How car dealerships can help drive the EV revolution
By Tom McDonnell, Senior Business Development Manager for EQUANS UK & IrelandHow car dealerships can help drive the EV revolution
By Tom McDonnell, Senior Business Development Manager for EQUANS UK & Ireland
One of the biggest considerations drivers face today is whether to make the leap from a petrol or diesel vehicle to an EV. Compared to petrol and diesel, the EV sector has limited vehicle choices and, in many cases, lengthy delays due to EV availability. Car dealerships can play an instrumental role in helping drivers make the change to an EV and in doing so, re-shaping the market.
Whilst car dealerships can only sell what is available, it is also worth considering that dealerships can influence customers, which in turn drives up supply and can positively influence manufacturers.
EV usage has grown a massive 5000% in the past ten years and by 2024, it is predicted 50% of new car sales will be EV. The sales have continued an upward trajectory month on month – even during the Covid19 pandemic and so this increased appetite for EV isn’t to be taken too lightly.
A common preconception from drivers is that EVs need to be recharged almost every day, making them inconvenient. However, the reality is that the average driver travels on average 142 miles a week, whereas the range of some EVs is almost double that. This is where dealerships have the opportunity to educate their clients – not only can EVs provide long term cost savings, but they also suit the lifestyles and driving habits of most people today.
"EV usage has grown a massive 5000% in the past ten years and by 2024, it is predicted 50% of new car sales will be EV."
Change is scary – and this can be true for the manufacturer, dealership AND consumer. But it’s the dealerships that arguably have the biggest power to reinforce change. They can best demonstrate the benefits of EV or attempt to introduce or influence the option to customers that are set in their ways.
A simple and effective way of doing this is having access to everything you need to showcase an EV to hand. This includes a charge point on site and being set up for simple demonstrations. The ability to offer demos will support in opening minds and wallets. What’s more, you’ll be able to send your customer away in a fully charged vehicle.
This in turn – will drive interest in EV’s, which can be reported back to manufacturers and similarly – if you are getting several queries to see/test drive EV’s but you don’t have the physical stock, this should be flagged with the manufacturers, who can then review their arsenal and will put pressure on them to make additions to stay competitive in a thriving marketplace.
Change is scary – and this can be true for the manufacturer, dealership AND consumer. But it’s the dealerships that arguably have the biggest power to reinforce change.
Our EV team is always happy to assist by seeking cost effective solutions and minimising infrastructure costs. We have over 10 years of experience in offering end-to-end charging solutions, from project design, through to charge point operation and maintenance. We can work with dealerships on a site-by-site basis to develop a bespoke solution built around your budget, power availability and overall objectives.
We'll work with you to make sure your site is EV ready. We can also offer support and training to equip your team with the knowledge they need to sell EVs and use the charge points.
Our back-office software – The GeniePoint Platform – enables us to offer a 24/7 managed service, including active load management and status reporting. We have installed at more than 100 multi manufacturer sites also own and operate our own EV charging network – GeniePoint, which powers more than 100,000 EV drivers.
If you’d like further information or would like to discuss charge points for your dealership, please email me at thomas.mcdonnell@equans.com