The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has teamed up with the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) to help ease consumers' electric vehicle (EV) range anxiety with a new car buyers’ guide.

The new ‘Know Your Electric Range’ guide for consumers aims to help overcome their misconceptions that a perceived lack of zero emissions range still poses a barrier to ownership for those considering the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV).

Providing clear explanations of the new official WLTP range figures and delivering reassurance about their accuracy and reliability is central to the new guide’s approach.

LowCVP managing director, Andy Eastlake, said: “Accelerating the move to low and zero-emissions transport can only happen if consumers have confidence in the new technologies they are being offered – yet too many are still sceptical about the range capabilities of the latest electric cars and have little faith in the official figures, which have previously proved optimistic.

“This guide aims to change this by making motorists (and dealers) aware of the greater reliability of today’s figures and just how capable the latest plug-in hybrid and fully electric cars now are.

“It also explains why your electric range can differ from journey to journey, just as the fuel economy of a petrol or diesel car does.”

Last week the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveald that EVs delivered the biggest percentage registrations volume growth of all fuel types during September, up 236.4% (5,414 units) as the arrival of new models including the Tesla Model 3 and MG ZS EV boosted registrations.

NFDA director, Sue Robinson, said: “As consumer appetite for electric vehicles increases, it is important that motorists have a good understanding of all the benefits and implications of owning an electric car.

“Battery range is often indicated by consumers as a barrier to EV ownership alongside access to charging and cost. However, a clear understanding of a car’s actual driving range can boost consumer confidence.

“Franchised retailers have a vital role to play in informing their customers about the key aspects to consider when purchasing an EV. It is encouraging that our partnership with LowCVP continues to support them”.

Lst month the NFDA appointed the first chairman of its new dedicated EV Group in the form of Jardine Motors Group's commercial director, Jason Cranswick.

The NFDA’s support of car retailers who are making the switch to selling larger volumes of EVs also led to the May 2019 launch of its Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme at an official launch event at the House of Commons.

EVA was developed by NFDA and endorsed by the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST) and aims to certify retailers’ excellence in the electric vehicle sector.

Speaking ahead of the official launch - in front of an audience of MPs at the House of Commons - 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 by 2040.

“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.”

To view and download the new ‘Know Your Electric Range’ guide produced by the NFDA and LowCVP, visit www.lowcvp.org.uk/ElectricRange