Government’s New EV Approval Scheme Open to Independent Dealers

Independent car dealers and auctioneers can apply to be audited and recognised as an Electric Vehicle Approved retailer if they meet the standards of a government-backed nationwide scheme unveiled this week which aims to boost buyers’ confidence in EVs and the garages selling and servicing them.

The standard for electric vehicle dealer accreditation has been developed by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST) and dealers will have to demonstrate that they have fast charger facilities, the sales staff are trained to sell them and the technicians are qualified for EV work.

There is a minimal administration fee of £100 but for the rest of this year, any associated costs will be picked up by the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

Car dealers meeting the standards will be able to use the EVA logo in their advertising and promote themselves as being specialist dealers for this fast-growing sector.

Costs Picked Up By Government During 2019

In Q1 demand for second-hand AFV hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric cars grew by 31% year on year and although the volume and overall market share are relatively small, with 32,272 models changing hands for 1.6% of the quarter’s total sales, it is by far the biggest growth area.

Launching the scheme at this week’s London Motor Show, Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA, said: “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.”

A spokesman for the Retail Motor Industry Federation confirmed that independent dealers, as well as franchised ones, can apply to join the scheme.

He said:

“It is open to all car dealers, independents or franchised and auction houses too. All they need do is apply, the Energy Saving Trust will phone them and ask basic questions about things like the availability of a fast charger and the qualifications of their technicians and if that is all OK they can proceed to do a more detailed audit. There is a small admin fee but for the rest of 2019 any other cost is being picked up by OLEV.”

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