A new training programme from the BVRLA, IMDA and EVA England is giving independent dealers free practical support to confidently stock and sell used electric vehicles.
The industry-backed programme has been developed with support from Lex Autolease, mfldirect – the remarketing arm of Motability Operations – Octopus Electric Vehicles and Zenith.
EV Retail Ready aims to give independent dealers practical knowledge and confidence as growing numbers of electric cars reach the second-hand market.
While demand for second-hand EVs is increasing, the industry recognises that further support is needed, the companies said, with dealers and consumers “need confidence to absorb the growing supply in a sustainable way that works for vehicle providers, dealers and motorists”.
Through a free-to-access programme, completed online at the dealer’s discretion and convenience, four modules take the learner through commercial viability, energy and charging, in-life costs, and the customer journey.
Delegates can access the content and complete the assessments at a time and pace that work for them, with the full programme expected to take up to two hours per individual.
Upon completing the course, the individual will be officially credited. Dealerships can receive wider accreditation when all consumer-facing staff have completed the programme.
In addition to the programme’s training materials, EV Retail Ready users can access the ClearWatt EV Explorer, providing vehicle-specific information on areas including batteries, charging and real-world range.
Toby Poston, BVRLA chief executive, said:
“Independent dealers are a fundamental part of the transition to electric vehicles. More EVs are entering the used market every month and we need to make sure businesses across the sector have the confidence and knowledge to sell them successfully.
“EV Retail Ready offers independent dealers free access to practical support. The industry has come together because a healthy used EV market benefits everyone; fleets, dealers and, ultimately, motorists looking for an affordable route into electric driving.”
Gareth Angove, Head of Business at the IMDA, said:
“The IMDA is delighted to be involved in EV Retail Ready. Independent dealers now have a free tool that helps them understand EVs, sell them with confidence, and give customers the reassurance they’re looking for.”
Vicky Edmonds, CEO, EVA England, added:
“We are delighted to be partnering with the BVRLA and other important voices in the sector to deliver the EV Retail Ready scheme. The showroom is often a new EV driver’s first point of contact and where they go for advice on whether this is the right car for them. They need reassurance from salespeople who understand these cars. This free training programme will provide much needed support to independent dealers to help them do that.
“Our 2026 nationwide driver survey found that around a third of drivers had a positive handover experience. But 1 in 10 still rated their handover experience as poor or very poor, highlighting that consistency and education remain important.”
Image courtesy of BVRLA
