A recent report released by Escalent, a research firm with a deep understanding of the auto industry, resoundingly proves that electric vehicle (EV) shoppers overwhelmingly prefer purchasing EVs at their local dealerships.
The survey found that 74% of consumers preferred buying an EV at a dealership instead of an auto manufacturer or third party. Additionally, 71% of respondents said they did not want to deal with third-party call centers to service their vehicles. Limited showrooms and lengthy wait times for deliveries were similarly unpopular. The majority of every group surveyed in the report, including EV owners, likely EV buyers, and younger consumers, stated they wished to purchase EVs from a dealership.
The report is just the latest confirmation that local dealerships have a personable touch the direct sales model simply can’t compete against. While EVs are no longer the niche product they were several years ago, many consumers who have only known internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still have many questions about how EVs work. It makes perfect sense that prospective buyers would rather visit a dealership to test drive an EV while having their questions answered by a friendly employee who can talk to them immediately rather than sitting for hours on the phone with a service center.
Bold steps are undoubtedly critical in advancing EV adoption. Ultimately though, it’s the trusted people at local dealerships whose efforts will determine whether or not many consumers make the switch to an EV.