perspectiEV club

For centuries, humans dreamed of flight, yet only in a single, brief era did that dream suddenly become reality across the globe. Are we living through a similar moment for computing? Why do disruptive ideas, after decades of being science fiction, suddenly erupt into reality? This episode tackles the dawn of a new technological age: biocomputing. We explore the world of "wetware"—processors powered by living biological neurons that consume up to one million times less energy than the silicon chips in today's data centers. How is this radical efficiency, like the leap from incandescent bulbs to LEDs, poised to solve the exploding energy crisis fueled by AI? We debate why the success of this technology is not a matter of "if," but "when," and how a simple capitalistic drive for efficiency will replace conventional AI servers with biological ones. Furthermore, we explore the future landscape, from massive, centralized biocomputers the size of football fields to potential applications in autonomous mobility that could finally rival the human brain's ability to integrate information.Finally, we discover the pragmatic, engineering-led journey that led to this innovation and why sometimes the most revolutionary path forward is to embrace the elegant solutions already perfected by millions of years of evolution.Join host Kedar Balasubramanian in a fascinating conversation with biocomputing pioneer and CEO of FinalSpark, Fred Jordan, as they move beyond the dream to discuss the reality, the economics, and the profound questions behind the next computational revolution.Chapters:04:45 What are the applications of a biological computer?06:55 What are the main challenges for bio-computing?10:41 What does the future of conventional vs. bio computing look like?12:07 What is the scale at which bio-computers operate?20:19 What led you to discover this fascinating topic?

Why are batteries the "time machines" of the energy transition? How can batteries, from those storing electricity and heat to those impacting the transport sector, bring together the generation and demand sides of energy? As the world rapidly transitions to renewables, what missteps should be avoided to ensure energy security and grid stability? In this episode we delve into the fascinating world of battery chemistries – from the enduring presence of lithium-ion in grid-scale storage to the potential of sodium-ion to compete strongly, and the possibility of solid-state batteries for electric transportation – and explore the factors, beyond just cost, that will dictate their dominance.We debate how policies can be shaped to support a 100% renewable future? Furthermore, we also see how the grid, currently designed for conventional generation, can adapt to the variable nature of renewables via batteries, and what innovative programs can facilitate this evolution by considering batteries as an extension of the grid itself!Finally, we discover how cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are already revolutionizing energy forecasting, battery dispatch, and grid optimization by analyzing vast amounts of data, transforming it into valuable insights for a more secure and sustainable energy future.Join us as hosts, Sahil Bhandare and Kedar Balasubramanian engage with energy grid and battery expert Swagath Bhat on batteries, energy markets and more!

Are We on the Brink of an Energy Revolution?What if the future of power isn't about massive, centralized grids, but something far more local and adaptable? Imagine a world where communities, can generate, store, and manage their own electricity. How small can these power systems truly be, and what makes them distinct from the sprawling grids we rely on today?Can we take our existing large-scale grids and effectively break them down into smaller, more resilient micro-units? And replicate a system that was last seen 150 years ago?As we move towards a more sustainable and potentially privatized energy landscape, what are the implications for national growth and energy security? How do smaller grids compare to massive utility systems when it comes to reliability and the quality of power we receive? And crucially, how well do renewable energy sources integrate with these microgrids?Dive into these electrifying questions and more as your host, Sahil Bhandare, sits down with energy expert Kedar Balasubramanian to explore the fascinating and rapidly evolving world of decentralized energy microgrids.Chapters:01:12 What is a microgrid? and how small can it be?03:09 Why do we need microgrids at all?07:41 Can we split a large grid into smaller microgrids?09:56 Do microgrids spell the "privatization" of energy?15:39 Do renewables and microgrids fit well together?19:53 Can microgrids provide a quality and resilient supply of electricity?24:37 What role do microgrids play in the future of the human species?28:16 What is the difference between an energy community and a microgrid?

In a world rapidly transitioning to renewable energy, what technology stands as the linchpin between intermittent generation and consistent demand? Since the 1990s, no other energy technology has experienced more dramatic cost reductions than batteries, with prices plummeting by more than 100% - outpacing even wind and solar PV!As renewables continue their expansion across global energy grids, the mismatch between when clean energy is generated and when consumers need it creates a critical gap that only one technology can fill.But what exactly are batteries? Are they generation sources, consumption devices, or something else entirely? What makes batteries particularly fascinating is their versatility across scales. From household systems paired with rooftop solar to massive deployments stabilizing entire electrical grids - batteries adapt to meet diverse needs. But this revolutionary technology isn't without challenges.In this captivating episode of Crispy PerspectiEVs, host Sahil Bhandare engages in an illuminating conversation with Kedar Balasubramanian, exploring why our energy future is incomplete without batteries. Whether you're an energy enthusiast or simply curious about the technologies shaping our future, this episode delivers crispy perspectiEVs on one of the most transformative technologies of our time.Chapters:01:45 What are batteries?01:50 Are batteries generators or consumers of energy?02:28 What are the different kinds of batteries?06:48 Whats battery power versus battery energy?08:10 How can batteries empower communities?09:58 The role of batteries in the future of humans as a species!14:23 What are the different scales of batteries?16:36 Can batteries substitute for polluting fossil fuels?18:33 What happens when a grid battery dies?20:40 Why are battery prices falling in spite of global inflation?24:10 Are batteries really emissions free?29:00 Do we really have the skilled manpower to maintain batteries on a cellular level?

