Reading-headquartered car and van leasing firm Select Car Leasing has named Shane Pither as the new head of its electric division.

The company, which has a fleet of around 80,000 vehicles on UK roads and close to 300 staff, said Pither’s new role will focus on many aspects, including equipping customers with information about charging and energy solutions as well as how to choose the most suitable EV.

READ MORE: Hampshire’s InstaVolt launches in Republic of Ireland

Pither, who was formerly head of automotive innovation at Select, is also tasked with building relationships with key industry partners to enhance the firm’s overall EV offering.

“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,” he said.

“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,” he added.

Pither is also rallying against some of the misconceptions when it comes to EVs, having issued a new guide exploring the Top 10 EV myths most in need of being busted.

A recent survey of the company’s website visitors showed 40% of respondents were ‘seriously considering’ an EV as their next car or van, while around 44% were also looking to make the switch to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) within the next four years.

Pither noted: “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.”

Mark Tongue, joint CEO and founder of Select Car Leasing, said: “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.”