TRUSTED EV DEALERSHIP PROGRAM
Connecting EV Buyers with DRIVE Electric Arizona Trusted EV Dealerships
DRIVE Electric Arizona is the leading nonprofit advancing electric vehicle adoption in Arizona through education and hands-on events.
As Arizona’s Nonprofit Education & Advocacy Organization under the U.S. Department of Energy’s “DRIVE Electric USA” Initiative, a multi-state project led by Clean Cities coalition developing state-based “Drive Electric” programs across the United States, DRIVE Electric Arizona engages individuals, utilities, legislators, dealerships, and others towards removing adoption barriers and accelerating plug-in electric vehicle use.
DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Trusted EV Dealership Program fosters partnerships with EV dealerships to accelerate EV adoption by providing resources, training, and recognition, ensuring a seamless buying experience while enhancing dealership visibility and credibility.
As a bridge between EV dealerships and future customers, DRIVE Electric Arizona creates Ride and Drive Events with experienced electric vehicle owners that turn EV education into leads and potential sales.
Our strategic approach connects dealerships with qualified buyers through engaging pressure- free EV education and test drive experiences, providing dealerships with meaningful connections and prospective EV customers.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BECOME LISTED AS A DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA TRUSTED EV DEALERSHIP
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Meet the requirements of the program to qualify for partnership benefits.
Reliability: Stock multiple trims of EVs and prominently showcase EV models.
Why? Ensures an equivalent buying experience to traditional vehicles, allowing customers to view, test-drive, and purchase EVs conveniently.
Education: Appoint at least one EV sales manager to complete DRIVE Electric Arizona’s EV dealership training program and to act as liaison with DRIVE Electric Arizona.
Why? Educates sales staff and ensures up-to-date, accurate, informed conversations with potential EV buyers.
Assurance: Provide at least two (2) Level 2 chargers on-site; deliver all vehicles charged to at least 80%.
Why? Demonstrates commitment to EV adoption.
Engagement: Partner with local DRIVE Electric Arizona chapters to support Rallies, Ride and Drive events, and other initiatives.
Why? Builds relationships with EV enthusiasts and potential buyers, promoting community engagement.
Accuracy: Update maintenance automation systems to reflect EV-specific requirements, avoiding ICE-related services (e.g., oil changes, fuel system inspections).
Why? Maintains credibility and trust with EV buyers by providing accurate EV service reminders.
Verification: Provide third-party battery health reports for buyers of used EVs.
Why? Offers transparency and confidence in the condition of used EV batteries.
Commitment: Actively promote DRIVE Electric Arizona’s local chapters by providing our JOIN US Cards.
Why? Demonstrates long-term dedication to the EV movement and fosters mutually beneficial growth.
Notification: Dealer confirmation of EV sales (New/Used, Brand & Model) to DRIVE Electric Arizona.
Why? Efficacy of program impact.
STANDARD PROGRAM BENEFITS FOR TRUSTED EV DEALERSHIPS
Inclusion on DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Trusted EV Dealership Website: Dealerships are featured on a searchable map and list of Trusted EV Dealers. Information includes dealership name, location, and available EV models, promoting visibility to EV buyers.
Participation in Local Rallies, Ride and Drives, and Showcase Events: Invitation to provide vehicles for DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Ride and Drive events in the dealership’s market area.
Recognition in Biannual Press Releases: Mention in DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Annual “Trusted EV Dealers” announcement distributed statewide with dealership details and available EV models.
Access to DRIVE Electric Arizona’s EV Sales Training Materials.
Training for Sales Staff: In-depth training for dealership sales teams on how to effectively engage EV-curious buyers and answer common questions about EV ownership.
HOW DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA RIDE AND DRIVE EVENTS GENERATE LEADS FOR DEALERSHIPS
An integral part of DRIVE Electric Arizona’s outreach efforts are EV Ride and Drive events where individuals can test drive electric vehicles in a no-pressure environment. These events are typically hosted by organizations, utilities, municipalities, advocacy groups, or coalitions aiming to promote EV adoption by providing firsthand driving experiences. Participants explore various EV models, learn about their features, and engage with knowledgeable EV owners and experts who can answer questions about ownership, charging, and benefits.
Building Trust through Education: These events focus on education rather than sales pressure. Dealership representatives can provide information, answer questions, and build relationships with attendees, fostering trust and positioning the dealership as a knowledgeable resource.