Did you know that Germany is shutting down functional nuclear and coal power plants while simultaneously launching over 300 hydrogen projects? This radical energy transition strategy has positioned Germany as a global frontrunner in hydrogen development, second only to China.But at what cost comes innovation? As renewable energy floods European grids during summer months only to leave critical shortages in winter, the question emerges: are we sacrificing economic stability on the altar of environmental idealism? With global hydrogen market projections reaching $500 billion by 2030, the stakes couldn't be higher.What happens when a nation adopts a "whatever it takes" approach to energy transformation without a comprehensive roadmap? Is green hydrogen truly the silver bullet for our energy challenges, or merely an expensive diversion championed by the same fossil fuel industry it claims to replace?In this thought-provoking episode of Crispy Perspectives, we welcome special guest Clemens Behrend, an economist working in the European hydrogen industry. Join us as we dissect the complex realities of hydrogen energy, Germany's unique approach to the Energiewende (energy transition), and what it truly means to build a functioning energy system.Hosts: Kedar Balasubramanian/ Sahil Bhandare02:51 What will play a bigger role in the energy future: nuclear or hydrogen?05:00 How would you design the energy system if you were the German energy minister?09:23 What is the investment needed to shift to a majority hydrogen run grid?15:18 Would H2 make more sense for island or community grid than a massively scaled public grid?22:21 If not public energy infra, what other applications does H2 have right here, right now?

Is nuclear power really as dangerous as popular perception suggests? Can it compete with renewable energy sources in our quest for a sustainable future? What if nuclear energy is actually one of our most promising options for meeting the world's skyrocketing energy demands?Contrary to common belief, nuclear energy offers remarkable reliability and safety compared to legacy sources like coal and oil. For example, did you know that coal produces 1,200 times more deaths and 275 times more emissions than nuclear per terawatt hour of energy. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows – there are significant challenges facing nuclear energy, including high construction costs and resource limitations.So how does nuclear power fits into our complex energy ecosystem serving different consumer types from energy-intensive industries to residential households? Looking to the future, what exciting innovations could revolutionize how we deploy nuclear technology, making it more accessible and adaptable?From powering our homes to fueling Mars rovers, this episode challenges preconceptions and offers a balanced perspective on nuclear energy's role in creating a sustainable future. Whether you're an energy enthusiast or simply curious about the future of our power grid, this episode delivers crispy insights that will expand your understanding of this powerful yet controversial energy source.Join us for some Crispy Perspectives, as host Sahil engages in a thought-provoking conversation with energy connoisseur Kedar about the often-misunderstood potential of nuclear power.01:34 Based on what criteria should we choose our energy generation source for the future?09:39 Can Nuclear really power all types of users?18:40 Do all the pros of nuclear outweigh its Cons?22:39 What are some trends in nuclear in the last 100 years?

Buckle up for the first episode of Season 2 of Crispy Perspectievs where we’re breaking down the difference between energy and electricity—two forces shaping our world and its future! this discussion isn’t just about definitions—it’s a deep dive into the science, the grids, and the big questions driving us toward a low-carbon, fully electrified tomorrow. What’s the secret behind the buzzing wires that light up our lives? How does raw energy transform into the electricity powering your phone right now? What makes electricity just like water?We discuss about how electrical grids—the biggest machines humanity’s ever built—manage thousands of generating machines and millions of wires to keep cities humming, and why understanding the energy-electricity duo is key to balancing renewable energy’s rise with our growing demand. Can renewables like solar and wind keep the lights on 24/7? What happens when the sun dips or the wind stalls? From the smallest of networks to wireless charging dreams, we’ve got innovations that spark excitement and hope.In this episode of the perspectiEV club, Kedar, who’s flipping the hosting mic this time shares his crispy experiences, spilling insights from his grassroots experience with grids and power systems across India and beyond.Co-hosts/ Guest - Kedar Balasubramanian, Sahil Bhandare

