The Sydney-based company that transformed a few Tesla Model S electric vehicles into Australia’s first zero-emissions luxury chauffeur service has attracted a high profile investor, with Adelaide-based tech guru Simon Hackett buying a 10 per cent stake in the venture.
Founded in June 2015, the privately-owned company – Evoke – currently has a Sydney-based fleet of five Tesla Model S “limousines”, and offers “luxury transfers” from point-to-point, including to and from Sydney airport.
The fleet, which plans to include three Model X SUVs by mid 2017, is also available for weddings, vehicle demonstrations and other special occasions.
Hackett, who was recently promoted to CEO of Brisbane-based battery maker Redflow, is also known as Australia’s leading “Tesla enthusiast”, owning several of the high-end fully electric vehicles, including a Model X.
Hackett said he had met Evoke founder Pia Peterson through the Tesla community, and used her Tesla chauffeur service whenever he was in Sydney.
His investment in the company, he said, would support the company’s growth, including the purchase of the three Model X cars and expansion into the Melbourne market.
“Evoke offers a great service with wonderful cars, so I’m delighted to now assist with its development,” Hackett said in a statement, describing the company’s contribution to the environment as “quite an achievement.”
Peterson said the addition of the Model X cars would accommodate the transportation of larger families, and provide more flexibility for Evoke’s corporate partners.
“We’re also looking to launch our business in Melbourne next year, so Simon’s support will greatly assist with our expansion plans,” she said.
Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.
