EV wiz Keith Johnston to front for Oz company in UK
One of Europe’s most high profile electric car marketing experts has been retained by Australian electric car systems maker, Energetique, to represent the company’s operations in the UK and Europe.
Keith Johnston, who successfully launched the Indian-made Reva G-Wiz all-electric vehicle onto London streets for UK company GoinGreen in the mid-2000s, is widely credited for making the Reva G-Wiz the world’s best selling electric vehicle.
Under Johnston, GoinGreen was named UK Start-up Business of the Year 2004 and he was recognised as one of the UK’s Top 10 Ecopreneurs 2007. He was also named among the Global Top 50 Low Carbon Pioneers of 2008.
On November 6, Johnston began his association with Energetique and its British engineering partner, RLE International, by co-driving the company’s Max EV in the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge. The Max EV, an electrified Volkswagen Caddy Maxi long wheelbase van developed with RLE, was among 64 low emission vehicles entered in the rally and was the biggest event of its kind ever held.
‘The Max EV is a superb example of smooth and powerful electric propulsion and engineering with enormous potential for fleets requiring heavy payload capability in a Light Commercial Vehicle. The digital systems and vehicle-to-grid development work are advanced whilst its 165 mpg equivalent fuel consumption recorded during the Future Car Challenge is an indication of its efficiency. The vehicle is the best of its type I have driven,’ Johnston said.
‘The collaboration with RLE and other as yet unnamed partners means that we will offer fleets anything from a best-in-class LCV, to a combined mobility and energy solution designed to move company fleets towards zero carbon, energy self-financing operations.’ Johnston said.
Dr Phil Coop, CEO of Energetique based in Armidale, NSW, said: ‘Energetique and RLE have received a dozen enquiries about the vehicle and its electronic systems, including one from a major car maker and another from a global electronic systems manufacturer. Keith’s experience will be invaluable in helping us enter the European EV market with our advanced technologies.’
