Following two extremely successful years and over 200 accredited dealers, NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme has reopened.
The EVA accreditation scheme was developed in 2019 by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) to encourage retailers to enhance their expertise in the electric vehicle sector and support consumer confidence.
EVA certifies the efforts and investments that retailers are making in the EV sector to meet the ever-changing consumer demand. It is the only scheme that provides an EV specific accreditation to retailers who meet a set of standards.
There are over 200 EVA accredited retailers across the UK and a number of additional ones on the waiting list for 2021/2022. Following the reopening of the scheme, retailers can now apply to receive their EVA badge of approval.
The scheme is endorsed by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and Energy Saving Trust. Following two successful years, OZEV has confirmed they will continue to co-fund the scheme.
The EVA status is awarded to individual dealership locations and not to dealer groups. The independent audit is performed by Energy Saving Trust and results in either a pass or referral. NFDA is the awarding body and on receipt of a successful audit report will grant the dealership site EVA status.
Visiting an EVA accredited dealer, consumers can be assured that they will be looked after by retailers with the highest level of expertise in both electric vehicle sales and aftersales.
The EVA standards ensure that consumers will experience a welcoming atmosphere built around the EV culture, impartial advice on switching to an electric vehicle, exceptional levels of product knowledge, EV trained and accredited technicians, on-site chargers, EV courtesy cars and more.
Transport Minister Trudy Harrison commented: “As we work to decarbonise transport across the UK, it is vital dealerships have the training and knowledge they need to advise drivers on the important benefits of switching to electric vehicles.
“That’s why I’m delighted that we are continuing to support the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme to help and endorse even more retailers who are committed to achieving our net zero targets.”
Tim Anderson, Head of Transport, Energy Saving Trust, said: “By providing the sector with an assurance of quality, the Electric Vehicle Approved accreditation scheme has proven to be a key force for good since it was introduced in 2019. All dealerships who secure this certification have passed a robust and independent audit which gives buyers the confidence that they are being advised by knowledgeable staff on both purchase and maintenance.
“The scheme continues to bring together like-minded organisations that share our ambition to increase the sale of electric vehicles and deliver the UK Government’s target to achieve net-zero transport emissions by 2050.”
Sue Robinson, NFDA Chief Executive, added: “Retailers are key to ensure that motorists embrace low and zero emission vehicles and it is extremely positive that our Electric Vehicle Approved accreditation scheme will continue to play a crucial role in electrifying transport. We look forward to continuing to work with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and Energy Saving Trust to drive forward the transition to zero emissions”.
*Article Source www.rmif.co.uk
