Matt Cleevely, Founder and CEO of Cleevely Group, is calling on fellow independent garage owners to seize the opportunities presented by the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market.
It comes as new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) registrations increased by 17.8 per cent in 2023 to achieve a 16.5 per cent market share. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) recorded significant growth last year too, up 27.1 per cent to reach a 12.6 per cent share of the market. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), meanwhile, enjoyed a 39.3 per cent increase in registrations to account for 7.4 per cent of the market.
“Now’s the time for the independent sector to step-up, showcase their expertise, and position themselves as the go-to destination for EV services,” said Matt Cleevely. “The demand for reliable EV servicing and repairs is still on the rise, so there’s a unique opportunity for independents to match and even exceed the service levels offered by the franchise dealer network.”
SMMT figures show that BEV uptake has risen almost 20-fold in the last five years. EV service and repair work makes up 40 per cent of all jobs that pass through Cleevely Group workshops and data analysis show EVs yield higher average invoice values, better profit margins and improved customer retention.
“We’re soaking up a lot of work from all over the country,” said Matt. “The dealerships are slow-moving when it comes to EV so there’s an open goal for independents to offer an attractive alternative.”
Cleevely EV technicians are IMI Level Four qualified and capable of advanced high voltage repairs. However, much of the EV work coming in is for regular servicing and maintenance of steering and suspension, brakes and tyres – jobs independent workshops are already routinely undertaking on Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
“The transition over to EV needn’t be as big as some make out,” said Matt. “We’ll be hosting a number of EV/hybrid training courses for the trade this year covering everything from how to run an EV workshop to the technician skills needed to effectively service, maintain, and diagnose EV and hybrid charging systems.”
Dates for Cleevely Group training courses are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Garages are advised to stay updated by following Cleevely EV on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleevelyev.