadership experience across the EV charging ecosystem. As CEO of IONNA, Seth leads one of the fastest-growing EV charging joint ventures in North America, focused on delivering high-quality, high-power charging experiences backed by major global automotive manufacturers. Throughout his career, Seth has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of EV charging infrastructure in the United States. He began his journey in the electrification space at GE (General Electric), where he worked as an engineer developing early residential and commercial EV charging solutions. He later joined Electrify America as one of its earliest employees and served as Chief Engineer during the company’s formative deployment years, helping establish the technical foundation for one of the nation’s largest charging networks. Prior to joining IONNA, Seth held leadership roles at EV Connect, where he focused on software and charging network solutions that enabled charge point operators to scale and manage infrastructure more effectively. His broad experience across hardware, software, charging operations, and network deployment has given him a unique systems-level perspective on the challenges and opportunities within transportation electrification. Recognized for his technical depth, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership style, Seth is passionate about improving charging reliability, customer experience, and infrastructure accessibility to accelerate mainstream EV adoption. Under his leadership, IONNA is redefining public charging through its “Rechargery” concept, combining premium amenities, streamlined user experiences, and scalable infrastructure designed for the next generation of electric mobility.
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S1 · E29
June 16 · 42 min
Less Components, Less Failure: Power Innovations International
Send us Fan Mail In Episode 29 of Field Frequency, Jason sits down with Tim Rees of Power Innovations International (PII) to explore the engineering realities behind reliable EV charging infrastructure. Tim shares how his background in power conversion and data center electronics shaped PII’s unique approach to DC fast charging, with a focus on fleet applications, simplified deployment, and serviceability. The conversation dives into charging architectures, mobile charging solutions, power flexibility, and why reducing failure points matters more than flashy features. From school bus fleets to hydrogen-powered charging trailers, this episode is packed with practical insights into the future of resilient charging infrastructure. Show Notes Tim Rees’ journey from power electronics and data centers into EV charging infrastructure An overview of Power Innovations International (PII) and its fleet-focused DC fast charging strategy Why PII focuses on 30kW to 60kW charging for predictable fleet operations like school buses and delivery fleets Mobile charging solutions and EV rescue applications for fleets and dealerships Hydrogen-powered charging trailers and renewable energy integration concepts How PII’s charging platforms differ from traditional DC fast chargers: Modular rectifier architecture Reduced failure points Simplified serviceability Air-to-air heat exchanger cooling systems Designing chargers around uptime, reliability, and field maintenance efficiency Why using existing site power infrastructure can dramatically reduce deployment costs and time The relationship between Lite-On Technology and PII, and how vertical integration supports product manufacturing and reliability The hidden costs of EV charging deployments beyond the charger hardware itself Why durable engineering and long-term reliability matter more than “flashy” charging features in fleet environments Tim Rees Bio Tim Rees is a seasoned executive and business leader with extensive experience driving growth, operational excellence, and strategic transformation across the transportation, technology, and infrastructure sectors. Known for his collaborative leadership style and ability to build high-performing organizations, Tim has spent his career helping companies navigate evolving markets while delivering innovative solutions that create long-term customer value. Throughout his professional journey, Tim has led teams focused on business development, operational strategy, customer engagement, and market expansion. His expertise spans fleet operations, emerging technologies, infrastructure deployment, and organizational leadership, giving him a unique perspective on the intersection of mobility, energy, and technology-driven transformation. Recognized for his practical approach and industry insight, Tim is passionate about fostering strong partnerships, developing scalable business strategies, and helping organizations adapt to changing customer and operational demands. Colleagues value his ability to combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, making him a trusted leader and advisor across the industries he serves.
