Electrifying Customer Support: Why Car Dealerships Should Do More for New Electric Car Owners
Electrifying Customer Support: Why Car Dealerships Should Do More for New Electric Car Owners
In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by environmental concerns, government incentives, and technological advancements. As more consumers embrace this change, car dealerships must evolve to cater to the unique needs of new electric car owners. While some dealerships have taken steps in the right direction, many still have room for improvement. In this article, we will explore why car dealerships should be doing more to support new electric car owners.
Education and Training:
One of the foremost challenges for electric car owners is adapting to the new technology. Dealerships can play a vital role in easing this transition by providing education and training programs to their staff. Sales representatives should be well-versed in electric vehicle technology, enabling them to educate potential buyers effectively. Additionally, workshops and training sessions on EV maintenance, charging, and software updates can empower owners to make the most of their new vehicles. I have met countless people who have said when purchasing their electric car, they knew more about it than the salesperson in the showroom. This is something that shouldn’t be the case and almost certainly has led to people being advised to by a car that is unsuitable for their needs.
Test Drives and Demonstrations:
Electric vehicles can be unfamiliar for traditional car buyers. Dealerships should make it easier for potential buyers to experience EVs by offering extended test drives. Letting customers experience the quiet, smooth ride, instant torque, and advanced technology of electric cars can help dispel common misconceptions. What you can’t tell from a 20-minute test drive is how well it the car going to fit in to your lifestyle. This is where a 24 hour or longer test drive can really help people understand the logistics of EV ownership. Having a longer test drove would enable customers to use the car as they normally would. The one issue with longer test drives is that there is the issue of recharging. While a 3 pin plug can be used in a pinch it would probably be more beneficial for dealers to explain how to rapid charge. In a way, this is solving many of the frequent anxiety building points for new EV owners.
Collaboration with Charging Networks:
Dealerships should actively collaborate with local charge point installers to enable a seamless install of a charge point before the vehicle is delivered. When I purchased my first EV, which was a used Renault ZOE, the dealership offered no help in getting a charge point installed as the car wasn’t new. I then had to source my own charger and company to install this which added to the complexities of the car purchase. It became increasingly frustrating when the charger arrived 2 weeks after the car, meaning that I was at the mercy of the public charging networks at a time when there wasn’t that much about.
In conclusion, the transition to electric vehicles is not just a change in propulsion technology; it represents a shift in the way we think about transportation. Car dealerships have a crucial role to play in this transition by providing robust support systems for new electric car owners. Ultimately, this investment in electric vehicle support will not only benefit new owners but also enhance the reputation of forward-thinking dealerships in the evolving automotive landscape.
A quick reminder that if you have a question that you want answered about EVs then email in to events@nottinghamevs.co.uk
