Charged Fleet Logo

BYD Names Former Tesla Exec Head of Truck Team

BYD (Build Your Dreams) has named experienced business development executive Aaron Gillmore, formerly at Tesla and SolarCity, vice president of Truck Business for the electric-truck maker.

December 4, 2019
BYD Names Former Tesla Exec Head of Truck Team

 

2 min to read


BYD (Build Your Dreams) has named experienced business development executive Aaron Gillmore, formerly at Tesla and SolarCity, vice president of Truck Business for the electric-truck maker.

Gillmore comes to BYD from Tesla, where he was director of builder, military, and federal sales. Prior to that, he was vice president, solar development, at SolarCity Corp. in San Mateo, Calif. He held that post from 2009 to 2017.

Ad Loading...

In his new role, Gillmore will oversee project management, engineering, sales, and aftersales for BYD’s truck business.

An accomplished business development executive, Aaron Gillmore comes to BYD from Tesla, Inc. where he was director of builder, military and federal sales. 

“Aaron understands the BYD mission and fits our culture,” BYD North America President Stella Li said. “He brings a diverse skill set to BYD with years of talent as an executive leader in his previous roles. Given our successful deployment of heavy trucks at the ports and for private customers, BYD has already established a foothold as an industry leader. Given Aaron’s background and strong leadership history, I’m expecting he can lead the truck team to its next level,”

Gillmore said the opportunity to grow BYD’s business in an emerging sector of the electric vehicle market is limitless. In recent weeks the company has announced several high-profile rollouts, including the sale of 21 8TT all-electric delivery trucks to Anheuser Busch.

“BYD trucks are already hard at work,” Gillmore said. “These sturdy all-electric vehicles are being used in applications as varied as refuse pick-up, hauling containers at the ports and delivering goods to homes and businesses throughout the U.S.”

In addition, BYD’s John Gerra will be promoted to the position of senior director of truck business development. He will focus on electrifying the refuse industry and strategic corporate fleets.

Ad Loading...

In 2008, BYD said it became the first company in the world to sell mass production of plug-in hybrid electrified vehicles (PHEVs). Since 2015, BYD’s sales of BEVs and PHEVs have been ranked first in the world for four consecutive years.

Originally posted on Work Truck Online

More Vehicle Research

Silver 2027 Lexus NX compact crossover shown from the front three-quarter view. The updated lineup includes NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 7, 2026

2027 Lexus NX Moves to Fully Electrified Lineup

For 2027, the NX moves to an entirely electrified lineup, with either hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Read More →
Five University at Buffalo representatives stand behind a ribbon beside a colorful transit bus and UB-branded charging station, with the Victor E. Bull mascot nearby.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 3, 2026

2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback Named Green SUV of the Year

Green Car Journal recognized Mitsubishi’s new battery-electric crossover, which offers NACS compatibility and DC fast charging at up to 150 kW.

Read More →
Dave Caroll and Lisa Drake's headshots sit side by side on a Charged Fleet graphic
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 2, 2026

Dave Carroll Named President of Ford Energy

Carroll succeeds Lisa Drake, who will remain with Ford through Dec. 31 to support the leadership transition.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A row of white fleet vans with the NAFA and Green Fleet Awards logos over it.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 31, 2026

City of Long Beach Named No. 1 Green Fleet of 2026

NAFA's 2026 Green Fleet Awards recognized fleets for sustainability efforts spanning alternative fuels, technology, facilities, workplace culture and fleet operations.

Read More →
2027 LEXUS ES BATTERY-ELECTRIC MODELS RETURN WITH UP TO 307 MILES OF EPA-ESTIMATED TOTAL RANGE
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 13, 2026

2027 Lexus ES Adds First Battery-Electric Models

The ES 350e and ES 500e join the hybrid ES lineup with up to 338 hp, an EPA-estimated 307 miles of range and standard NACS charging capability.

Read More →
Fleet manager stands near an EV charging station and looks toward a row of white cargo vans in a rainy fleet yard. Text reads “EV Fleet Reality Check?”
Vehicle ResearchAugust 11, 2026

EV Fleet Reality Check: What Operators Wish They Knew Before Electrifying Their Work Vans

Electric work truck upfits bring new compatibility questions. Learn how parts availability, OEM guidance, power demands, and route planning can affect fleet performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Silver 2027 Toyota C-HR battery-electric SUV parked beside a lake with mountains in the background.

2027 Toyota C-HR Offers 287-Mile Range and Standard AWD

Toyota’s 2027 C-HR brings 287 miles of estimated range, standard all-wheel drive, and NACS fast-charging capability to the compact EV market. See what its mix of performance, cargo space, and everyday technology could offer business users.

Read More →
Green bar graphs showing quarterly increases and declines in EV sales volume
Hybridsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 10, 2026

New Vehicle Models Stabilize Electrified Market In Q2

But more credit goes to hybrids than to all-electric vehicles, as more buyers look for fuel-efficient alternatives amid high gas prices.

Read More →
Yellow Slate pickup truck on a platform.
Electric Vehiclesby Martin RomjueJune 26, 2026

Slate Debuts Colorful, Unique EV Models

A recent media and client event, studded with electric vehicles dressed up on platforms, planted a new position for the manufacturer in the wider EV market. Fleets will find cost-saving advantages.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Yellow Slate Fastback on a raised platform in a warehouse.
Electric Vehiclesby Martin RomjueJune 25, 2026

Slate Electric SUV, Pickup Switchable Model Aims For Light-Duty Fleets

Everything about this EV is counterintuitive and understated, making it stand out from the crowd.

Read More →