Purpose of accreditation
The Electric Vehicle Approved scheme is a new, Government-backed, accreditation which helps motorists find dealerships that offer good service when selling and maintaining electric cars. In other words, such dealerships have been independently assessed and demonstrated their competence. But why is accreditation required?
The Government wants drivers to swap their traditional, heavily polluting, vehicles for more eco-friendly alternatives that minimise pollution. However, it recognises there are certain barriers that cause reluctance. It lists uncertainly and bad advice, for starters. The purpose of the scheme is to eradicate such concerns. On this basis, the staff at the accredited dealerships:
- Help drivers pick the right cars
- Increase consumer confidence
- Raise the number of eco-friendly models on the road
- Maintain such vehicles to a high standard post sale
- Display the scheme’s logo as a trusted stamp of approval (the logo is the outline of a blue and green car and a plug)
Government champions new scheme
The Government, therefore, praised the scheme, emphasised its benefits, and said electric cars are increasingly popular in the United Kingdom. Future of Mobility Minister, Jesse Norman, claimed:
‘The record level of ultra-low emission vehicles on the road is good, (and) we seek to end the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars 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 green alternatives.’
National Franchised Dealers Association
The Electric Vehicle Approved scheme has been developed by the National Franchised Dealers Association. Its role is to support, represent, and lobby on behalf of its thousands of members throughout the United Kingdom. Director Sue Robinson explained:
‘Electric Vehicle Accreditation certifies the efforts franchised retailers are making in the EV (electric vehicle) sector to meet the fast growing consumer demand. It also enables them to clearly communicate to their customers their expertise’, Ms Robinson added.
Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust also supports the scheme as it works to minimise energy consumption in a broad context. Head of Transport, Matthew Eastwood, said: ‘Accredited dealers possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to ensure their customers have a positive and well informed experience when buying new or used plug-in cars.’
Mr Eastwood also explained why it is important that eco-friendly vehicles continue to become increasingly common in the UK. ‘With transport generating 26% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the sale of ultra-low and zero emission vehicles is critical in the efforts to reduce carbon emissions’, he emphasised.