Q&A: Steve Tigar, entrepreneur and CEO of loveelectric

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Modern Fleet talked to Steve Tigar an entrepreneur and CEO of loveelectric, a new ethical fintech aiming to make low-cost electric car leasing a reality for employers and their workforce.

What car do you drive?

Tesla Model 3.  It’s our first electric car as a family and it’s a big hit with everyone – especially the “careoke” feature!

How and when did you get into this industry (with regards to EVs)?

I launched loveelectric.cars in August 2021, but started working on the idea earlier in the year.

How can we encourage more people into the industry (with regards to EVs)?

As the industry is experiencing explosive growth, I believe it’s already attracting a lot of fresh talent.  This is really positive in bringing a fresh perspective.  However, it’s no secret that the industry is still male dominated – I saw a stat that only 16% of staff employed across car dealerships are female.  We’re fortunate that our team has a 50/50 gender split and things like flexible working, good training and demystifying EVs all help!

What are your industry predictions for the next 12 months (with regards to EVs)?

2022 will bring an inflection point in EV adoption.  EVs are already outselling diesel cars and the continued innovation in the sector along with the maturing of the charging infrastructure will lead to the majority of new cars sold being electric.  As a consequence of the rising demand, I think we’ll see a deluge of start-ups and an inflow of capital into the industry.

What is the strangest or most challenging job you have done?

Probably starting up loveelectric.cars with zero industry experience.  It certainly raised a few eyebrows!  However, I liked what Alex Chesterman (the founder of Cazoo) said recently when people questioned his ability to disrupt an industry he knew little about.  His response was that he is a consumer and is therefore perfectly qualified to know what is broken in the customer experience and what needs to be fixed.  I love the confidence and boldness of that approach!

If you had your time again, would you have followed the same career path?

Definitely.  I knew I wanted to lead fast-growing tech businesses in my mid-20s.  I first embarked on a year-long entrepreneurial scholarship in Boston USA and when I came back to the UK I was fired up to do just that.  I have since led businesses in very different industries: property, financial services and now electric cars.

If you had been reincarnated, who or what do you think you were in a past life?

Seve Ballesteros.  It’s the only sensible explanation for why I always go for the impossible golf shot from the trees or bunker.

If you could invite four people to a dinner party, living or dead, who would they be, and why?

Billy Connolly for a good laugh.  Asa Cander, the founder of Coca-Cola and Christian philanthropist, who would no doubt have some interesting stories to tell about founding and growing a global brand that has endured for over 100 years.  And, for the after-dinner entertainment, Tyson Fury and AJ!

What are your passions outside the workplace?

My Christian faith.  My family.  And really any sport, although I do more spectating than participating these days.

If they made a film about your life who would play you?

David Jason – “this time next year Rodney…!”

Describe yourself in five words?

Creative, empathetic, hard-working, ambitious, and hopefully, generous.

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