Vertu Motors achieves EV accreditation at three sites

Vertu Motors has achieved NFDA Electric Vehicle Approved Status (EVA) at three of its sites and expects more to be accredited this year.

Vertu Volkswagen Skipton, Vertu Volkswagen Harrogate and Bristol Street Motors Renault & Dacia Nottingham are the latest dealerships to join the scheme.

It has been created by the NFDA and is endorsed by the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

The goal of the scheme is to enhance dealerships’ understanding of electric vehicles (EV) and ensure customers receive the best advice when buying an electric vehicle.

Richard Hawley (pictured), EV ambassador at Vertu Volkswagen Harrogate, said: “Electric vehicles are the future, and the market is going to continue growing.  Having experts on our sites to guide customers who are potentially buying their first electric vehicle is essential and this scheme makes sure that dealerships are prepared for the EV era and equipped with the knowledge to assist customers and provide the best advice and support.”

To gain the accreditation, colleagues at each dealership must undertake intensive training and must also show a solid understanding of all electric and hybrid model variants.

Key topics within the course include: how to find public charging points, realistic driving range, EV features and their impact on performance and how best to maintain an EV and its battery.

Aftersales and technical colleagues must also complete comprehensive training, with the latter undergoing official EV maintenance and repair training.

The EVA scheme was launched in 2019 to help dealers build on their sales and servicing skills to better meet the needs of a new breed of alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) customer.

Following the success of its first year, which saw more than 100 dealers obtain accredited status, the scheme was re-launched  in October 2020.

Sue Robinson, NFDA chief executive, said: “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. E

“EVA will help ensure customers are accurately informed when they visit a dealership and increase their confidence to buy an EV.”