Select Car Leasing has re-energised its electric vehicle (EV) leasing division by announcing Shane Pither as new Head of Select Electric.
The move comes as Select Car Leasing, headquartered in Reading, Berks, continues its mission to be the UK’s leading electric leasing broker by championing the transition to cleaner, more efficient motoring.
The new role will focus on all aspects of the electric car and van journey, equipping customers with crucial information about charging and energy solutions as well as how to choose the most suitable EV in the first instance.
Mr Pither, formerly Head of Automotive Innovation at Select, will also seek to build strong relationships with key automotive and energy industry partners in order to enhance the firm’s overall EV offering.
He said: “Here at Select Electric we are dedicated to inspiring customers to experience the many benefits that electrified vehicles bring, from lower fuel costs and elevated performance to the long term protection of the environment.
“It’s a multi-faceted role, ensuring our teams are equipped with the knowledge and tools required to confidently guide customers in their transition to EVs, while working with our industry partners to expand and enhance our entire EV offering, which includes battery storage and charging solutions.
“It’s an extremely exciting time to be leading the Select Electric division. In 2024 We’ve seen more and more affordable new EVs coming to market, with manufacturers pushing boundaries when it comes to range between charges, and exciting new technology – including solid state battery innovation – is just around the corner.”
Mr Pither is also rallying against some of the errors and misconceptions when it comes to EVs and has issued a new guide exploring the Top 10 EV myths most in need of being busted.
A recent Select Car Leasing survey of its website visitors highlighted how 40% of respondents were ‘seriously considering’ an EV as their next car or van. Around 44% were also looking to make the switch to a BEV within the next four years.
Mr Pither adds: “That’s an enormous number of people looking to get behind the wheel of an EV and uptake of electric vehicles by our customers are well above the current BEV industry market share of 17.8%, according to the most recent stats from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders).
“Our survey also revealed something of a knowledge gap, with around 13% of respondents admitting they still ‘didn’t know enough’ about EVs to form a proper opinion. Select Electric is here to plug those gaps and to offer reassuring guidance to anyone interested in an electric vehicle, while we’ll also counter some of the misleading information you might read about EVs online.”
Mark Tongue, Joint CEO and founder of Select Car Leasing, said the new Head of Select Electric role had been created to drive forward the broker’s Electric Vehicle Agenda.
He added: “We’re delighted to welcome Shane Pither to the role of Head of Select Electric. This is a crucial position that will support our Electric Vehicle strategy within the Commercial and Sales departments while also growing and developing relationships with our partners, including funders. Shane is a true expert in the field and who will use his considerable EV knowledge to help further our Select Electric agenda and goals.”
