I spoke with Paige Mullen — co-founder of Camion, with 15 years of experience in EV charging and a career that began at Tesla. We traced the evolution of charging from its early days in California to today’s ongoing challenges around interoperability, reliability, and grid integration. Paige shared Camion’s journey from raising €2.7M pre-seed funding to building a SaaS model that sells insights rather than just infrastructure, highlighting the importance of real estate, site selection, and forecasting. We discussed the energy infrastructure challenges ahead, from vehicle-to-grid to renewable alignment, and how AI is beginning to transform everything from site utilisation forecasting to revenue modelling and intelligent grid management. The conversation closed with Paige’s long-term vision of how EV charging, AI, and energy converge to accelerate decarbonisation — along with her advice for startups working at the intersection of mobility and energy.

I sat down with Yang Zhang — Founder and CEO of AutoCore.ai, Co-founder and Chairman of the Autoware Foundation, and a former senior leader at NVIDIA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. We discussed his journey from shaping global hardware standards and building open-source ecosystems to driving GenAI-powered innovation at AutoCore.ai. Yang shared his perspective on GenAI as both an assistant and a driver, enabling 5–10x efficiency gains while still requiring deep human expertise for the final stretch. We explored the realities behind the hype, the importance of domain-specific integration, and how open collaboration through the Autoware Foundation is shaping the mobility ecosystem. The conversation closed with Yang’s vision of GenAI as a true co-pilot for engineers and a force that could democratise the development of autonomous systems in the years ahead.

I spoke with Adam J. Mandel — founder, advisor, and holder of seven patents, with more than fifteen years at the forefront of autonomy, EVs, and AI. We discussed his unique path from a non-technical background into leadership roles, where he bridged advanced technology with customer-first thinking to help deep-tech companies scale. Adam reflected on the realities of commercialising frontier technologies, from the challenges of deploying autonomous systems on public roads to the trade-offs between lidar and vision. We also explored his work at Rivian on charging and fleet solutions, as well as his venture EnergizedAI, which used AI to improve EV charger reliability and was later acquired by 7Gen. The conversation closed with his belief that the future of mobility is not just electric but intelligent — and his advice for innovators working at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and electrification.

I sat down with Daniel Tesic, whose career spanned Volkswagen Group China, XPENG, and NIO before moving into advisory and consulting. We discussed why China has become such a powerhouse in EV adoption and digital services, and what Western OEMs often overlook about that market. Daniel reflected on the contrasting approaches of incumbents and challengers, sharing lessons from his time leading over-the-air software launches and rolling out NIO’s NOMI GPT across Europe. Our conversation touched on go-to-market strategies for new entrants, the growing importance of AI copilots and in-car assistants, and the balance between strategy, product, and marketing in a fast-moving industry. We closed with Daniel’s perspective on whether today’s challengers will become tomorrow’s household names — and how customer relationships with cars may look radically different by 2030.

I spoke with Barak — mobility consultant, author of #movingpeople, and founder of Mobility Business — about the shifts shaping transport today and tomorrow. We explored wireless electrification and the hurdles facing its adoption in Europe, the evolving dynamics of ride-hailing and chauffeur services, and the state of autonomous buses and trucks, with a spotlight on China’s momentum. Barak also shared insights into how digital twins are transforming fleet management, why in-cabin AI could be more than just a gimmick, and which overlooked fundamentals cities must revisit if mobility is to scale sustainably. Our conversation ranged from the practical to the visionary, closing with his perspective on what mobility might look like by 2030.

I’m joined by Tom Fawcett, a business builder who has led start-ups within some of the UK’s biggest automotive names, including JLR and the AA. We explore how he’s turned ideas into real businesses with P&L responsibility, balancing the demands of innovation with commercial delivery. Tom shares his experiences bringing AI and data-driven services to life — from predictive maintenance and breakdown prevention to vision AI in customer apps — and the challenges of adoption, trust, and proving value. We also discuss future-proofing mobility through connected cars, subscriptions, and AI-driven services, before reflecting on what it really takes to lead high-performing teams inside corporate environments. Tom offers candid advice for automotive leaders and paints a picture of how AI could transform the way we use and own vehicles over the next decade.

