On October 19, 2026, The Charge Talk Podcast announced a new episode featuring host Diana Cwick interviewing James Kirk, founder of Nerava Network, while riding in his Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle (EV). Nerava serves as the commerce layer for EV charging, connecting charging sessions with consumer experiences at retail locations.

Kirk introduced Cwick to Omar Riahi, EV expert and Global EV Enablement and Sales Development Manager at Percepta. Cwick said Riahi will appear in a future episode.

Cwick said: “James sees something in EV charging that very few folks are talking about right now. Getting to hear how Nerava connects charging to real business outcomes really opened my eyes to where this industry is headed.” 

Kirk explains that EV charging is often disconnected from the businesses and venues where chargers are located. Nerava bridges this gap by connecting charging data with merchant systems, enabling businesses to offer loyalty rewards, retail promotions, and even curbside food delivery based on a driver’s charging session.

The name Nerava reflects the idea of finding hidden bits of gold in dust, representing the untapped business opportunities created by EV drivers’ dwell time while charging. By connecting charging infrastructure with local commerce, businesses can generate new revenue streams, attract customers, and build lasting relationships with EV drivers.

Kirk envisions a future in which this technology operates seamlessly in the background, integrated into apps consumers already use, including hotel loyalty programs and retailer applications. This approach would make charging a more convenient part of everyday life while connecting drivers with relevant services and offers.

Nerava is initially focusing on high-potential sectors such as grocery stores, hospitality businesses, and mixed-use retail centers. The company aims to help these businesses turn charging visits into valuable customer experiences, similar to loyalty and promotional programs long offered by gas stations.

Founded by James Kirk, Nerava is building technology to help businesses make EV charging part of the customer experience, creating potential value for drivers, merchants, properties, and charging providers.

Learn more at NeravaNetwork.com.

Charge Talk Podcast Drives EV Education and Industry Conversations

Charge Talk is an electric vehicle podcast hosted by Diana Cwick, bringing viewers closer to the people, technologies, and businesses shaping the future of electric transportation. Through interviews, vehicle test drives, and conversations with industry leaders, the YouTube series explores EV charging, infrastructure development, fleet electrification, and innovations accelerating electric vehicle adoption.

Cwick combines her experience in EV charging with a practical approach to industry education, connecting technical topics with real-world applications. Episodes feature entrepreneurs, charging providers, sustainability advocates, and other professionals working to overcome barriers to electrification.

The series explores the challenges and opportunities facing the EV industry, from expanding public charging infrastructure and preparing properties for EV charging to electrifying commercial fleets and making electric vehicles more accessible. Guests share their experiences, discuss emerging solutions, and explain how businesses and communities can support the transition to electric transportation.

Charge Talk also uses vehicle test drives to make EV technology more approachable, giving viewers an opportunity to learn about electric cars while hearing directly from people working across the industry. This combination of interviews and on-the-road conversations helps connect the technology with the people and businesses driving its growth.

As EV adoption grows, education remains essential to addressing misconceptions, improving consumer confidence, and helping businesses understand the opportunities presented by electrification. Charge Talk contributes to that effort by highlighting industry expertise, practical experience, and new approaches to charging and transportation.

Watch episodes and explore the series on the Charge Talk YouTube channel. Subscribe today.