Dealers rejected for poor EV handovers and lack of specialists

Fleet Evolution is rejecting almost half of the car dealers that apply to join its network, because of a lack of electric vehicle (EV) specialists and poor handover processes.

Andrew Leech, founder and managing director of the salary sacrifice and fleet management specialist, says that UK car retailers are in a unique position to better educate new and prospective buyers about EVs, but many are failing to meet their responsibilities.

As a result, Fleet Evolution now rejects 40% of dealers who apply to join its dealer network because of lack of EV specialists and inadequate handover procedures.

With the overwhelming majority of new EVs sourced through new car retailers, Leech says that they have a duty to instruct and educate buyers in how to use these new vehicles effectively, especially when it comes to charging them.

However, he said: “Many of them fall down in this key area. We currently reject nearly half of all dealers who apply to join our network because of a lack of EV specialists and poor handover processes.

“While they may offer onsite charge points, very few dealers, in our experience, show their customers how to charge their new vehicle properly or explain what type of charger is required and what the differing charge rates are.

“They talk about the drive train, the infotainment system and other points of specification. But they often ignore the key elements required to run an EV effectively.”

Last year, Fleet Evolution reported a record 45% increase in orders for electric cars through its salary sacrifice schemes, a performance which, based on current orders, looks set to be repeated again in 2023.