Stu's EV Universe

Stuart Ungar

Welcome to Stu's EV Universe.
Stuart Ungar is the co-founder of EvolveKY, Kentucky's electric vehicle group. He is an environmental enthusiast and an EV evangelist. Join him on his eclectic electric journey as he speaks to experts, drivers, and more.
Enter into Stu's EV Universe!

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20 episodes
Updated Sep 7, 2025

Episodes20

Newest first

Sep 7, 2025 · 45 min
SEVU 64: Kick off Drive Electric Month with the Director of the EVA
On this episode, Stu talks with Chris Celek, the Executive Director of the Electric Vehicle Association — an organization that has championed electric vehicles for 50 years! They chat about the challenges and opportunities now and in the future with the adoption of EVs. What a great start to Drive Electric Month! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the Electric Vehicle Association at: myeva.org driveelectricearthmonth.org Topics: Electric Vehicle Association, electric cars, EV chargers, climate change, pollution, Drive Electric Month, the future of EVs
Jul 29, 2025 · 55 min
SEVU 63: What it was like to work at Tesla
In this episode, Stu talks to Jeff Stoll who recently left his job at Tesla to work for Rivian after almost 10 years with the company. They discuss work-life balance, the ins-and-outs of working in the EV industry, and even chat about the recent protests that have been happening near Tesla offices. Tune in to hear some interesting insider info! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: Tesla, Rivian, full self driving, AI (artificial intelligence), electric vehicles, work-life balance
Oct 28, 2024 · 41 min
SEVU 62: An EV Helps a Community Power Through a Hurricane
This episode, Stu talks to Shelley McKechnie, a Asheville, North Carolina resident with a KIA EV6 who used a feature of that car to turn her car into a generator. She powered her refrigerator and, maybe even more importantly, a coffee maker to bring joy and hope to her neighbors through this horrific hurricane. Listen in to hear her talk about her story and how the resilient people of Western North Carolina are helping each other through these trying times. Places to donate to the hurricane relief efforts: Beloved Asheville: belovedasheville.com/donate/ Manna food bank: donate.mannafoodbank.org/ Topics: Hurricane Helene, electric vehicles, KIA EV6, global warming, climate change, building community, misinformation
Oct 1, 2024 · 53 min
SEVU 61: Kia EVs - Past, Present, and Future with James Bell
This episode, Stu talks to James Bell, Kia's head of corporate communications, all about Kia's EVs. They talk about the past of electric cars, what's happening now, and get some insights into the future of the automotive industry from someone working with one of the major car manufacturers. Tune in to hear discussions about new Kia EV models, the future of automated (self-driving) cars, and revolutionary charging infrastructure that we could be seeing in the near future! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: Kia, electric vehicles, EV charging, charging infrastructure, Nissan Leaf, EV6, EV9, Kia Soul
Aug 27, 2024 · 33 min
SEVU 60: Across America on an E-Bike
This episode, Stu chats with Jack Smith about his past and current treks across the United States first on a skateboard, then in an old VW bus converted to electric and now on an e-bike. Listen to our discussion on taking the roads and paths less traveled as he discovers what he calls “the real America.” Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: e-bike, biking, Vintage E-Bikes, VW bus, Volkswagen, skateboarding, roadtrip, electric vehicles
Jul 2, 2024 · 44 min
SEVU 59: How EVs Can Help Repair the World with Rabbi Ben Freed
This episode, Stu talks with Rabbi Ben Freed, rabbi at Keneseth Israel synagogue in Louisville, KY, and host of the podcast the Bluegrass Schmooze. They chat about how electric vehicles relate to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). The rabbi discusses his personal experience with his electric car and they even discuss the question of if you can drive an EV on Shabbat! A spirited and compelling conversation! Check out Rabbi Freed's podcast, the Bluegrass Schmooze: www.npr.org/podcasts/1195153473/the-bluegrass-schmooze Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: Electric vehicles, EV infrastructure and charging, Chevy BOLT EV, Tesla, Tikkun Olam, Judaism, spirituality
Jun 3, 2024 · 36 min
SEVU 58: EVs and Equity with Dr. EV Shelley
This time, Stu talks with Dr. Shelley Francis (a.k.a. Dr. EV Shelley) co-founder of EV Noire and EV Hybrid Noire. These organizations focus on education and making sure the clean transportation landscape includes everyone. Come join us for this interesting and hopeful conversation! Check out EV Noire: www.evnoire.com Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: EV Noire, Electric vehicles, infrastructure, Nissan LEAF; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; FIAT 500E, Tesla Model X, Chevy Bolt EV, education, Biden, Justice 40
