The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has partnered with Auto Trader to allow all Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) retailers to display their EVA badge of approval on their adverts.

EVA is an accreditation scheme developed by the NFDA to recognise excellence in the electric vehicle (EV) retail and aftersales sectors.

The scheme, officially launched in May 2019, was endorsed by the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) during a three-month pilot and its first year.

Sue Robinson, director at the NFDA, said: “The EVA accreditation gives motorists the confidence that EV Approved retailers can provide the best possible customer experience in the EV sector.

“Following an extremely successful first year, when retailers responded enthusiastically to the launch of the scheme, it is crucial that more customers understand the value of the EV accreditation going forward.”

Dealerships are independently audited by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) to ensure they meet the scheme’s standards and therefore receive the accreditation.

The standards cover key areas of EV retail and aftersales, including customer communication, staff training and knowledge, and availability of charge points on site.

Tim Anderson, head of transport at Energy Saving Trust, said: “We are delighted that the dealers who have achieved the EVA standard will now be easy more easily identified on Auto Trader. They all have the trained staff, facilities on site and a team motivated to provide a great customer experience when buying or having their EV serviced.

“As well as helping customers find a knowledgeable supplier, this partnership also recognises the hard work EVA dealers have invested in the scheme to qualify for the badge of approval.”

The NFDA says that retailers play a key role in informing customers about the benefits of owning an EV.

Karolina Edwards-Smajda, director for commercial products at Auto Trader, said: “We’re committed to making the consumer buying experience more transparent and as stress free as possible, and in by doing so, helping our retailer partners build more confidence in their brands.

“The introduction of the EVA badge, along with a redesign of how retailers’ information is presented on their Auto Trader adverts, is a big part of that commitment.”

Auto Trader say that its data highlights a growth in consumer demand for low emission vehicles.

Edwards-Smajda said: “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.”

The NFDA’s launch of the EVA scheme followed the Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) publication of its Road to Zero strategy in July 2018.