Under The Hood: Automotive Storytelling
Behind every automotive innovation lies a human story. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, founder of The Storytelling Tribe, this podcast reveals how industry leaders translate complex technologies into compelling narratives. Through conversations with automotive executives, discover practical frameworks for making automotive innovations relatable and meaningful. For executives, product leaders, and marketers transforming mobility through better communication.
Under The Hood: Automotive Storytelling
Wiring the Future: Inside Valeo's Electrification Revolution - Claudine Rochette S2E10
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THE EV REVOLUTION DECODED
In this new episode of "Automotive Storytelling", brought to you by The Storytelling Tribe, we sit down with Claudine Rochette, VP of Strategy and Communication at Valeo's Power Division, bringing over 20 years of experience at the heart of automotive electrification. From relaunching France's first EV ecosystem project in 2009, to leading global strategy across motors, power electronics, and thermal management, Claudine unpacks what the electric revolution truly looks like from the inside, and why she has always believed the shift is irreversible.
Key insights
Valeo's answer to the hidden range killer
Claudine reveals how winter heating can cut an EV's range in half, and how Valeo's heat pump technology recovers over 25% of that lost range by managing electrical, mechanical, and thermal energy as one integrated system.
The rare earth problem nobody is talking about
Over 90% of today's electric motors depend on rare earth magnets sourced predominantly from China. Valeo's collaboration with Mahle on a brushless, inductively excited motor cuts the motor's carbon footprint by 40% while breaking the supply chain dependency.
Software never stops: the SDV lifecycle revolution
The software-defined vehicle has fundamentally changed development timelines. Valeo now maintains and upgrades motor software up to 15 years post-start of production, enabling OTA performance gains long after the car leaves the factory.
Practical takeaways
- Reframe range anxiety: The biggest EV performance gap is the energy management across electrical, mechanical, and thermal vectors combined.
- Follow the TCO story: Valeo's data shows EVs already outperform ICE on total cost of ownership. That’s a narrative the industry still hasn't pushed loudly enough, especially in commercial vehicles and trucks.
- Think B2B2C: Winning EV adoption means teaching dealers how to teach customers. The technology story only lands when the full chain understands it.
- Stay agile: That’s Claudine's #1 storytelling advice. In a market shaped by geopolitical shocks, regulation U-turns, and technology disruption, adaptability is the only constant.
About Claudine Rochette
Claudine brings over 20 years of dedicated automotive experience, starting as an engineer at Johnson Controls on engine management systems before joining Valeo in 2005. She led the relaunch of France's national EV ecosystem in 2009 and has held senior leadership positions across electrification strategy ever since. As VP of Strategy and Communication for Valeo's Power Division — the company's flagship entity combining powertrain and thermal systems — she sits at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and market narrative.
"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" uncovers the human narratives driving innovation in an industry that impacts lives worldwide. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, this podcast explores how the power of storytelling ultimately connects technology to humans.