South West College launches new webinar and film series to support Electric Vehicle use

South West College’s FASTER Project team has announced a new collaboration with Dr Euan McTurk, Plug Life Consulting Ltd and Ric Boullemier, Generate Media on an exciting series of films and interactive webinars to further increase awareness of the initiative across Western Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland (Border Counties) and build confidence in the use of Electric Vehicles regionally.

As part of the collaboration Plug Life Consulting and Generate Media will produce a series of educational films exploring many of the latest electric vehicles available now for motorists living in the INTERREG area. These films will address some of the continuing myths around electric vehicle use and introduce motorists to some of the most exciting zero emission vehicles available. In addition, the team will host a series of interactive monthly webinars which will explore the benefits and challenges of electric vehicle use and will provide invaluable guidance for those who may be considering a low or zero emission vehicle for their future transport needs.

The FASTER Project which has received €6.47 million funding under the European Union’s INTERREG VA programme will install 73 rapid charging stations (50KW +) across the programme regions. Match-funding for the project has also been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department for Transport in Ireland, as well as Transport Scotland.

Following the success of his Plug Life Television YouTube channel, Dr Euan McTurk founded Plug Life Consulting Ltd to assist academia, industry, business and government organisations on a wide range of projects within the world of battery electrochemistry, electric vehicles, energy storage and vehicle charging infrastructure.

Reflecting on the collaboration with the FASTER Project Euan said:

"I'm excited to be working with Ric, his team of creatives and the FASTER team on this very important project. FASTER is delivering much-needed rapid chargers that will plug major gaps in the electric vehicle charging network, which is just as well, because the number of people, councils and companies looking into - and buying - electric vehicles is increasing at record rates. Our series of webinars will answer a plethora of excellent questions from EV newbies and veterans alike, covering everything from how to buy, charge and maintain an EV, to the management and expansion of the charging networks in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. I'm also really looking forward to working with creative director extraordinaire Ric on a series of video reviews that will show a broad selection of the many different types of electric vehicles available today, and will no doubt throw in some battery education along the way."

Generate Media was founded by Ric Boullemier with a vision to create engaging content that inspires sustainable travel. Talking about the planned work with the FASTER Project team, Ric commented:

“The time to make the switch to electric is now. Every day we doubt that, is a day we are doing irreparable damage to this little planet we call home. Having driven an electric car for many years now, I know it's the future, and we cannot wait to create video content that will show everyone just how easy it is to make the switch. We're also pumped to be working with Dr McTurk to help to share his vast knowledge and scientific approach to solving the sustainable travel issue”