The Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme encourages car dealerships to further develop their ability in selling and servicing electric vehicles and build consumer confidence in electric vehicle technology.
Audi is the first car manufacturer in the UK to receive EVA accreditation across its entire network of Centres. EVA accreditation has been developed by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), endorsed by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), and independently audited by the Energy Saving Trust.
Despite having one of the largest networks of retailers in the UK, Audi is the first brand to achieve 100 percent EVA approval across its 113 Centres.
As part of the EVA accreditation, each Audi Centre is independently audited by the Energy Saving Trust to verify that they meet a set of standards covering EV sales and aftersales. These include the customer qualification process, staff knowledge and training, EV demonstration and handover processes as well as the availability of EV service bays and charge points on site.
In the first 10 months of 2022, Audi UK sold 9,781 electric vehicles representing a 12.6 percent increase year-on-year. Today’s line-up of fully electric models comprises the e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT and high-performance RS e-tron GT, as well as the Q4 e-tron SUV and Q4 Sportback e-tron.
Within the next three years, Audi’s product portfolio will expand to include at least 20 fully electric vehicles.
Commenting on Audi’s success, Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which launched the EVA scheme, said: “Audi reaching 100 percent EVA accreditation across its entire UK network is an incredible achievement and is another significant milestone for the NFDA’s EVA scheme itself. The financial investment and dedication to achieve this highlights the importance Audi places on the decarbonisation of UK transport and its expertise in the EV retailing sector. We are delighted to now call one of the most recognisable automotive manufacturers 100 percent Electric Vehicle Approved.
“The rapid growth of the programme means that consumers looking to make the shift to electric will be able to do so at an increasing number of EVA sites, benefiting from the informed sales staff, a better range of EV models and improved EV facilities and charge points. This will all contribute to improving consumer confidence and drive EV adoption. We hope that Audi is the first of many to achieve 100 percent accreditation as the scheme continues to gain momentum and increase its coverage of dealerships within the UK.”