NFDA’s Strategic EV Forum held in conjunction with the MHA EV Alliance took place on Thursday 22 July in Warwick. The well-attended event featured many keynote speakers, providing essential and practical guidance to help dealers during the transition to EVs with the challenges and opportunities this brings.
The Forum started with an introduction from NFDA Chief Executive Sue Robinson who gave an overview of the main issues currently at the top of the association’s agenda, including the Block Exemption Regulations as well as the work being carried out to seek clarity for the industry around agency models.
Steve Freeman from MHA provided an overview of the MHA’s EV Alliance, its partners, and the role they play, with a focus on how they can assist dealers. He was followed by NFDA’s Head of Operations, Paddy O'Connell who opened discussions with NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme. Paddy explained the standards retailers need to meet to receive their accreditation and gave an update on the current status of the scheme, which has accredited nearly 200 dealers, and its future directions.
James Debenham from CACI presented the results of a study showing that 42% of UK consumers think their next car will be an EV. Additional analysis of consumers’ demographics and behaviours gave fascinating insights into potential EV buyers, their expectations and perceptions.
Ewan James Cross from Rolton Group discussed the driving factors behind the uptake of EVs, providing the audience with useful guidance around energy needs and chargepoint infrastructure. Complementing Ewan’s analysis, Chris Dore and Stephen Ridsdale from eSmart Networks covered EV infrastructure planning optimisation and showed how to initiate proactive interactions with DNOs.
Possible commercial partnership opportunities for dealerships and charge-points were discussed by Phil Hack from Global EV Network, while Darrell Grimshaw CAE, MIMI from CCG stimulated the audience with practical considerations for sales and aftersales processes. Additional useful tips came from Georgia Harbison, Cognito Learning, who talked about sales processes support and training for dealerships' staff.
The final sessions of the day revolved around the EV tax drivers and opportunities, these were led by MHA’s Rich Hall, Nigel Morris and Anthony McFarlin.
Thank you to everyone who attended, if you would like further information about this or any of our next events, please contact nfda@rmif.co.uk.