May 9, 2024 · 16 min
SEVU 57: Stu's Son Goes Full EV
This episode, Stu talks to Aaron Ungar, his son and a new EV owner. Aaron talks about his experiences with alternative fuels growing up, his plug-in hybrid, and finally his full EV Chevy Bolt that he got just a couple weeks ago. Come listen to this short and sweet episode and learn the perspective a young but enthusiastic EV driver. Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: Chevy Bolt, hybrid, DC fast charging, grease car, Nissan LEAF, Chevy Volt
Apr 10, 2024 · 42 min
SEVU 56: Advocacy in the EV Space with EV Nirvana's Michelle Pierce
This episode, Stu chats with Michelle Pierce, founder of EV Nirvana. Pierce talks about her personal and professional journey working to make EVs and EV infrastructure more accessible for everyone. Reaching EV Nirvana doesn't mean having the most luxury car -- it's finding the EV that's best for you. Listen to this interesting and inspiring conversation! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: EV Nirvana, Electric Vehicles, Tesla, Nissan LEAF, Chevy Bolt, DC fast charger, level 2 charging, charging infrastructure, EVs and equity
Mar 15, 2024 · 46 min
SEVU 55: EVs and Health
This time, Stu chats with Dr. Russell Bird about a recent study by the American Lung Association about how widespread use of electric vehicles and clean power would dramatically improve the health of millions of people. They also talk about the pros and cons of EVs and even how fun they can be to drive. Join these two friends as they discuss all this and more! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: American Lung Association, Ed Begley Jr., Nissan LEAF, Chevy Bolt EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla, Superchargers, Electrify America,
Dec 22, 2023 · 46 min
SEVU 54: The Changing YouTube and EV Landscape with Andy Slye
This time, Stu chats with Andy Slye, a tech and EV YouTuber. They talk about changes in his personal life, EV culture online, and the world. Listen to this interesting and lively chat as Stu and Andy catch up and discuss all of these exciting things! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: Tesla, Chevy Bolt EV, electric cars, EVs, charging stations, Nissan Leaf, YouTube, Hyundai, Little Tikes, Lego, Cybertruck, Tesla Roadster gen 2
Oct 26, 2023 · 55 min
SEVU 53: Check-In with Jason Hill - Aptera, the Future, and More
This episode, Stu talks to Jason Hill, Aptera's chief of design. They catch up and chat about putting people first, form following function, myth-busting, and even Hot Wheels! The green future will be bright! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: Aptera, Tesla, electric vehicles, EV charging, solar car, solar panels, vehicle design, efficiency
Sep 26, 2023 · 33 min
SEVU 52: MoveEV and the Seamless Switch to Electric
This episode, Stu talks to Dave Lewis, the CEO of MoveEV, a company that helps cities and organizations convert their fleets to zero-emission vehicles. MoveEV has a unique charge-at-home solution that reduces cost and makes the switch easier. They chat about the health benefits, the economic benefits, and the fun that is inherent in making this switch! Learn more about MoveEV: www.moveev.com Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.evolveky.org⁠⁠⁠ Topics: MoveEV, Level 2 charging, level 1 charging, Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Tesla, EV charging, cities, municipalities, fleets, health benefits
Aug 18, 2023 · 27 min
SEVU 51: From Generation to Generation - an EV adventure
After a bit of a hiatus, Stu comes back to the podcast talking to Rob Simon about a road-trip with his son in his electric car. They went from North Carolina to Florida to pick up his late father's golf cart to donate to the Solar Microgrid program at Warren Wilson University so that they can convert it to solar power. They chat about father-son bonding, EV road-trips, environmentalism, coming full circle, and a moving story about seeing nesting sea turtles. Tune in to this heartwarming and interesting episode! Learn more about the Warren Wilson Solar Microgrid Program and donate at: www.unca.edu/programs/sustainability/microgrid-research-group/support/ Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠⁠⁠www.evolveky.org⁠⁠ Topics: Solar golf cart, EV road-trip, environmentalism, climate change, Volkswagen ID4, Tesla, Nissan Leaf, EV towing
May 30, 2023 · 41 min
SEVU 50: Zelectric Founder Finds Joy in Classic EV Conversions
David Benardo has fond memories of packing close to a dozen friends into a VW bus to go to the first Star Wars film. VWs have been a part of his life, well, for his entire life. His interest in spending less time fixing these classics and more time driving them led him to starting Zelectric, a company that focuses only on classic VWs and Porsche EV conversions. An April Vanity Fair article shone the spotlight on this cottage industry, and we have all the deets! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠⁠www.evolveky.org⁠ Topics: VW, Porsche, EVs, EV Conversions, VW Bug, VW Beetle, VW Thing, Porsche, Porsche 911, Porsche 912, EV Charging, DC Fast Charging, Tesla Roadster, Tesla, Tesla Cybertruck, Classic Cars
