Chantal Shearing is joining our EV Leaders: EV SUMMIT series as a prominent figure in the EV industry, and an upcoming Panel Keynote at this year’s event. During her 23 years in the automotive industry, she has forged a career in electrification. Through her significant roles at some of the world’s largest manufacturers, she holds a deep understanding of the UK and global charging infrastructure markets.
At the automotive giant, Jaguar Land Rover, she played a pivotal role as the Emobility Manager. In this position, she managed and delivered projects that allowed the company to adapt swiftly to new electrification technologies. Her expertise further shone in leading the ZEV charging infrastructure team at Steer Davies Gleeve.
In 2022, Chantal took on the role of UK COO at Mobilize Beyond Automotive, a part of the Renault Group. This move highlighted her status as an EV leader, demonstrating her ability to drive innovation and change within the industry.
We’re thrilled that Chantal will be joining the EV SUMMIT 2023, as a Panel Keynote for Mobilize’s panel: Mobilizing the vehicle as a service eco-system.
We’ve caught up with Chantal ahead of the event to discuss the current state of the EV landscape, and how that may play into the summit this year.
Do you drive an EV? If so, what do you drive, and why?
Yes, a Renault Megane E-Tech, I switched to driving EVs over 3 years ago and would never go back, so when I joined the Renault group it was a simple decision, the Megane E-Tech is an amazing driving experience and the onboard connectivity and services equally do not disappoint.
What was your path into the emobility sector?
From the automotive industry, as part of a team looking at emerging trends and technologies, I developed an interest in EV charging the eco-system to support launching EVs in the market and pursued this path into emobility.
Can you tell us about your role at Mobilize?
I’m responsible for growing Mobilize brand in the UK. Determining, validating, and guiding the implementation of future Mobilize products and services into the market.
Aside from transport alone, how do you see EVs enhancing a sustainable energy ecosystem?
EVs also have a role to play in supporting our energy usage and supporting the grid acting as energy storage units both home and away from home in its first life, but of course we should not forget the role vehicle batteries can play in this sector in their second life and the further opportunities that that introduces into the market.
What can be done to help unlock the full potential of EVs?
Knowledge sharing and continued myth debunking remain key components in supporting consumers in this area. Simple messages that clearly identify the importance of EVs and the wider benefits of the ecosystem.
In your experience, how are sustainable transport platforms such as the EV SUMMIT beneficial?
It brings together different parts of the sector to discuss the broader subject. The benefit is that it gives us a chance to meet with many different partners of the supply chain, and explore new relationships or partnerships previously not imagined.
What are you looking forward to at this year’s EV SUMMIT?
I’ve not attended for a few years, so I am looking forward to absorbing how the industry has progressed from the inaugural event I first attended to where we are now and the marketplace that has grown in this area. It is a great opportunity to catch up on all the industry news in a few days.
Are there any particular ideas, partnerships or initiatives that you’re looking to advance at the EV SUMMIT?
The event is a unique opportunity for us to meet and explore how we can work together to bring customers the solutions that address their pain points in accessible and cost-effective ways.
How do you think the UK government’s decision to delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will affect the nation’s journey to net zero?
Personally, while disappointing to see this announcement. I am optimistic that consumers will continue to see the benefit of EVs and that the proposed delay will not significantly impact uptake, and in view of most OEM’s already having invested in strategies that will bring an even greater range of EV vehicles to market to the original plan.
What would you like to achieve within the next year to advance the EV transition?
To have a full ecosystem of service “a one-stop shop” of partners that delivers a superior service to our customers with frictionless delivery.
What do you hope to gain from this year’s EV SUMMIT?
I’m excited to make introductions to new partners that we can build meaningful relationships with, and to share the latest trends and directions of our business and sector as a whole.
The EV SUMMIT 2023 will take place on the 30th-31st of October. There are some spaces available for partnerships and exhibitions.
If you’re interested in attending, you can secure your delegate pass today.
