A new training programme is giving independent dealers free practical support to confidently stock and sell used electric vehicles.
The programme was developed by the BVRLA, IMDA and EVA England, with support from Lex Autolease, mfldirect – the remarketing arm of Motability Operations – Octopus Electric Vehicles and Zenith.
EV Retail Ready aims to give independent dealers practical knowledge and confidence as growing numbers of electric cars reach the second-hand market.
Demand for second-hand EVs is increasing, however, the industry recognises that further support is needed.
By targeting independent dealers, EV Retail Ready is helping to bridge the knowledge and skills gaps that may otherwise be plugged by manufacturer support in the franchised network.
Via a free-to-access programme, completed online at the dealer’s discretion and convenience, four modules take the learner through commercial viability, energy and charging, in-life costs, and the customer journey. Delegates can access the content and complete the assessments at a time and pace that work for them, with the full programme expected to take up to two hours per individual.
Individuals completing the course will be officially credited to help give customers the confidence they seek when searching for their next car. Dealerships can receive wider accreditation when all consumer-facing staff have completed the programme.
In addition to the programme’s training materials, EV Retail Ready users can access the ClearWatt EV Explorer, providing vehicle-specific information on areas including batteries, charging and real-world range. The tool is designed to help dealership teams better understand how electric vehicles perform beyond headline laboratory figures, giving them a practical and consistent source of information when answering customer questions.
Toby Poston, BVRLA chief executive, 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.”
