NFDA’s EVA scheme continues to grow

By Matt de Prez

15 February 2021

The first retailers who applied to be part of the NFDA’s re-launched Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme have now been accredited.

EVA encourages dealerships to further develop their ability in selling and servicing electric vehicles. It recognises dealers’ expertise in the electric vehicle sector and promotes industry standards for the benefit of the consumer.

The dealerships that have been approved so far this year are: Vertu Skipton Volkswagen, Bristol Street Motors Nottingham Renault and Dacia, Waylands Oxford Volvo, Vertu Harrogate Volkswagen.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors, said: “This initiative by the NFDA puts the road to zero carbon right at the forefront of the sector. This accreditation is an important stepping stone to ensure that the dealerships have the right focus and experience on electric vehicles. The sooner every dealership in the UK has the chance to be accredited the better. I would put the whole Group through it now.”

The Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme was developed by the NFDA to recognise retailers’ excellence in the electric vehicle sector. EVA is endorsed by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and Energy Saving Trust.

In its first year more than 100 dealers obtained EVA accredited status. As a result, the Government renewed its co-sponsorship of the scheme.

Sue Robinson, NFDA chief executive, said: “It is extremely positive to see the NFDA’s EVA scheme continue to develop paying testament to the efforts and investments automotive retailers are making to meet the fast-growing demand for electric vehicles: congratulations to the first accredited dealers of 2021.”

Energy Saving Trust independently audits individual 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.

John O’Hanlon, chief xxecutive of Waylands, added: “I am delighted that Waylands Oxford has become our first retailer to meet NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved Accreditation. Approval is only given after a comprehensive audit undertaken of staff, training and dealership facilities and we are confident that thanks to the EVA badge our customers will immediately understand that we are at the forefront of electric vehicle retail.”