Used car dealers were given an insight into the value of ex-fleet electric vehicles at a recent event run by Arval.

The event showcased the attractiveness and benefits of the ex-fleet electric vehicles

Held at its UK headquarters in Swindon on 13 July, the open day not only showcased a selection of EVs from within Arval’s current used stock but also worked to increase retailers’ understanding and confidence in selling them.

Speakers included Rachael Jones of Auto Trader on the future growth of the EV market and Arval consultant Paul Marchment, who outlined facts to dispel used car buyer concerns about range and charging.

Arval UK’s head of B2B and remarketing partnerships Stuart Chamberlain explained that while the leasing giant is currently disposing of low numbers of EVs – around 1,000 in the last 12 months via its dealer platform Arval MotorTrade and direct to consumers – this is set to grow exponentially in the next couple of years.

“We know that some dealers are quite advanced when it comes to their own retailing of EVs while others are approaching the subject with more caution,” he continued. “What we were aiming to do with this event was really show how the used EV sector is going to increase massively in size quite quickly, look at the key areas of concern for both retailers and their customers, and show the attractiveness and benefits of the vehicles available.”

“It’s all about taking proactive steps to increase education and adoption of the new technology to the benefit of everyone involved in the remarketing process.”

Chamberlain added that a properly functioning used market for EVs was crucial to the overall electrification of the UK’s car parc.

“The used sector is integral to the country’s EV transition and it’s important that used car dealers and their customers feel comfortable and are educated on their capabilities. What we want to do is help build confidence and the feedback received from the event has been very positive. Especially, once dealers try the vehicles, many of their reservations evaporate.

“It is all about fostering future demand as more and more units come to the end of their first company car or salary sacrifice lease.”

Vehicles on hand to try out included the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Renault Megane E-Tech, Genesis GV60, Kia Niro EV and EV6, BMW iX1, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, and the Ford E-Transit.

Arval also used the event as an opportunity to promote understanding of EVs among its own staff who do not currently have an electric car provided through its company car or salary sacrifice schemes.

Rachael Jones, Auto Trader’s director of automotive finance, said: “It’s not only a brand-new technology, but there are also a lot of myths and misinformation surrounding EVs, particularly second-hand ones, so being able to see them first hand, to ask questions, and most importantly, get behind of the wheel of one, is so important to boosting retailers’ understanding and confidence in selling them. Our data shows a very rapid growth in the used EV market, and with electric set to make up over a third of the 0–5-year-old market by 2026, these sorts of events will play a big role in helping Arval’s retailer partners get ahead of the change.”

To see the current range of used EVs on Arval MotorTrade, click here for dealers or here for private car buyers.