What comes to mind when you hear the word motorsport? from the adrenaline-fueled roar of combustion engines to the silent but powerful surge of electric motors, we love it!Motorsport has been the ultimate testbed for automotive innovation. Formula 1, founded in 1950, is widely considered the pinnacle of motorsport. It has evolved into a global phenomenon, captivating millions of fans worldwide. F1’s mix of speed, strategy, and spectacle makes it an enduring favorite. The introduction of Drive to Survive (Netflix series) has further fueled its popularity. —but can it survive in a world demanding sustainability?Is banning motorsport the answer to environmental concerns, or is it the birthplace of the next big breakthroughs in energy efficiency and vehicle design?Will the future belong to EV racing? Will Formula E be able to position itself as the sustainable future of motorsport? or will sustainable fuels keep ICE engines alive?In this episode of the perspectiEV club, Sanket Howal, Mechanical Design Lead at Magnes.in and a professional racer, shares his crispy experiences of being in and visualizing the evolution of racing where speed meets sustainability. Guest: ⁠⁠Sanket Howal Hosts: ⁠⁠Kedar Balasubramanian⁠⁠, Sahil Bhandare⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 01:12 Introduction 02:19 What was the motivation behind motorsport? 05:20 Sanket's racing experience! 08:50 What led to the formation of Formula E? 11:06 Curveball question! Where will the fans go from now? Formula 1 or Formula E? 14:16 How does innovation in motorsport trickle down to commercial vehicles? 18:42 Examples of practical innovation from F1 to other domains! 20:50 How is regulation enabling F1 to become net-zero?

Future transport policy should be "just" and "all-inclusive". What value do these words hold for the regulations that will govern the next generation of efficient vehicles? Join us as we learn about drafting and implementing transport policies for mobility transition, along with some real-life examples in this episode of crispy perspectievs! Guest: ⁠⁠Rohan Malhotra Host: ⁠⁠Kedar Balasubramanian⁠⁠, Sahil Bhandare⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Crispy Statement 01:35 Why are policies important for the transport sector? 04:41 What is the role of policy with regard to public transport? 05:45 How to differentiate policy between public and private transport? 07:37 What incentives should policy include for wider acceptance of efficient vehicles 09:06 Can policy make an impact on decarbonizing freight transport? 11:00 How does one draft policies for efficient vehicles along with securing funding for it? 13:46 What are the challenges with implementing policies? 15:32 Our guest's personal experience with writing transport policies over the last years! 17:40 How do policy authors convince governments to undertake futuristic policies? 20:09 What are some benchmarks and global standards on efficient vehicle policies?

Imagine a fresh start for mobility on Another Earth. With zero emissions, sustainable mining, and public mobility as a fundamental right, we explore how reshaping transit with nature and humanity at the core would transform the planet. Join us for some crispy perspectievs! Guest: ⁠Sahil Bhandare⁠ Host: ⁠Kedar Balasubramanian⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Crispy Statement 01:57 What lessons have we learned from transport on Earth? 05:13 How to handle resource extraction on Another Earth? 10:30 What energy source will transport on Another Earth run on? 17:12 What percentage of transport on Another Earth is public? 20:47 Will Another Earth have hoverboards as transport? ;) 24:05 Another Earth and Wakanda: The future of Mobility!

Ownership is risky; usership is efficient. Join us as we explore a generational shift in vehicle access, diving into business models like Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS) and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). Discover why the future of efficient vehicles could be all about flexibility, affordability, and sustainability in this episode of Crispy Perspectives! Guest: Sahil Bhandare Host: Kedar Balasubramanian Chapters: 01:26 Why is ownership becoming more risky for vehicles? 05:21 As a fleet operator, why is it beneficial to use and not own? 07:01 What benefits does the common man gain? 12:36 What ancillary services need to be offered? 16:21 What are the disparities between urban and rural users? 20:32 Why should governments promote subscription models instead of buying for vehicles? 25:28 A generational shift is coming our way!

What's the difference between having a conventional, versus an efficient vehicle? In today's crispy conversation, we'll try to demystify the myth around the costs, affordability and future of vehicle ownership and share electrifying perspectievs on whether the high sticker price of EVs hides their real value? Guest: Sahil Bhandare Host: Kedar Balasubramanian Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Debunking EV ownership myths 02:31 Benefits of EV ownership 03:40 EVs and taxes 04:26 LEZs (Low Emission Zones) 06:15 Operations of EV 08:24 Manpower requirement 10:11 Second Hand Market of EVs 12:37 Segment wise potential of EVs 17:42 EV Investment Risk 19:41 Short and long term benefits of EV

Is the future of mobility all about electric, or is it way beyond that? In this episode, we dive into the twists and turns of the mobility revolution with Sahil Bhandare. From electric to hydrogen, biofuels to battery swaps, we explore what's genuinely shifting gears in this evolving industry. Fasten your seatbelts for a conversation on wheels of all kinds—where the future is both visionary and unexpectedly grounded! Chapters: 00:00 Crispy Statement 00:55 Introduction 02:55 perspectiev.club inception 03:40 Future of mobility 04:44 Near-term and long-term future 08:23 The meaning of "electric" 11:06 100% electric 18:42 No need to travel! 23:41 Mobility policy

Welcome to PerspectiEV Club—where the 'EV' isn't just energy and vehicles, it’s evolving viewpoints. Hosted by Kedar Balasubramanian, your energy geek, and Sahil Bhandare, your mobility disruptor, we’re here to flip the script on how you see the future. Forget facts and figures; we’re serving up crispy perspectiEVs that hit different. Expect mind-bending twists, and ideas that might just follow you to the dinner table. Ready to stretch your brain? Hit play and join the club—you won’t look at the world the same way again.