ElectrifiQ Expands Key State Partnerships and Drives Success in Major EV Markets

Dealer education on electric vehicles is critical to growing EV sales across the United States. Dealers who understand the benefits of driving electric and can confidently address EV questions can effectively guide customers to the right purchase decisions that meet their driving needs. 

ElectrifiQ, an EV sales certification program, is filling the need for this expertise for hundreds of dealerships nationwide, empowering them to succeed in the rapidly evolving and expanding EV industry. 

Lisa Theis of Apostolakis Honda/Shenango Honda in Cortland, Ohio, told us: 

"ElectrifiQ is a quick and easy way to get brand-neutral information about the EV ownership experience. The ability to answer detailed questions and provide insightful information has significantly boosted customer trust and satisfaction."

And now there are two new added benefits:

• Staff at select dealerships in Oregon and Delaware can become ElectrifiQ-certified free of charge.
• ElectrifiQ’s new interactive dealer referral network is now online, providing car shoppers with easy access to certified dealerships and trained EV sales staff. 

The online training, developed by the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), is manufacturer- and model-agnostic, making it applicable across all brands and EV types. The information is designed to assist with selling both new and pre-owned EVs in any dealership by addressing common customer questions. 

Oregon and Delaware to Make ElectrifiQ Available to Select Dealers

The cost of ElectrifiQ is $495 to train an entire dealership sales team from a single location and includes a two-year EV sales certification. However, through unique partnerships with Oregon and Delaware, the fee will be waived for dealerships on a first-come, first-served basis through state-funded partnerships later in 2025.

In 2024, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) similarly supported dealerships in California as they transition to selling and servicing EVs, helping us offer ElectrifiQ to a broader audience of dealers at no cost.

Dealerships in Oregon and Delaware looking to take advantage of this limited-time offer for free ElectrifiQ training can email ElectrifIQ@energycenter.org for more information. 

Referral Network Connects Customers with Certified Dealerships 

ElectrifiQ has also added a new feature connecting certified dealerships with consumers who are actively seeking sales teams who understand EVs. Dealers who have two or more certified staff members are listed in the Certified Dealer Map, which helps direct potential EV buyers to the dealership with the right expertise.

The referral network is rapidly growing, and with it, the visibility of certified dealers — resulting in increased sales opportunities. For consumers, knowing that a dealership has certified EV experts on staff provides peace of mind, ensuring they receive accurate, up-to-date information and the highest level of service throughout their buying journey.

Dealers Praise the Value of ElectrifiQ EV Certification 

Over 600 dealership sales staff across 23 states have become ElectrifiQ-certified. These dealers say ElectrifiQ is helping them communicate with customers who have varying levels of EV knowledge and guide them through the buying process, directly contributing to increased sales. 

ElectrifiQ’s broad, brand-neutral training empowers sales teams to provide unbiased and comprehensive advice that ultimately enhances customer experience and loyalty.

Steve Smith of Capistrano VW/Capistrano Mazda in San Juan Capistrano, CA, said: 

“The ElectrifiQ training kicked our EV knowledge up a level. Not only did we have our sales associates take the course, but we also opened it up to all customer-facing employees to increase their overall EV knowledge and confidence when discussing and interacting with customers. The in-depth course also appears to be playing a role in our increased sales of used clean vehicles.”

Looking Toward the Future

With automakers offering a widening array of EVs to meet different customers’ needs, it’s more important than ever for dealer sales staff to understand how to address customer questions. A knowledgeable sales staff can better engage with customers and make the sale. ElectrifiQ is more than a certification program — it’s a powerful tool that helps dealerships stay competitive in an evolving market.