May 4, 2023 · 57 min
SEVU 49: EV Pioneer Marc Geller
This episode, Stu chats with EV pioneer Marc Geller. Marc got his first EV in 2001 (yes, you're reading that correctly... not 2011 and not 2021, but 2001)! Since then, he has been involved in the formation and/or running of major EV organizations such as Plug-in-America, Adopt a Charger and the Electric Vehicle Association. He is an advocate for equity in the EV space. Our conversation is far reaching and fun! Support us on Patreon at: ⁠www.patreon.com/StusEVU⁠ Learn more about Evolve KY at: ⁠www.evolveky.org Topics: Citroen, Zero Emission, Toyota RAV 4 EV, EV1, Ford Think City, EVA, EAA, Plug in America, Adopt a Charger, California Zero Emission Mandate, California Air Resources Board, Nissan LEAF, Tesla Model S, GM Impact, Renewable Energy, Batteries, Equity, PHEV, Building Codes, ADA, EV Infrastructure, Kitty Adams, COSTCO, ClipperCreek, Enphase, Solar Power, Elon Musk, ChargePoint, Tesla Supercharger, Anti-EV Sentiment, Tesla Divas, Transport Evolved.
Mar 21, 2023 · 32 min
SEVU 48: "Girl Meets Tesla" TikTok Journey
In this episode, Stu chats with Maggie Smith, the personality behind the Girl Meets Tesla TikTok page. Maggie talks about her journey that eventually led her to pay cash for her Tesla Model 3. Having to work through an initial car crash which motivated her to make positive changes in her life and the initial skepticism of some family members about buying a brand new electric car. In a time when EV adoption is still mostly relegated to a very narrow demographic (older white men) 25-year-old Maggie enjoys extolling the virtues of electric transportation to her contemporaries and sharing her journey. Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Tik Tok, Tesla, Tesla Model 3, Influencer, Social Media, Facebook, Instagram, Podcasts, EV, Electric Vehicles, Internet, Inspirational.
Feb 28, 2023 · 32 min
SEVU 47: Aptera's Chief of Design Jason Hill -- Part 2
This is part 2 of our exclusive interview with Aptera Chief of Design Jason Hill. What are the benefits of the vehicle's unique features, such as as in-wheel motors? What goes into figuring out where the charge port should go? What is the value of a beautiful design on the inside as well as what is seen? What kinds of challenges have cropped up and how were those handled? He answers these questions, some listener questions, and much more. Tune in for the conclusion of this thoughtful interview! Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Aptera, Electric Vehicles, EV, EV Charging, Vehicle to Home, CAD, Engineering, Aerodynamics, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Mercedes
Feb 16, 2023 · 40 min
SEVU 46: Aptera's Chief of Design Jason Hill -- Part 1
What better way to kick off the podcast's third year than an exclusive interview about the three-wheeled Aptera solar electric vehicle with Aptera's Chief of Design, Jason Hill! What was the organic inspiration for the vehicle's design? How does the design influence the vehicle's perceived use? Why does the vehicle illicit such an emotional response? This is part 1 of our first multi-part episode (there was too much goodness to fit into a single episode)! Become a Patreon supporter and get part two sooner! Tune in! Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Aptera, Jason Hill, Automotive Design, EV, Electric Vehicles, Solar, Solar PV, Adventure, Camping, Tesla, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Rivian, Rivian Truck, Efficient Vehicles, Jay Leno, Jay Leno's Garage
Jan 19, 2023 · 47 min
SEVU 45: Electric Cars for Dummies
In this episode, Stu talks with the person who literally wrote the book on electric cars, Brian Culp. As the author of Electric Cars for Dummies, Brian was tasked with educating the general public about electric cars in a fun and conversational way. The Dummies series is over 30 years old with seasoned veterans like David Pogue getting their start there. We talk about the inner workings of writing a "Dummies" book and what sparked his interest in electric cars. With so many new people considering a vehicle with a plug for their next purchase, is this the perfect time for taking EV learning to the next level in a light-hearted and comprehensive way? Tune in to find out! Get the Electric Cars for Dummies book: www.amazon.com/Electric-Cars-Dummies-Brian-Culp/dp/1119887356 Explore the cost of electric vehicles (website mentioned in episode): ev.pge.com/vehicles Support us on Patreon at: www.patreon.com/StusEVU Learn more about Evolve KY at: www.evolveky.org Topics: Electric Cars, Dummies, Lucid, Tesla, Technical Writing, Nissan LEAF, Nio, Rivian, Fisker, Mythbusting, EV Charging, Total Cost of Ownership