Shoreham Vehicle Auctions (SVA) has launched the first used electric van training course for LCV dealers and fleet vendors, with the Energy Savings Trust.

Course topics include the type of operator who would benefit from buying one, to tactics on how to successfully sell them, as well as how they work.

SVA will be running bi-monthly courses from its Shoreham boardroom from the summer through to the end of the year in small groups of 10. More courses will be offered if there is the demand.

The main aim is to establish greater buyer understanding and confidence to help create acceptance and demand for electric vans from trade buyers.

SVA also aims to educate vendors to give them more confidence when setting future residual values.

Michael Simmons (pictured), SVA’s operations director, has already put more than 100 dealer staff through the electric car training courses, and expects similar levels of interest in the van courses.

“The combination of low running costs and zero emissions makes a lot of sense for small businesses whose vans only carry out local deliveries each day.

Our courses will help educate used buyers that there is a market for electric vans in their locality and how to exploit it,” said Simmons.

“Many vendors will also find the courses useful.

“In the past they have been far too risk adverse about underwriting electric van residual values due to the uncertainty of the future used market.

“Leasing companies should now look at writing sensible residuals which will help bring leasing costs down and fuel new van sales growth.”

In 2017 SVA offered a similar course in electric cars.

Anyone interested in attending an SVA electric van course should email michael@shorehamvehicleauctions.com.