On the first day of the NADA Show 2024 in Las Vegas, the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) launched an innovative online electric vehicle (EV) sales training certification program to empower dealership staff to educate car shoppers about the advantages of driving electric.

The ElectrifIQ training program is aimed at training auto sales staff to better educate their customers and address their questions. 

While EV sales are increasing steadily, topping 1 million a year for the first time in 2023, studies find many consumers remain unaware of the full benefits of driving an EV. That’s why NADA and CSE have joined to train frontline dealership sales staff to confidently answer consumer questions about EVs and help consumers navigate the ever-evolving landscape of EVs.

ElectrifIQ, which is open to sales staff at all NADA member dealerships, complements manufacturer-specific training by providing impartial, concise information designed to help sales staff address customer questions such as:

• Will an EV meet my driving needs?
• How long does it take to charge?
• How much does home charging cost?
• What is the total cost of EV ownership?
• Are incentives available to reduce costs?

“America’s franchised car and truck dealers are doing their part to be ready for the electrification of the fleet and to maximize turnover of the country’s retail and commercial vehicle fleets,” said Mike Stanton, NADA president and CEO. “This training program leverages the strengths of NADA and CSE and will ensure dealers are well-prepared to sell and service electric vehicles now and as the electrification space continues to evolve and grow.”

As administrators of statewide EV incentive programs that have helped put over 600,000 EVs on the road, CSE has collaborated with car dealer associations in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Oregon to provide EV training and resources. 

“Auto dealer sales staff sit in the ideal spot – at the point of sale – to help each new car buyer choose to go electric,” said CSE President Lawrence Goldenhersh. “ElectrifIQ is the ‘right time/right place’ training solution to ensure that sales staff can confidently and accurately answer the car buyer’s EV questions, empowering consumers to move from a fossil fuel vehicle to an EV. We are honored to collaborate with NADA to empower these sales teams to become the trusted EV resource for the millions of auto buyers they serve.”

For additional information about the training program, visit the ElectrifIQ website.