Bill Klehm, Chairman and CEO of eBliss
Background
Bill Klehm, Chairman and CEO of eBliss, is an e-mobility, transportation, and business expert as well as a futurist and technology development leader with a focus on sustainably evolving industries through innovation. With over two decades of business leadership experience, Bill has helped launch, grow, and successfully scale a host of companies across the transportation and technology industries. Bill was an early collaborator at CarFax, where he architected the program that later became the CarFax vehicle history report. As the CEO of Fallbrook Technologies, Bill directed all aspects of the development and successful launch of the NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission, which was the first viable replacement for geared systems since the bicycle was invented over 200 years ago and is the fastest-growing bike transmission across the globe. At Ford Motor Company, Bill led the development of the strategy that grew the customer service division over $1 billion in a three-year period this strategy and implementation was instrumental in ushering the company into the tire business, making it one of the largest retailers of tires in North America. During Visteon’s successful IPO from Ford, Bill served as President of Visteon Climate Control Ltd a global leader in aftermarket heat transfer products leading the business from $80m to $280m during his tenure
In 2022, Bill launched eBliss, a leader in e-mobility solutions, with the mission to create better-engineered, enjoyable, and more sustainable ways of moving people—and make them truly accessible to all.
Regarded as an innovative thought leader, collaborative business expert, and billion-dollar growth strategist, Bill’s expertise has been featured in Hardball: Are You Playing to Play or Playing to Win, Wired, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal, among others.
To provide insights into what role electric micro mobility vehicles should play in cities around the world., Tim Langdon, publisher of Eco Voice, had the pleasure of facilitating a Q & A with Bill Klehm, Chairman and CEO of eBliss.
Q1. What are electric micromobility vehicles?
Electric micromobility vehicles refer to small, lightweight, and electrically powered modes of transportation designed for short-distance travel within urban areas. They include electric scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and carts. These vehicles are powered by rechargeable batteries and offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional modes of transportation.
Q2. What role do electric micromobility vehicles play in cities around the world?
Electric micromobility vehicles provide a sustainable and efficient means of transportation. They help reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote healthier lifestyles. These vehicles are particularly beneficial for short trips, such as commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the city, as they offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to cars.
Q3. Why are electric micromobility vehicles important in terms of sustainability?
These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and improving overall air quality in cities. Secondly, they require much less energy to operate compared to traditional vehicles and don’t need to be refilled with fossil fuels like petroleum. Lastly, their compact size and ability to share infrastructure promote efficient land use and reduce the need for extensive parking spaces.
Q4. What are some of the issues facing electric micromobility vehicles?
The primary concern with these vehicles today is safety, as battery fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters have been on the rise in cities like New York. Micromobility batteries need to be properly regulated, as cheaper models tend to not meet the gold standard of certification. Another concern is the lack of proper infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes. America especially has a car-driven culture, cities were made with the automobile in mind. As electric micromobilitiy vehicles increase in popularity, the demand for more friendly infrastructure will increase.
Q5. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that NYC would establish the Department of Sustainable Delivery. Why is this significant to electric micromobility vehicles?
The establishment of the Department of Sustainable Delivery in New York City is significant for electric micromobility vehicles as it demonstrates a commitment to integrating these vehicles into the city’s transportation system. This department will focus on developing policies and infrastructure to support sustainable delivery methods, including electric micromobility vehicles. By prioritizing sustainable delivery options, NYC aims to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and promote the use of electric micromobility vehicles for last-mile deliveries.
Q6. How can cities around the world do more to increase the adoption of electric micromobility vehicles?
Firstly, they can invest in the development of dedicated infrastructure, such as bike lanes, scooter parking areas, and charging stations, to support these vehicles. Secondly, cities can implement policies and regulations that encourage the use of electric micromobility vehicles, such as offering incentives for purchasing or using them and integrating them into existing public transportation systems. Lastly, public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives can promote the benefits of electric micromobility vehicles and encourage their adoption.
Q7. How can publications, such as Eco Voice, play their part in promoting sustainability?
Publications that cover sustainability are crucial in spreading awareness about the latest happenings in eco-friendly initiatives. By conducting interviews like this one we can work together to make a greener tomorrow.
ABOUT ECO VOICE
First published in 2003, Eco Voice is your go-to publication for sustainability news in Australia. Eco Voice prides itself as an independent news platform with a clear focus on sustainability, with articles coming from a diverse range of contributors – all levels of government, corporations, not-for-profits, community groups, small to medium sized businesses, universities, research organisations, together with input from international sources. Eco Voice values community, conservation and commerce. Eco Voice is a media partner of the prestigious Australian Banksia Sustainability Awards – The Peak Sustainability Awards.
ABOUT eBLISS GLOBAL
eBliss Global is an e-mobility company innovating smarter, more sustainable ways for people to get to where they want to be. Through proprietary technology and an eye ever toward the future, eBliss is reshaping the transportation industry. Each eBliss vehicle is strategically designed to be long-lasting and maintenance-free, with a focus on simplicity and functionality, and is tailor-built for each rider’s specific needs, whether they be commuting, getting groceries, safely transporting families, making deliveries, or cruising with friends. Led by longtime innovators in the transportation and tech industries and creators of the NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission, eBliss is disrupting and evolving how we think about everyday transportation. Driven by the conviction that we can achieve a more sustainable, efficient, and healthy world for all, eBliss delivers transportation solutions of the future—today.
https://ebliss.global/