Qualified Lead Generation: Attendees who experience an EV firsthand and receive comprehensive information are more likely to consider purchasing. Dealerships can collect contact information from interested participants for follow-up, leading to higher-quality leads.
Community Engagement and Brand Visibility: Active involvement in community events enhances a dealership’s reputation and visibility. Being seen as a supporter of sustainable transportation can attract environmentally conscious consumers.
By integrating DRIVE Electric Arizona Ride and Drive events into marketing strategies, dealerships can effectively connect with potential customers, provide valuable EV education, and ultimately drive sales.
INCORPORATING DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA’S EXPERIENCED EV OWNERS INTO RIDE AND DRIVE EVENTS OFFERS DEALERSHIPS SEVERAL STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES:
Authentic Advocacy Builds Trust: Experienced EV owners serve as credible ambassadors, sharing genuine insights and personal testimonials about EV ownership. Their firsthand accounts resonate with potential buyers, fostering trust and addressing common apprehensions. This peer-to-peer interaction can be more persuasive than traditional sales approaches, as it emphasizes real-world experiences over sales pitches.
Enhanced Customer Education: EV owners can effectively communicate the nuances of EV technology, charging infrastructure, and daily usage. Their practical knowledge helps demystify the transition to electric driving, making the concept more accessible and less intimidating for newcomers. This educational aspect empowers consumers to make informed decisions, potentially accelerating their purchasing journey.
Increased Engagement through Relatability: Potential customers often find it easier to relate to fellow consumers than to sales personnel. Interacting with current EV owners allows prospects to ask candid questions and receive unfiltered responses, enhancing their comfort level and engagement during the event.
Positive Word-of-Mouth and Community Building: Utilizing local EV enthusiasts fosters a sense of community and encourages word-of-mouth promotion. Satisfied participants are likely to share their positive experiences with peers, extending the event’s reach and enhancing the dealership’s reputation within the community.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU AS A DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA TRUSTED EV DEALERSHIP
Ride and Drives that Produce Leads
DRIVE Electric Arizona Ride and Drive events give the public the chance to get behind the wheel and talk directly with experienced EV owners. By the time they meet your team at the event, they’ve learned the basics and are ready to take the next step. Dealerships consistently report strong lead generation and follow-up activity from these events.
Visibility on Our Trusted Dealership Map
DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Trusted EV Dealership’s EV Buyers page is where we send interested buyers after every event. Inclusion on the map builds trust and helps buyers find you, fast.
You Bring the Cars—We Bring the Crowd
If you supply EVs to our local events, we bring the attendees, education, event organization and management – it’s a win-win collaboration that connects your dealership directly to interested EV buyers.
Let’s Drive Arizona Forward—Together
When you partner with DRIVE Electric Arizona, you’re not just promoting inventory—you’re building relationships with future EV owners. Let’s put more drivers behind the wheel—and more leads in your hands.
Sign the Drive Electric Arizona Trusted EV Dealership Program Pledge today!
Charging the Future, Driving the Change: Join Our Trusted EV Dealerships in Electrifying Arizona!
OPTIONAL DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA TRUSTED EV DEALERSHIP SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE [$5,000 ANNUAL FEE]
ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE BENEFITS:
Beyond the standard benefits, the DRIVE Electric Arizona Trusted EV Dealership Sponsorship Package provides additional advantages that can further distinguish Dealerships in the competitive EV market. This expanded marketing package effectively enhances dealership visibility, credibility, and customer engagement. Key elements include:
Option to provide a 2-line custom marketing statement on your listing in our online searchable Trusted EV Dealership Directory.
Use the DRIVE Electric Arizona Trusted EV Dealership logo in your marketing and communications to leverage the program’s credibility and build trust with customers.
Platform to Share Seasonal and Holiday EV Sales Specials on our social media channels increases the reach of these promotions, attracting more potential buyers and boosting sales during key periods.
Your Dealership logo and link on event promotional materials when participating in events.
Access to data on customer preferences and trends collected at DRIVE Electric Arizona events. This information allows your dealership to better understand the evolving needs and interests of potential EV buyers, enabling you to tailor your sales strategies and inventory to meet market demands effectively.
Receive priority consideration to participate in DRIVE Electric Arizona Exclusive Promotional Opportunities, including high-profile events and campaigns. This exclusivity allows your dealership to showcase its EV offerings to a targeted audience, increasing the likelihood of generating qualified leads and boosting sales.