Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme reopens for dealers to drive EV uptake

The Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme reopens today (12 October 2020).

EVA recognises dealers’ expertise in the electric vehicle sector and promotes industry standards for the benefit of the consumer. The scheme encourages dealerships to further develop their ability in selling and servicing electric vehicles, as the country continues to move towards a zero-emission future.

The EVA accreditation scheme was developed by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and launched in May 2019.

Following the success of EVA’s first year, which saw over 100 dealers obtain accredited status, the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) has renewed its co-sponsorship of the scheme.

The scheme is backed by Energy Saving Trust (EST), who independently audit dealerships to verify that they meet a set of standards covering EV sales and aftersales. These include the customer qualification process, staff knowledge and training, EV demonstration and handover processes as well as availability of EV service bays and charge points on site.

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “I’m pleased to see the reopening of the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme, which will develop the expertise of dealerships as we transition to a zero emission future.

“We are committed to embracing a greener transport system, reducing carbon emissions and boosting economic growth in the UK – the EVA scheme is key to helping us achieve that goal.”

Sue Robinson, NFDA chief executive, added: “It is extremely positive that the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme reopens to continue to support the transition to a zero-emission market. Franchised dealers are committed to providing their customers with the best possible experience in the electric vehicle sector and EVA will be key in recognising the efforts and investments dealers are making. EVA will help ensure customers are accurately informed when they visit a dealership and increase their confidence to buy an EV”.

Tim Anderson, head of transport at Energy Saving Trust, said: “We welcome the reopening of the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme. Last year’s pilot assessed and approved over 100 successful dealerships, and the continuation of the scheme will see many more seek this important mark of quality. 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.

“Electric Vehicle Approved brings Energy Saving Trust together with like-minded organisations, particularly the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) who 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.”

The objective of the scheme is to help overcome the barriers facing the development of the electric vehicle sector and increase the confidence of drivers looking to buy an electric vehicle. The application process will be open from 12 October 2020 until April 2021. Slots will be allocated to dealers on a first come, first served basis, with a set of caps on applications aimed at widening dealer participation in the scheme.