World’s largest EV producer now in Nelson
Nelson mayor Nick Smith congratulates Car Company owners Ben Brownie and Shane Drummond on bringing a new electric car brand to Nelson. Photo: Amy Russ.
A new car brand has arrived in Nelson and it just happens to be the world’s largest producer of electric vehicles.
BYD started life as a battery company in China in 1995 but moved into electric vehicles in 2002 and is now the world’s largest producer of electric vehicles, including buses and trucks.
It was announced last week that BYD will have a dedicated yard in Nelson, to be build and completed by early 2024.
The Car Company is the dealer for the top of the South Island and managing director Shane Drummond says until completion of the new showroom, the temporary site for BYD will be their showroom at 202 Rutherford St.
Shane says two models from the BYD range are already available in Nelson with more to come and that BYD will cater for the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation options in the region.
“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to embracing the future of automotive technology while continuing to provide our valued customers with unparalleled service and expertise.”
Nelson mayor Nick Smith, who congratulated Shane and business partner Ben Brownie on the acquisition, says EVs are a realistic way to reduce emissions.
“New Zealand is uniquely placed with EVs because 85 per cent of our electricity is renewable – the climate change benefits of EVs is much diminished if the power is generated from burning coal or gas.”
He says Nelson is leading New Zealand in the uptake of EVs at 2 per cent, albeit it is only 823 (including plug-in hybrids).
“Nelson’s other 40,000 fossil-fuelled light vehicles emit 74,000 tonnes of CO2 each year and are our greatest source of emissions.”