Corporates back electric vehicles

EV advocacy group Drive Electric has recently seen some big corporate names embracing the rise of the EV.

Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand, electrical products supplier Corys Electrical, Tyreline Distributors and Beaurepaires are its newest members, joining the likes of Mercury, Meridian Energy, Westpac and Powerco.

Jaguar Land Rover NZ general manager Steve Kenchington says joining Drive Electric made sense with all its new models, including its latest release the IPACE, set to have a fully electric or hybrid variant by 2020.

“The innovation and change expected here in the short term brings the need for better resourcing across the industry,” Kenchington says.

Corys Electrical sustainability advisor Marcel Roquette says joining Drive Electric is beneficial because it means the company can work with like- minded organisations.

“Buildings, EVS and the electrical grid interact in unprecedented ways, raising questions that can only be answered collectively.”

Drive Electric also provides visibility to Corys’ initiatives that aim to reduce its carbon footprint and bring to market more sustainable solutions.

Tyreline and Beaurepaires managing director Grant Rushbrooke says joining

Drive Electric fits with the company’s aim of adopting new mobility solutions in the automotive sector.

“In essence when we reimagine our business for the future, we want consumers to use more renewables and to recycle more. As a collective, we will be able to help steer policy, people and behaviours to allow us to transition into the new drive technologies.”

Drive Electric chairman

Mark Gilbert says the organisation’s level of influence to push for more EVS on Kiwi roads will increase as its membership grows.

“With members from a diverse number of sectors, including automotive, electricity retail and distribution, financial services, and car leasing, it helps reinforce that EVS are a key element in transforming New Zealand’s transport future.”