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June 9 · 47 min
Inspiration Mobility: Inside the Economics of Fleet Electrification
Send us Fan Mail In Episode 28 of Field Frequency, Jason welcomes Dan Wilson, Vice President of Energy Solutions at Inspiration Mobility, for a deep dive into the realities of fleet electrification, charging infrastructure, and the evolving economics of EV adoption. Dan shares his journey from renewable energy consulting to leading charging strategy for one of the industry’s most comprehensive fleet electrification companies. Together, they unpack the six charging models shaping commercial fleet operations, the impact of changing federal incentives, the role of AI in charger maintenance and fleet optimization, and why long-term success in the EV industry comes down to discipline, adaptability, and solving real operational problems. Show Notes: Dan Wilson’s path from sustainability studies at the University of Michigan to EV infrastructure leadership Lessons learned deploying 614 DC fast charging ports for FedEx delivery fleets in California Inside Inspiration Mobility and its “outcome-first” approach to fleet electrification The six charging solutions fleets should evaluate: Depot charging Home charging Public charging Mobile & temporary charging Park-and-charge solutions Multi-fleet charging hubs Why total cost of ownership still favors EV fleets despite policy and tax credit changes Inspiration Mobility’s work advocating for commercial EV incentives on Capitol Hill How AI is improving charger diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and operational scalability Structuring fleet charging deals around utilization, energy pricing, and risk allocation Roaming partnerships and expanding charging accessibility for fleet operators What separates durable EV infrastructure companies from hype-cycle casualties Dan’s outlook on the future of EV adoption and the biggest barriers still facing fleet electrification Dan Wilson Bio: Dan Wilson is an accomplished technology and product leader with a proven track record of driving innovation, building high-performing teams, and delivering transformative digital experiences. With extensive experience spanning financial services, enterprise technology, and emerging AI initiatives, he is recognized for his ability to translate complex challenges into clear strategies and measurable business outcomes. Throughout his career, Dan has led cross-functional teams across product development, engineering, user experience, and innovation, helping organizations accelerate growth while navigating evolving technology landscapes. Known for his collaborative leadership style and strategic mindset, Dan has successfully guided initiatives ranging from startup innovation to enterprise-scale digital transformation. His expertise includes product strategy, human-centered design, generative AI, technology business development, and organizational leadership. Colleagues and industry peers frequently describe him as a thoughtful leader who combines technical depth with strong communication and relationship-building skills. Dan is also passionate about fostering innovation cultures that empower teams to experiment, learn quickly, and deliver meaningful customer experiences. His work continues to focus on leveraging emerging technologies to create practical, scalable solutions that drive long-term value for both businesses and the people they serve
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June 2 · 39 min
The EV Talent Pendulum: Building Teams That Outlast Funding Cycles
Send us Fan Mail The EV hiring market swings like a pendulum — from growth hype and inflated salaries to layoffs and capital discipline. So how do you build a talent strategy that outlasts the next funding cycle? In this episode of Field Frequency, host Jason sits down with Josh Hallberry, Manager of Mobility at Brightsmith, a certified B Corp recruitment firm focused on the energy transition. Drawing on five years in e-mobility recruiting, Josh explains why SaaS and pure-tech hiring playbooks don't translate to infrastructure-heavy EV businesses, how compensation has recalibrated since the post-COVID boom, and what really closes the "back door" on employee retention. This isn't a conversation about recruiters filling seats. It's about talent architecture in a volatile, capital-constrained industry — and what both candidates and employers need to understand if they want to build something that lasts. In this episode: Why the EV talent pool is uniquely constrained, and whether the industry is building real depth or just recycling people The mistake companies make when they apply a software hiring playbook to infrastructure deployment How EV compensation has escalated, peaked, and recalibrated over the past five years Transient talent vs. genuine commitment, and what drives people to jump ship Employer differentiation beyond pay: mission, transparent leadership, and intentional career design Talent architecture vs. reactive, transactional hiring The myths Josh wants to debunk — including "I can't work in EV because I've never worked in EV" Field Frequency is powered by Field Advantage, an IT field services company specializing in the deployment, maintenance, and operation of critical infrastructure, including EV charging networks. Produced and edited by Autozy (autozy.co).
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S1 · E27
May 26 · 46 min
The 30-Minute Opportunity: Electrification Isn’t Replacing Petroleum - It’s Expanding Retail
Send us Fan Mail The headlines say EVs are slowing down. The data tells a different story. In this episode of Field Frequency, host Jason sits down with John Eichberger, Executive Director of the Transportation Energy Institute (TEI), to cut through the noise around electric vehicles and public charging infrastructure. While retailers react to last week's news cycle, a quieter shift is reshaping the market: millions of used EVs are about to land in the hands of drivers who can't charge at home — and they'll need a place to plug in. This isn't a debate about gasoline versus electrons. It's about relevance, retention, and whether petroleum retailers are positioning for the next decade or reacting to the latest swing in sentiment. In this conversation, John and Jason explore: - Why the "EV slowdown" narrative misses the bigger signal - The coming wave of used EV buyers who depend on public charging - Why the 30-minute charging window is a retail goldmine — and the Capital One data that proves it - How agentic AI in vehicles is moving the buying decision from the pump to the couch - What separates an early-mover retailer from a long-term winner: reliability, amenities, and integrated loyalty - The retailer-vs-CPO data tug-of-war and how to actually share the customer - Utilities, demand charges, and the road to true price competition - Hardware fragmentation, J3400, and choosing partners that will still be here in five years - What success looks like for a fuel retailer by 2030 If you operate at the intersection of energy, retail, and infrastructure — whether you run one location or a thousand — this episode is a playbook for staying relevant as the next generation of fueling takes shape. Connect with John and TEI: Website: transportationenergy.org Email: jeichberger@transportationenergy.org Field Frequency is powered by Field Advantage, an IT field services company specializing in the deployment, maintenance, and operation of critical infrastructure — including EV charging networks. This episode was produced and edited by the team at Autozy. Learn more at autozy.co.
