Cris Chapman, Managing Director of Sevadis, emphasises the need for hands-on experience when it comes to EV charge point training if wholesalers are to gain the maximum business benefit and help the country deliver the charging infrastructure it needs to transition away from fossil fuels.
Despite Tesla sales taking a knock across Europe thanks to controversies surrounding Elon Musk, the influx of EVs from mass manufacturers such as BYD has made ownership increasingly affordable and bolstered the market. Electric vehicles now have around 20% share in the motor industry and there are over 1.4 million such vehicles registered in the UK, with over 380,000 registered in 2024, including 20,000 vans.
Challenges to uptake remain, particularly around anxiety about the lack of charging infrastructure and the shortage of skilled operatives able to keep up with installation demand. Consequently, there is a significant business opportunity for progressive wholesalers to better sell EV charge points to installers or broaden the range of charger brands they’re equipped to sell by undergoing training at Sevadis.
Such training builds confidence and lessens concerns about charge points and their installation, especially around commissioning and software which appear to be a barrier to entry for some installers, though it need not be. By being aware of the full features and benefits of EV charge points, branch staff will be far better equipped to guide customers to the charge point that meets their needs best, while delivering the best sales outcomes.
Central to any charge point training should be the opportunity to install a unit in person. Many manufacturers take a purely classroom based approach, yet experience shows the quality of learning is massively enhanced by getting hands-on with the charger and then installing the software.
Fast and easy installation
In the case of Sevadis, our charge points are fast and easy to install and a morning’s hands-on training – in a group of no more than eight – makes this very clear. Obviously, the advantage of fast and easy installation is the increased productivity it brings – making for more efficient working and increased profit opportunities. This is a key point to get across to installer customers.
The feedback we receive from our training sessions is truly fantastic, particularly when it comes to the practical element – wholesalers can’t praise it enough.
Similarly, a properly structured training session removes any of the potential worries associated with installation and gives wholesalers the necessary insights needed to reassure the anxious purchaser.
Beyond the actual installation exercise, presentations on a typical course would cover types of electric vehicles; types of connectors and modes of charging; load management and charging times; software and commissioning; installation considerations such as location, connectivity and cabling requirements and, finally, relevant legislation such as the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 and the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023.
Supporting the switch
The government has obviously put its full weight behind EVs, not least with it banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, and new hybrids from 2035. It is also supporting the switch away from fossil fuels with grant initiatives and increased regulation.
The direction of travel is only one way and working with Sevadis to obtain the necessary sales skills to exploit the demand of EV charge points can only be good for business, the environment and the wholesaler’s profits.
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