Car dealerships who specialise in electric vehicles to be accredited

A government-backed scheme will see car dealerships who provide a quality service selling electric vehicles (EVs) formally accredited.

Research by What Car? released earlier this year claimed that ‘conflicting and confusing’ information on EVs has created a ‘knowledge gap’ that is holding people back from buying an EV, so the scheme aims to build trust, improve knowledge and increase the confidence of motorists looking to buy an EV.

Successful dealerships will be known as ‘Electric Vehicle Approved’, and following a pilot scheme, in which the electric vehicle skills of 12 dealerships were audited, it’s estimated there will be 130 Electric Vehicle Approved sites across the UK by the end of 2019.

The scheme will also encourage car dealers to develop their expertise in servicing electric vehicles through training programmes.

Future of Mobility Minister Jesse Norman said: ‘Record levels of ultra-low emission vehicles on our roads are good news, as we seek to end the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2040.

‘The accreditation recognises businesses with knowledge, capability and commitment to electric vehicles, and will help to encourage more car owners to switch to a greener alternative.’

The standard for electric vehicle dealer accreditation has been developed by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

Sue Robinson, director at the NFDA, added, ‘It is extremely positive to join forces with the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles and the Energy Saving Trust to develop EVA, an initiative which we expect to play a key role in the market transition to electric vehicles.

‘EVA will certify the efforts franchised retailers are making in the EV sector to meet the fast-growing consumer demand and will enable them to clearly communicate to their customers their expertise in the sector.’

Earlier this year, a consultation was launched to look at ways to accelerate the slow take-up of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK.

The proposed EV Governance Framework (EVGF) will include common rules and standards — such as on smart charging and data sharing — to help the market operate more efficiently, champion innovation and boost sluggish consumer confidence in EVs.

Photo credit – Pixabay