I sit down with Shashi Vyas – aerospace engineer turned automotive disruptor, founder of SNEV.in (India’s first EV supercar company), and board member at Future Dynamics. We explore India’s position in the global EV race, from the risks of clinging to legacy models to the opportunities of born-electric platforms. Shashi shares candid thoughts on China’s manufacturing edge, Europe’s challenges, and the lessons automakers must learn from Tesla, BYD, and NIO. We also dive into his bold vision for an Indian EV supercar, the role of AI in driving performance and sustainability, and what it will take for India to claim a leadership role in the mobility revolution. This is a fascinating look at the crossroads of EVs, AI, and the future of global innovation.

Hey and welcome to the GenAI Automotive Podcast. My name is Fabian. I'm a former Deloitte Senior Consultant turned AI Product Manager. And on this channel, I'm sharing conversations with industry peers, thought leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers and beyond. All centred around AI in the wider automotive and mobility context. So if that's something you're interested in, you're in the right place and I'm very much looking forward to taking you with me on this journey.

I spoke with Simon Mall, who leads the EV charging business at McLaren Applied, the high-tech spin-out from the McLaren Group. We discussed his "Four Waves of Electrification" framework, which traced the evolution of EVs from early compliance-focused models to today’s emerging software-defined vehicles. Simon also shared how the EV charging ecosystem has mirrored this progression, moving from fragmented infrastructure to an AI-driven future focused on uptime, standardisation, and energy optimisation.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Philip Lunn, a pioneer in generative AI and visual technologies, about how image generation is reshaping the automotive design landscape. We delved into his journey from virtual reality and visual effects to developing tools that streamline and enhance design processes. Philip shed light on the real-world applications of generative image technology in the automotive sector, from accelerating design cycles to enabling more immersive and iterative visualisation. We also unpacked the broader industry impact, ethical considerations around IP and authenticity, and the challenges of deploying this tech at scale. A forward-looking conversation on where automotive design is headed in the age of GenAI.

I sat down with Carl Lightfoot, Co-Founder of AI Assistant, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about what it really takes to build value with generative AI—especially in the complex world of automotive. We unpacked the gap between hype and reality, explored Carl’s journey from corporate life to start-up founder, and dug into the hard-won lessons from AI Assistant’s four-year evolution. Carl shared how they navigated technical challenges, reshaped their product based on real user feedback, and ultimately found product-market fit. We also touched on what true customer-centric development looks like, why profitability matters more than ever in GenAI, and what the future might hold for legacy tech players. It was a grounded, insightful chat full of practical takeaways for anyone building—or thinking of building—in AI.

I sat down with Helmuth Ritzer, Co-Founder and Managing Director of 800 Volt Technologies, for a deep dive into the forces shaping today’s automotive landscape. We explored the digitisation challenges OEMs are currently grappling with, drawing on Helmuth’s rich background at Daimler and his leadership roles across HERE Technologies, car2go, and moovel. Our conversation spanned the enablement of OEMs through digital innovation, the electrification of powertrains, and the rise of the software-defined vehicle (SDV). We discussed the shifting value proposition in the industry, the evolving engineering-manufacturing dynamic inspired by smartphone business models, and the pressure from global competition—particularly from China. Helmuth shared real-world AI use cases across infotainment, safety, location services, and autonomous driving, and offered insight into smart charging, V2X integration, and enabling charging everywhere. We closed with a forward-looking view on collaborative innovation models and the operating framework required to scale autonomous mobility.

I sat down with Fernando Lopez to explore how CampX by Volvo Group is driving the future of transport through startup-corporate collaborations. Fernando shared how CampX serves as Volvo’s innovation engine, enabling advancements in mobility and sustainability by connecting agile startups with the resources of a global industry leader. We delved into what makes these partnerships work—from tech readiness and strategic alignment to the non-financial support CampX provides, such as mentorship and validation environments. Fernando offered insights into how AI is accelerating innovation across Volvo, and how the company balances the risks and rewards of adopting emerging technologies. We also discussed how CampX filters the right innovations, the importance of solving real-world problems, and why ecosystem thinking is essential for the future of mobility. Wrapping up, Fernando shared his outlook on trends shaping logistics and sustainability, and his vision for the next generation of innovation hubs.

