158: Ben Whitaker | Kerbo Charge

This week we dive into the practical world of electric vehicle innovation with Ben Whittaker, Chief Technology Officer at Kerbo Charge. Ben explains how a simple pavement channel could solve one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption—charging for the majority of drivers without off-street parking—and why making technology “boring” is often the ultimate goal.

From his early days salvaging components from skips to powering up a self-built computer, Ben shares how curiosity and hands-on problem-solving shaped his career. He talks about:

• How Kerbo Charge enables safe, cost-effective home EV charging without a driveway
• Navigating legislation and council approvals to make cross-pavement charging a reality
• The importance of timing, failure, and resilience in building successful startups
• Taking lessons from drama and storytelling to communicate complex ideas clearly
• Why the goal is to make game-changing technology feel effortless and everyday

Along the way, Ben reflects on his first business failures, the lessons in persistence and humility, and how to create solutions that become invisible parts of daily life.

Ben Whittaker (LinkedIn)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjdw/

Kerbo Charge
https://www.kerbocharge.com