A new government-backed scheme has been launched to recognise dealerships skilled in selling and servicing electric vehicles.

Government research found that uncertainty and poor advice were the main barriers pushing drivers against electric vehicle ownership. The Electric Vehicle Approved scheme intends to alleviate these fears and create trusted brands to reassure drivers looking to go electric.

The scheme also intends to motivate car dealers to grow their expertise in servicing electric vehicles, as the UK continues to move towards a zero-emission future – supported by the government’s comprehensive £1.5 billion Road to zero strategy.

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.”

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

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

The Department for Transport (DfT) has said that this new initiative will be fundamental tot the government’s ambition to end the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars.

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”.

Successful dealerships will be known as ‘Electric Vehicle Approved’ and awarded for their commitment to training, their quality advice, and their effective service.

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