Looking to buy an electric car? A scheme backed by the government makes it easier to find a dealer with a full understanding of electric vehicles.
The Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme is run by the National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA) in association with the Energy Saving Trust (EST). You will also find the EVA badge of approval for car dealers who advertise on Auto Trader.
Dealers will be audited by the EST before they can be awarded accreditation. Matthew Eastwood, head of transport at the EST, said: "EVA accredited dealers possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to ensure their customers have a positive and well informed experience when buying new or used plug-in vehicles, giving consumers confidence and supporting the growing uptake of ultra-low and zero-emission vehicles."
The EVA is the only scheme that certifies the efforts dealers are making to meet growth in demand for electric cars. Every EVA retailer will have a management-level member of staff acting as an 'EV ambassador'.
In addition, an EVA dealer must meet the following standards:
Full information on the EVA standards can be found here.
In a move that's hoped to reassure people new to electric cars, an EVA dealer will ensure customers are comfortable with the functions and details of running an EV. The following information will be provided on collection/delivery:
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.
"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."
Karolina Edwards-Smajda, Auto Trader's director for commercial products, added: "We're committed to making the consumer buying experience more transparent and as stress-free as possible. The EVA badge. is a big part of that commitment.
"All of our data highlights the huge growth in consumer demand for low emission vehicles, so the EVA accreditation is an excellent way for retailers to stand out from their competitors and take advantage of this bright spot in the market."
Follow this link to find your nearest EVA-approved electric car dealer.
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