I sat down with Claire Weiller, Senior Director of Product & Programme Management at Fermata Energy, to explore the fast-evolving world of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology. Claire shared her insight into what V2X actually is—spanning applications like Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Building (V2B)—and why it's becoming critical in the transition to a more flexible, decentralised energy system. We discussed the state of the V2X market globally and in the UK, spotlighting the key players driving real-world deployments, as well as the technical, regulatory, and commercial hurdles still holding it back. Claire also delved into how AI and predictive analytics can unlock smarter decision-making for both consumers and the grid, and laid out her vision for a future where cars act as energy citizens. It was a fascinating deep-dive into the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of mobility, energy, and data.

I was joined by Daniel Tibble, Data Product Director at Renault Mobilize, to reflect on his journey through the pandemic at Wejo and his transition into Mobilize. We explored how Mobilize fits within the broader Renault Group, delving into its organisational structure and strategic priorities. Daniel shared insights into the distinction between data and digital products, and how that impacts development and value creation. We also discussed Mobilize’s data strategy, including its product lifecycle, key assets like movement and charging data, and real-world use cases. The conversation touched on governance and navigating complex regulatory frameworks such as GDPR and the EU AI Act, before turning to the evolving role of Generative AI and large language models in and around the vehicle.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Marius Reuther, CEO of b-plus automotive GmbH, about the transformative role of AI and data in shaping the future of autonomous driving. We explored the intricacies of the data value chain and its importance in enabling smarter, more efficient decision-making in automotive systems. Marius shared valuable insights into the challenges of supervised learning and data labelling, and how b-plus is addressing these with scalable AI platforms. We also delved into the complexities of Operational Design Domains (ODDs), regulatory compliance, and how AI—particularly generative AI—is opening up new possibilities for innovation in mobility. It was a fascinating discussion packed with practical insights and a forward-looking vision for the industry.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Florian Baumann, a leading voice in the automotive software space, currently serving as Technical Advisor at STMicroelectronics and formerly Senior Director of Software, Platform Architecture at Aptiv. Our conversation explored how GenAI, Edge AI, and containerisation are reshaping vehicle architectures. Florian shared his journey from Aptiv to his current role, offering insights into the shift from centralised to decentralised automotive software systems and the rise of open-source platforms. We delved into the practical applications of GenAI in vehicle design, the role of WebAssembly in modernising legacy code, and how Edge AI enhances personalisation and real-time data processing within vehicles. Florian also highlighted the importance of collaboration between OEMs and suppliers to navigate the industry's technological transformation. His vision for the next decade painted an exciting picture of software-defined vehicles, underpinned by standardisation and innovation.

I sat down with Raul Kraus, Senior Manager at EY, to explore the evolving role of Generative AI in the automotive industry. We discussed how OEMs are adopting GenAI, the challenges they face, and notable success stories. Raul shared insights into the regulatory differences between Europe and the US, explaining why the latter sees faster application despite fewer restrictions. We also examined the critical role of data architecture and enterprise IT transformation in enabling AI-driven innovation. Finally, Raul offered predictions for the next decade and key recommendations for automotive companies looking to stay ahead in the AI revolution.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Thomas Kropf, former President of Corporate Sector Research and Advance Engineering at Bosch, about the transformative role of AI in the corporate world and beyond. We explored how Bosch has been leveraging Generative AI across various business areas, delving into real-world applications, challenges, and lessons learned. Thomas shared his insights on how AI is reshaping industry collaborations, particularly among OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and hyperscalers, and discussed strategies for driving AI adoption in large organisations. We wrapped up with a forward-looking discussion on the future of AI, Thomas’ advice for startups and corporates, and key takeaways for leaders navigating technological change.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Louis Nastro, a seasoned expert in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, business strategy, and high-tech product development. We explored the critical role of localisation and perception in AV systems, diving into the technical challenges and how data-driven approaches enhance decision-making. Louis shared real-world applications of AV technology, from navigating complex environments like airports to leveraging digital twin solutions for operational efficiency. We also discussed the transformative impact of Generative AI in AV scenario development, highlighting its potential to accelerate innovation and commercial viability. Throughout our conversation, Louis offered valuable insights into balancing technical advancements with business needs, the importance of collaboration, and emerging trends shaping the future of AV technology. It was a fascinating discussion packed with practical takeaways for both technologists and business leaders.