EV Retail Ready launched for dealerships
A new training scheme, EV Retail Ready, has been introduced to support independent car dealerships selling used electric vehicles.
The free programme, been developed by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, The Independent Motor Dealer Association, and EVA England, aims to help give independent dealers the same electric vehicle expertise as manufacturer-backed dealerships.
It comprises four modules looking at electric vehicle commercial viability, energy and charging information, real-world costs, and the customer journey.
Each module is expected to take about eight hours and can be completed at the learner’s own pace. Individual accreditation follows completion, with the dealership also receiving wider accreditation once all staff have completed the course.
Toby Poston, chief executive at BVRLA, said: “Independent dealers are a fundamental part of the transition to electric vehicles. More EVs are entering the used market every month, and we need to make sure businesses across the sector have the confidence and knowledge to sell them successfully.
“EV Retail Ready offers independent dealers free access to practical support. The industry has come together because a healthy used EV market benefits everyone; fleets, dealers and, ultimately, motorists looking for an affordable route into electric driving.”
Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, added: “The showroom is often a new EV driver’s first point of contact and where they go for advice on whether this is the right car for them. They need reassurance from salespeople who understand these cars.
“This free training programme will provide much-needed support to independent dealers to help them do that.”
