Drivetime

In this episode of Drivetime, Jacqui is joined by Mona Eghanian, Deputy Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (VIN), to unpack how the province is turning big ideas into commercially viable technologies – and why innovation doesn’t stop at the vehicle itself.

Ontario has quietly become one of the most important places in the world for automotive and mobility innovation – and VIN is at the centre of it. From bridging the infamous “valley of death” between R&D and commercialisation, to creating real‑world testbeds across highways, borders and transit systems, Mona explains how VIN is helping startups, researchers and OEMs work together to build the car — and mobility system — of the future.

This conversation spans EVs, AI, charging infrastructure, talent development, global partnerships and public transport, offering a rare look behind the scenes of a government‑backed innovation model that’s already delivering real economic impact.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s gear change episode, Jacqui is joined once again by Niel Hiscox, President of Universus Media and Clarify Group.

Building on insights from the main episode, this shorter conversation distils the big takeaways, digs into industry myths, and explores what’s ahead for Canadian automotive retail. Niel is one of the most influential voices in the Canadian automotive landscape.

Don’t miss the insights he shares in this conversation.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Drivetime, Jacqui sits down with Niel Hiscox, President of Universus Media and Clarify Group, and one of the most influential voices in the Canadian automotive landscape. Recorded in Toronto during a packed week for the industry, this conversation digs into the big forces shaping retail, technology, consumer behaviour, and the future of the North American market.

Talking points include:

. The road ahead – what Canadian retailers are telling us
. AI in automotive retail – hype vs reality
. The rapid surge of Chinese entrants
. Political shifts and cross-border trade
. Why auto shows are back and more influential than ever and more.

If you're navigating tech transformation, preparing for new OEM entrants, or trying to understand the future of automotive retail in Canada and beyond, this conversation delivers clarity, insight and a healthy dose of realism.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s gear change time, as we welcome Phil Nunn back to the studio to unpack the real-world challenges and opportunities emerging as EVs accelerate into the mainstream. Phil is the founder of the EV‑installation software platform Jumptech.

From demystifying home charging to uncovering industry myths and exploring the future of energy innovation, this episode is packed with practical insights for retailers and EV‑curious drivers alike.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Drivetime, Jacqui sits down with Phil Nunn, founder and CEO of Jumptech, to unpack
one of the biggest friction points in the electric vehicle transition: home charging.

They discuss:
- Why the home‑charger installation journey is still too complicated for consumers
- How Jumptech scaled from 12 installers to thousands
- How AI chatbots and microsites are making EV ownership feel less overwhelming
- Why charging can make or break a retailer’s CSI score – and how Jumptech protects it
- The emerging role of V2G (vehicle‑to‑grid) and how it could change home energy forever

And lots more.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.