Part 4/9:
Palmer discusses the journey from the initial development of the Nissan Leaf to his tenure at Aston Martin. The Leaf was launched when the world wasn’t fully prepared for a mass-market electric vehicle. It proved to be a game-changer, as it was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle rather than a modified gasoline car. The original Leaf featured a modest 70-mile range, but its innovative approach set a precedent for the industry.
While at Aston Martin, Palmer's ambitious "Project Phoenix" aimed to bring electric vehicles to the luxury auto market. However, he faced significant hurdles, particularly regarding the traditional manufacturing philosophies and resistance to change within the company.