California dealers and retailers are selling electric vehicles (EVs) at record-numbers, reaching 25% of the new car market. However, consumers still need support and education surrounding the EV ecosystem. In addition, dealers are experts at selling vehicles, but there are a lot of extra questions customers have when it comes to buying EVs versus a gas vehicle, which can sometimes increase the sales cycle of EVs.
The PlugStar EV dealer certification, training and ongoing support program works to provide critical resources and education on EVs and connect EV-educated consumers with EV-educated dealers to reduce the EV sales cycle and to help dealers sell more EVs!
NCDA is excited to announce the PlugStar program designed specifically for San Diego County dealers and offered for free to NCDA members for a limited time.* Through their PlugStar program, Plug In America works with car dealerships, automakers and retailers nationwide to train and support their salespeople on electric vehicle topics, including the vehicle and battery technology benefits, savings and total cost of ownership, EV sales best practices, local and government incentives, and charging at-home and on-the-go (e.g., how to work with electricians to install level 2 home chargers, how/where to find public chargers, etc).
PlugStar trained dealer salespeople sell four times (4×) more EVs than their untrained counterparts, and are 60% more EV-confident after participating in the program. PlugStar certified dealers sell 20% more battery electric vehicles than non-PlugStar dealers, and 100% of those who registered for the program recommend it.
Sign up for the PlugStar certification program to increase EV sales! Your salespeople will sell electric cars with confidence and offer an exceptional shopping experience for your customers. This training program is offered online. Your dealership will need at least two trained salespeople to earn Bronze certification.
As part of their certification benefits, PlugStar dealers will:
- Get access to Plug In America’s EV Support Program through email and phone support lines for ongoing help for you and your customers;
- Receive PlugStar monthly EV Dealer Newsletter with helpful tips, updates and news about the EV market;
- Get highlights and recognition on
- First dealer listings on Plug In America’s EV shopping site, PlugStar.com.
- Plug In America’s social media outlets, including LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
- Plug In America Newsletter, and;
- PlugStar EV Dealer Newsletter.
- Receive marketing collateral to highlight your PlugStar EV Certification;
- Get access to Plug In America’s EV webinars;
- Sell EVs with more confidence, and;
- Deliver a better customer experience.
Register for the free Bronze PlugStar training & certification program by emailing dealers@pluginamerica.org. Your dealership will get access to free online training for two dealership sales staff. Include your dealership name and location, and mention the NCDA membership in the body of the email.
*The first two salespeople who go through the online PlugStar training program will get the training for free. After that, your dealership can get more salespeople certified, with a 50% discount. The full price for each seat of the online training is $195. This offer has been developed specifically for San Diego County NCDA members. Bronze PlugStar certification is valued at $1,000 and requires that at least two dealership salespeople complete the PlugStar online training. Sign up for this limited-time offer by Oct.18!
