Blogger 
There has been another change in the position of European CEO at Lucid Motors. Alexander Lutz has left the US electric car manufacturer after less than a year as Managing Director Europe. Instead, the Gravity electric SUV is now being built in series.
Charging infrastructure operator Zunder has opened the largest HPC site in Spain to date. The high-power charging site is located in Oviedo in the north of the country and comprises 36 HPC connections. Twelve of these have an output of up to 400 kW, and 24 with up to 160 kW.
The standardisation organisation SAE International is announcing a framework for ‘universal’ Plug & Charge in collaboration with the US government. It should be possible to automatically start and bill charging processes for any car at any public charging station. Initial tests are scheduled to begin in 2025.
Ferry operator Fjord1 has commissioned its long-standing partner Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) to supply two charging stations for the four autonomous, zero-emission ferries that will operate on the route between Lavik and Oppedal on the west coast of Norway from September 2026.
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”10″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Press release
29 October 2024
The board of Drive Electric, a not-for-profit with a mission to accelerate the uptake of e-mobility in New Zealand, announced the appointment of chief executive officer, Brian Dewil.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”152079″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_target=”_blank” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” img_link=”https://de.fruitpunch.digital/about/our-board/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]Board Chair Kirsten Corson says, “We are delighted to welcome Brian Dewil to Drive Electric as our Chief Executive Officer.
“We were fortunate to have a large number of skilled and highly qualified applicants for the role, each bringing their own unique strengths and vision for the future of EVs. After a thorough selection process, we are excited to welcome Brian, his understanding of the EV landscape, along with his proven leadership and commitment to sustainability, make him the perfect fit to guide Drive Electric into its next chapter.
“To date we have focused on light vehicles and now we’re looking to expand into commercial and heavy vehicles too. We’re excited to have Brian on board and look forward to the electrifying journey ahead!”
Brian Dewil, the incoming CEO of Drive Electric says he is, “Honored to lead our organisation’s mission of accelerating sustainable transportation across our nation.
“My focus is on building meaningful partnerships between industry leaders, government bodies, and communities to strengthen Aotearoa New Zealand’s EV ecosystem.
“Our priorities are clear: advocating for forward-thinking EV policies, expanding our charging network, growing membership into light commercial and heavy EVs, and making electric mobility accessible to everyone living in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“We’re committed to fostering innovation while delivering practical solutions that benefit both our environment and our communities. I look forward to working alongside our stakeholders to create lasting change and contribute to a sustainable future. Together, we’ll establish our country as a leader in clean and affordable transportation.”
About Brian Dewil:
Brian is an accomplished executive who has consistently grown and scaled companies, particularly in the mobility and technology sectors. As the former founding Managing Director of Ola New Zealand, successfully led the company from pre-launch to capturing 40% market share and achieving $65M in annual recurring revenue within three years.
During tenure as Board Director at Ola, provided strategic oversight on regulatory compliance and legal matters while spearheading enterprise partnerships across Australia and New Zealand. Led the Go To Market strategy at Ola Electric Mobility, contributing to the company’s expansion and market penetration.
Demonstrated expertise in building businesses from inception, having shaped both Urban Sherpa and Ola NZ’s strategic direction and organisational culture. Holds Microsoft AI certification, reflecting an ongoing commitment to advancing business through emerging technologies. Executive experience includes leadership roles at RICS, where the focus was on driving innovation and strategic growth.
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The post [Press Release] Drive Electric chief executive officer, Brian Dewil appeared first on Drive Electric.
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”10″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]25 September 2024
Kirsten Corson reflects on the Government signals from the 16th Climate Change & Business Conference: Leading Climate Action.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”150807″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” img_link=”https://web.cvent.com/event/c1ba3f43-6945-40d1-8e3b-cc07eff1cd77/summary?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–sbVY9kQbhsszbr10JmXsF2vGPL4nMe9R8XUUB43Fv8id8c4fsDMQNS-a93jcBrjLlprTo”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]I remember last year’s Climate Change & Business Conference (CCBC) when there was an audible sigh of relief when (then opposition spokesperson) Simon Watts confirmed that National would honour the Paris Agreement, if National were to form a Government.
Flashforward to the CCBC September 2024, and Simon Watts is now Minister Watts, responsible for climate change.
The rubber hit the road.
There were big numbers at this year’s conference. Almost certainly in part due to the change in approach to climate change from the Government.
Minister Watts made the statement that the Government didn’t inherit a plan to hit the 2030 targets. That’s in some respects true by definition, as the Emissions Reduction Plan for the period 2025 to 2030 is to be finalised by the end of this year. However, it is clear the Government has taken decisions to make hitting that domestic 2030 target even more challenging. Dismantling the Government investment in decarbonising industry (GIDI) and undoing the clean car discount (CCD) are two examples of policies that worked to reduce emissions that no longer exist. We’re seeing emissions track upwards from imported vehicles in 2024, with the removal of the CCD.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”150765″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]There’s a real economic cost attached to not meeting the 2030 target, specifically our nationally determined contribution (NDC) for Paris. Treasury’s own calculations show we could be up for purchasing NZ$3.3 billion to $23.7 billion worth in 2030.*
As Wendy McGuinness stated, this liability is “very real, however, it is still not showing up in the Government’s accounts.”
In his remarks, Minister Watts may have indicated the Government’s plans with respect to meeting our international obligations, which was to avoid them. He suggested that paying this sort of money wasn’t politically palatable given New Zealanders would prefer to see that money spent on health and education.**
The domestic politics are no doubt significant. But if we don’t use international offsets in some form, it leaves the Government with one of two bold choices: mitigate domestic emissions even faster than planned and meet the NDC, or default on our international obligations.
The draft Emissions Reduction Plan 2 didn’t suggest the Government planned to rapidly increase a domestic decarbonisation ambition.
This leaves a Government that is laser focused on economic growth, particularly through export trade, potentially considering the option of eschewing our international responsibilities on climate change.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”150808″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]If we don’t meet our international climate change commitments, we put at risk our political and trading relationships. This isn’t theoretical; Aotearoa New Zealand’s EU and UK free trade agreements both have provisions in them about supporting the Paris Agreement. We can’t support the agreement if we don’t intend to meet its provisions.
This matters at the firm level, too. Our major exporters like Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms are very aware that their customers are demanding low emissions from their supply chains. This demand is being fortified by the introduction of climate financial disclosures regimens among almost all of our trading partners.
Sensible economic policy is real action to decarbonise the economy: households will benefit from cheaper energy costs; firms will benefit from certainty of direction and export markets; and inward investment will be generated.
Let’s hope we hear that at CCBC 2025.
_
Source:
**This interview with the Minister featured in Carbon News further explains.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The post Thoughts from the Climate Change & Business Conference 2024 appeared first on Drive Electric.
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”10″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]23 August 2024
Second Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP2) submission
In mid 2024 the Government opened consultation on the ERP2, 2026 to 2030.
Download the Drive Electric submission to the Government.
Thank you to all the members who provided feedback, we will continue to keep you updated as information becomes available.
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The post Drive Electric’s submission on the second Emissions Reduction Plan (2026-2030) consultation appeared first on Drive Electric.