8:52 am, October 27, 2026
Independent car dealers are being offered free training to help them stock and sell used electric vehicles as growing numbers of EVs enter the second-hand market.
The BVRLA, Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA) and EVA England have joined forces to launch EV Retail Ready, a new online training programme aimed at helping retailers improve their knowledge of electric cars.
The initiative has been developed with support from Lex Autolease, mfldirect, Octopus Electric Vehicles and Zenith, amid concerns that independent dealers need more support to handle the increasing supply of used EVs.
While franchised dealers can often rely on manufacturer-backed training, independent businesses do not always have access to the same resources, said the BVRLA.
The new programme aims to address that gap by offering practical advice on the commercial and technical aspects of selling electric vehicles.
It comes as the proportion of new cars registered as fully electric continues to rise, increasing from 16.6% in 2022 to 23.4% last year.
According to SMMT figures cited by the organisations, battery electric vehicles accounted for 25.6% of new car registrations in the year to the end of August 2026.
With leasing companies and company car drivers accounting for a substantial proportion of new EV demand, increasing numbers of those vehicles are now reaching the used market.
EV Retail Ready consists of four online modules covering commercial viability, energy and charging, running costs and the customer journey.
The course is expected to take up to two hours to complete and can be undertaken at a time and pace that suits individual dealers.
Participants who successfully complete the training will receive accreditation, while dealerships can also gain accreditation once all customer-facing staff have completed the programme.
Dealers will also be given access to the ClearWatt EV Explorer tool, which provides model-specific information about battery technology, charging and real-world driving range.
The aim is to help sales staff answer customer questions more confidently, particularly around issues that can make buyers hesitant about switching to electric.
BVRLA chief executive Toby Poston said independent dealerss had an important role to play in supporting the growing used EV market.
He 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.’
The scheme also comes amid concerns about the quality of advice and vehicle handovers being offered to electric car buyers.
Research carried out by EVA England earlier this year found that only around a third of EV drivers reported a positive handover experience.
Meanwhile, one in 10 rated their experience as poor or very poor.
EVA England chief executive Vicky Edmonds said dealerships were often the first place prospective EV buyers turned for information.
She said: ‘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.’
Gareth Angove, head of business at the IMDA, added: ‘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.’
The programme is available free of charge to independent car dealers, who can register and access the training through the IMDA website.