EVA scheme funding confirmed for NFDA throughout 2022

In a win for the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), it's been announced the group has secured funding for a dedicated Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme until the end of the financial year in April 2023. 

Thanks to an injection of cash from the UK Government, the scheme in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, will continue to be funded in a move to directly benefit small franchised and independent dealers. 

Additional support from the Government also means that the NFDAs Repair and Aftersales centre pilot scheme will also have its funding extended for a further six months, until the end of September.

Here at Octane Finance, we explain more about the NFDA and its associated schemes…  

What is the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA)? 

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is the voice of franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK. Its role is to lobby, represent and support members of the automotive group which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK.

As a key pillar of the UK economy, the automotive retail sector has a turnover of around £220 billion a year and employs around 540,000 people. Many of these individuals work within the 4,500 franchise outlets across the UK. 

The NFDA’s purpose is to ensure the voice of dealers is heard and that they are supported when facing issues that impact automotive retailers on a daily basis.  

What is the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme?

In May 2019, the NFDA developed a government-backed initiative called the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme. Its aim was to certify retailers’ excellence within the EV sector. 

Its main objective is to encourage retailers to enhance their expertise within the electric vehicle sector, whilst supporting consumer confidence as the market moves towards a future of EV ownership. 

The EVA accreditation scheme receives notable support; it is endorsed and subsidised by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, and is independently audited by the Energy Saving Trust. So how does the scheme actually work?

Well, EVA certifies the efforts and investments that retailers are making in a bid to meet ever-growing consumer demand as we shift our habits to embrace a greener way of living. It is the only scheme of its kind in the UK to provide a specific EV accreditation to retailers who meet a certain set of standards. 

As such, Government ministers were so impressed with efforts by the NFDA, that they agreed to extend funding towards the scheme beyond the original deadline. The only caveat being that the funding extension applies to small franchised and independent dealers only.  

How does the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme benefit dealers?

If you’re unsure how the NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme works, then allow us to explain… 

The EVA recognises and promotes dealers’ expertise in the electric vehicle sector and promotes the industry standards for the benefit of the consumer. In a move towards a zero-emissions future, the scheme encourages dealerships to further develop and enhance their ability in selling and servicing electric vehicles. 

Many dealers now display ‘EVA approved’ badges in their dealership showrooms and similar images on their websites. Dealers can only display these official membership partnership logos if they agree and adhere to the training and changes implemented by the NFDA. This doesn’t just apply to management and sales staff, aftersales and technical team members must also undergo the same training. 

Having met certain criteria, dealers are encouraged to assign an on-site EV ambassador who is able to facilitate customers EV needs. It goes without saying that the dealership must offer access to an EV demonstrator for test drives, as well as a rapid-grade EV charger for customer use. 

EVA membership shows customers that your dealership is a trusted EV provider and information source, by providing a wealth of knowledge and electric vehicle solutions in-keeping with the Government’s overall ‘Road to Zero’ strategy.  

In February 2022, the NFDA reached a milestone of 300 EVA accredited sites across the UK. Of course the funding extension means that many more retailers can be reached throughout 2022 and into the first part of 2023. You can access a list of EVA member dealerships via the official EVA website. 

What is the Repair and Aftersales centre pilot scheme?

Similarly to the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme, the Repair and Aftersales centre pilot scheme has been developed to reflect certain standards within the automotive retail sector. 

These standards have been adapted to suit businesses who solely repair and service electric vehicles. Sue Robinson, NFDA Chief Executive, explains more about the dedicated scheme: 

“Retailers play a vital role in driving motorists to embrace low and zero emission vehicles. As the number of EVs on the road continues to increase, EV repairers will also need to be recognised and we are delighted to further expand the EVA scheme into aftersales.”

Here at Octane Finance, we’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest NFDA EVA news as the scheme continues throughout 2022. In the meantime, you can stay up-to-date and find out more about becoming an EVA-approved dealer via the NFDA website.