SmartCharging Into The Future

by Rob Hoffman | TTAC Creator

Published: April 7th, 2026

Chris Russo, SmartCharge Clean Energy Program Manager at Con Edison wants to give you money as SmartCharge incentivizes off-peak charging to balance grid demand and make everybody a winner.

Chris joins to show to share the marketing secrets he learned at Tesla and how he applies them at Con Edison, as he shares insights on consumer behavior, the importance of data in infrastructure planning, and the future of EV adoption in New York. The conversation also touches on the Power Ready program, micro-mobility initiatives, and the challenges of vehicle-to-grid technology. This episode highlights the collaborative efforts to enhance electric mobility and sustainability in urban environments.

Editor's note -- this post originally ran earlier, and we've brought it back so that those who missed it the first time have a better chance of seeing it.

The Urban EV Podcast is about electric vehicle ownership in a city -- and how that can be daunting when you don't have access to a plug. We explore urban charging infrastructure along with the day-to-day experience and economics of public charging your vehicle in a big city.

The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.

[Image: nutt/Shutterstock.com]

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Rob Hoffman | TTAC Creator

Exploring EV charging and infrastructure with real stories and expert insights on the future of electric mobility

More by Rob Hoffman | TTAC Creator

Comments

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3 of 15 comments

Forward Observer on Apr 07, 2026

I listened to this episode today while mowing the lawn. Since no one else did the homework, I will keep all the wisdom I accrued to myself.

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- Lloyd Bonified on Apr 08, 2026
  
  I listened to Foreigner's Greatest Hits. I read the podcast while driving...not mowing.
  
  Like
Forward Air Controller on Apr 08, 2026

Is this anything like "Tap Into America!"?

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Recent Comments

MaintenanceCosts We need a $15k EV, probably a tall hatch, that satisfies US safety standards with reasonable comfort and durability and a warranty. That would actually be affordable to the median wage earner.
Calrson Fan I'll take a simple over cheap. Although that should equate to cheap or at least cheaper. I'm so over all the useless & intrusive tech. common in today's cars & trucks. Which is why I drive older stuff. We need more vehicles geared towards simplicity and longevity, like the Slate. if that ever makes it to market. As I once heard on American Hot Rod, less is more. Isn't that the truth!
28-Cars-Later Maybe it will eventually change but as of right now even if you spend the money to build these stations everywhere, if the electricity sold is 100%+ of what its sold for in residential rates it will never take off. To a degree a convenience charge amount (of not 100%) could fly but smart owners will understand the trade off and limit their use of it. Those without home charging capabilities simply won't continue to pay through the nose on electricity - a utility of which has skyrocketed even wholesale and I suspect will continue to do so.
KOKing Need and want are definitely different, especially today. Not only are relative expectations different from 40-50yrs ago, but used cars' value/features/quality probably make them more attractive options than a couple generations ago. I suspect for the same $21k as a Hyundai Venue, a lot of people would choose a ~5yr old Ford Explorer instead. Today's gas prices might make some think twice, but a lot of the same people probably won't think as far as repair costs.I think something interesting to look at in other global markets where historically cheap, small cars continue to be available, where cheap Chinese cars are becoming available, whether the latter end up quickly displacing the former in the low-cost segment long-term (I suspect yes).
Lorenzo What the American market needs is a 1997 Honda Civic EX in coupe or sedan form, fully loaded like in 1997 at 1997 prices ($19K) or a slightly bigger 1997 Nissan Altima GXE sedan with the larger 2.4L engine and reliable Jatco automatic for about the same price. I have owned both, and wish I had either one back so I could get rid of the keyless Cr**p, the drive-by-wire, and the touch screen, and operate the car myself with buttons and knobs..