Growing demand for electric vehicle knowledge amongst car dealers has led to the introduction of new training sessions on the south coast.

The sessions are being run for sales teams across Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex.

Run by Shoreham Vehicle Auctions and the Energy Saving Trust, the sessions are being run for sales teams at independent dealerships across Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex, giving them the knowledge and confidence to sell electric vehicles to both trade and private buyers.

Subjects covered include charge point compatibility, how the buyer will use the vehicle and associated running costs, subsidiaries and grants for the vehicles and charging technology.

Recent research by Venson Automotive Solutions found 85% of motorists would now consider buying an EV or choosing one as their company car.

Alex Wright, managing director at Shoreham, said: “The dealerships that we’ve already worked with are hungry for as much information as possible on EVs. The ongoing demonisation of diesel is only fuelling consumer interest and intrigue in EV technology; our sessions will give sales teams the answers to the questions they are expected to be asked.”

Shoreham says it’s seen the number of vehicles sold via its dedicated online EV sales grow as a result of running the sessions and is planning to run further sessions focused on electric LCVs in the near future.