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S1 · E26
May 19 · 41 min
Replacing Speculation With Logic: Real-Time EV Site Modeling with James Tillman
Send us Fan Mail Most EV charging projects don't fail in the field — they fail months earlier, during pre-development, when assumptions stand in for realities. Timelines stretch, capital burns, and roughly 40% of projects get cancelled before construction even begins. In this episode, Jason sits down with James Tillman, co-founder and CEO of EVLogic, a platform that lets developers, EPCs, A&E firms, and as-a-service providers design, engineer, and price EV charging sites in real time — with every stakeholder on the same call. James has lived this problem from every angle: utility programs at Reliant/NRG, network deployment at EVgo, and EPC execution at Brighten Energy. Now he's building the tool he wishes he'd had for the last 15 years. In this conversation: — Why pre-development is the real bottleneck in EV infrastructure — The "fail early, fail fast" philosophy and how it protects everyone in the value chain — The truth behind the "$7,200 DC fast charger install" myth — Why DC fast charging grew 30% year-over-year — and why that's still only a third of what the market needs — The under-the-radar opportunity in off-lease used EVs — Hotels, multifamily, and fleet — the segments quietly driving deployment in a "down" market — Founding a company in a down cycle: what's harder, what's secretly easier Whether you're a CPO, developer, EPC, fleet operator, or project finance team, this conversation will sharpen how you think about deploying EV charging infrastructure. Field Frequency is powered by Field Advantage — an IT field services company specializing in the deployment, maintenance, and operation of critical infrastructure, including EV charging networks.
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S1 · E25
May 12 · 42 min
Acquire, Convert, Retain: Rewiring Go-To-Market in the Energy Space
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Field Frequency, powered by Field Advantage and hosted by Jason Cortes, we sit down with Jonathan Colbert, founder of Fractal, to explore how companies in energy, mobility, and electrification are rethinking growth. As the industry shifts away from “growth at all costs,” Jonathan shares how disciplined go-to-market strategies, aligned teams, and sustainable business models are becoming essential for long-term success. From his experience at Mercedes-Benz and Rivian to launching Fractal, Jonathan brings a unique perspective on what it takes to scale effectively in today’s market. Key Topics Covered The shift from rapid growth to capital-efficient scaling What a broken go-to-market strategy looks like Why companies often misdiagnose growth challenges The importance of aligning product, marketing, and sales Lessons from traditional industries like automotive and fuel infrastructure How AI and emerging tools are changing how companies build The rise of fractional leadership and the future of work Key Takeaways Growth problems are often system problems, not just sales or marketing gaps Strong go-to-market alignment is critical for scaling efficiently Customer insight should drive product and strategy decisions Building unnecessary tools can slow growth and create complexity Sustainable companies focus on long-term operational health, not just speed Notable Insights “Growth at all costs is gone—discipline and sustainability matter more than ever.” “If things feel harder than they should, the issue may be upstream in your system.” “If it doesn’t help you acquire, convert, or retain customers, reconsider building it.” Learn More Fractal: scalewithfractal.com Connect with Jonathan Colbert on LinkedIn About Field Frequency Field Frequency explores the people, technology, and strategies shaping the future of field service, EV infrastructure, and connected systems—bringing real-world insight from leaders across the industry. If you want, I can also spin this into Spotify/Apple Podcasts descriptions, social promos, or email newsletter blurbs. Jonathan Colbert Bio Most growth-stage companies don’t have a go-to-market problem—they have a systems problem. They may have traction, strong teams, and a product the market wants, but the approaches that drive early success rarely scale. Jonathan Colbert founded Fractal Fractional Leadership to address this gap, embedding with leadership teams to build repeatable, connected go-to-market systems across sales, marketing, product, revenue operations, and customer experience. He brings over a decade of experience across electrification and mobility, including leadership roles at Voltera, Rivian, and Mercedes-Benz USA, where he led charging and infrastructure strategy for North America. His career has focused on turning complex, early-stage opportunities into scalable commercial systems. Based in Florida, he holds an MBA from Georgia Tech and a BS from Florida State. Outside of work, he spends most of his time with his wife and two young children.
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