Drive Electric – the industry body focused on promoting the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand – today announced the appointment of Eric Pyle as General Manager. Eric is also the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association, a role he will continue in.
“We are thrilled to have Eric come on board as General Manager”, said Mark Gilbert, Chairman of Drive Electric. “Electric vehicles are a marriage between the electricity sector and the car industry, and Eric brings a wealth of experience, and contacts, from the electricity sector”.
“Drive Electric is working closely with electricity retailers, lines companies and gentailers, and has seen its membership double in the last few months. I am greatly looking forward to helping continue this momentum” said Eric.
Both internationally, and in New Zealand, electric vehicles are increasing in numbers. In New Zealand there are now 743 electric vehicles, a doubling in the last year. Globally there are now close to 1 million electric vehicles and the year on year growth rate is over 70%.
“It is a very exciting time to be joining the industry. With our high proportion of renewable energy, and an equivalent fuel cost of $0.30c per litre, electric vehicles make so much sense for New Zealand” said Eric.
Electric vehicles are a key to reducing New Zealand’s CO2 emissions. Emissions from road transport is around 40% of New Zealand’s CO2 emissions.
“Electric vehicles are great from a number of perspectives”, commented Mark. “Not only do they result in lower CO2 emissions, they reduce our national oil bill, improve air quality, improve health and reduce noise pollution – and run on 100% home grown kiwi energy that’s 80% renewable.”
Contact Eric Pyle: 027 244 1049
