New scheme to recognise EV approved dealerships

A new government-backed scheme is aiming to create a trusted brand and increase the confidence of drivers looking to buy an electric vehicle.

With uncertainty and poor advice having been identified as a key barrier to electric vehicle ownership, the initiative means that car dealerships with staff skilled in selling and servicing electric vehicles will be formally approved and promoted.

The scheme will therefore create a trusted brand, increasing the confidence of drivers looking to buy an electric vehicle. This will then also encourage car dealers to develop their expertise in servicing electric vehicles, as the country continues to move towards a zero-emission future.

Following a successful pilot scheme, in which the electric vehicle skills of 12 dealerships were audited, it is already estimated there will be 130 Electric Vehicle Approved sites across the UK by the end of 2019.

Jesse Norman, Future of Mobility Minister, 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).