Influence & Infrastructure: Tellus Power’s Political Play for Europe

IRVINE, Calif. – November 25, 2025 – In the high-stakes arena of global technology expansion, personnel announcements are rarely just about personnel. The appointment of former UK Minister for Transport Steve Norris to the Board of Directors of Tellus Power Globe Holding Limited is a case in point. On the surface, it’s a standard corporate move. Dig deeper, however, and it reveals a sophisticated strategic gambit aimed at conquering one of the most complex and lucrative markets for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure: Europe.

For a company like Tellus Power, which positions itself at the cutting edge of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and smart charging technologies, market entry isn't just about having a superior product. It's about navigating a labyrinth of national regulations, securing large-scale infrastructure deals, and mastering the art of the public-private partnership. In appointing Norris, Tellus Power hasn't just hired a director; it has acquired a key to unlock these very doors.

The Norris Factor: A Master Key for Policy and Projects

To understand the weight of this appointment, one must look beyond the title of 'former minister.' Steve Norris is a figure deeply embedded in the DNA of UK infrastructure. During his tenure as Transport Minister from 1992 to 1996, he was at the helm of monumental projects like the Jubilee Line Extension and the initial Crossrail Bill—endeavors that required a deft blend of political will, private sector negotiation, and long-term strategic vision.

His influence is not a relic of the past. As the current Chair of the National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA) and President of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), Norris remains a central figure in the very conversations that shape how large-scale projects are approved and how technology is integrated into national transport networks. His role at ITS UK is particularly relevant, given his long-standing advocacy for using technology to solve transport challenges. This is not a retired politician lending a name, but an active, influential architect of infrastructure policy.

For Tellus Power, this expertise is invaluable. The company’s CEO, Mike Calise, highlighted Norris’s understanding of “regulatory environments and public-private partnerships” as a core asset. This is the language of a company preparing not just to sell chargers, but to integrate its systems into the fabric of national energy and transport strategies. Norris’s experience provides Tellus Power with unparalleled credibility and a direct line of sight into the mechanics of securing government contracts and navigating the planning commissions that can make or break an infrastructure-heavy business.

Beyond the Plug: The V2G Technology Gambit

Tellus Power’s ambitions extend far beyond simply providing a place for drivers to plug in. The company’s strategic focus on Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems represents a fundamental bet on the future of energy itself. These technologies allow EVs to not only draw power from the grid but also to feed it back, transforming millions of cars into a vast, decentralized battery network that can stabilize power supplies and integrate intermittent renewable energy sources.

The potential is immense. Projections suggest that unlocking V2G capabilities in even a fraction of Europe’s EV fleet could provide gigawatts of flexible power, generating billions in economic benefits. However, the path to commercial viability is fraught with obstacles. A primary barrier across Europe is the punitive “double taxation” of electricity—taxed once when it enters the car’s battery and again when it’s sold back to the grid. This, combined with a patchwork of unharmonized technical standards and inconsistent market access rules, has relegated most V2G applications to pilot projects.

This is precisely where a figure like Norris becomes a strategic weapon. Overcoming these hurdles requires more than technological prowess; it demands sophisticated policy lobbying and the ability to shape regulatory frameworks. His deep experience in UK and European transport policy, coupled with his role in infrastructure planning, positions him perfectly to advocate for the regulatory changes needed to make V2G commercially attractive. His involvement signals that Tellus Power is playing a long game, aiming to influence the rules of the market it seeks to lead, not just operate within them.

Navigating a Crowded and Competitive Landscape

Tellus Power is entering a fiercely competitive market. In the UK alone, the trade association ChargeUK represents 18 major players who have collectively pledged over £6 billion in investment by 2030. Established giants like ChargePoint and bp pulse already have significant footprints. To carve out a substantial share, a company needs a distinct competitive advantage.

Tellus Power is building its advantage on two fronts: advanced technology and strategic market access. The recent announcement of its 600kW DC fast chargers and a blockchain initiative for tokenized energy trading demonstrates its commitment to innovation. Yet, its expansion strategy reveals a keen understanding that technology alone is not enough. The company’s recent joint venture to establish a manufacturing base in the Middle East, with support from the UAE Ministry of Investment, shows a pattern of aligning with powerful regional partners.

The appointment of Norris is the European equivalent of this strategy. The UK government has committed £1.6 billion to its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, aiming for 300,000 public charge points by 2030. This presents a massive commercial opportunity. With Norris on its board, Tellus Power is better positioned to compete for tenders funded by the UK’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund and the Rapid Charging Fund. He understands the procurement process, the political considerations, and the key stakeholders involved in deploying infrastructure on motorways and local roads—the very targets of these government funds.

Ultimately, the recruitment of Steve Norris is a powerful signal of intent. It shows that Tellus Power understands that in the 21st-century technology race, the most successful companies are not just innovators but also astute political and regulatory players. By bringing a seasoned infrastructure statesman into its inner circle, the company is equipping itself not just to participate in the EV revolution, but to actively shape its direction and reap the rewards of building the smart, integrated grid of the future.