FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2020
Contact: Noah Barnes, Plug In America
(323) 333-8010
nbarnes@pluginamerica.org
Plug In America announces PlugStar consumer engagement and dealership EV sales certification program launch in Massachusetts
BOSTON – Plug In America, a nonprofit organization with the mission of advancing widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), today announced the launch of their PlugStar program in Massachusetts.
PlugStar is Plug In America’s branded consumer and dealer engagement program, which increases EV sales through two steps. First, the program includes online consumer outreach to inform car buyers through PlugStar.com. On this dedicated website, consumers can compare plug-in vehicles, find information on valuable incentives, get equipped for charging at home or on the go, and connect with a certified dealer.
Second, the PlugStar program provides a ready pool of accredited dealers trained and equipped to make choosing an EV simple and easy for car buyers. The PlugStar EV sales training and certification program equips dealer sales staff to serve the distinct needs of buyers considering the switch to cars powered by electricity. Concerns over range, affordability and charging are just a few of the barriers potential EV buyers contend with.
The program will also include Plug In America’s engagement in local EV ride and drive events. Launching the PlugStar program in Massachusetts is made possible through a grant from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Accelerating Clean Transportation Now (ACTNow) program.
Since 2016, Plug In America’s PlugStar Program has successfully trained hundreds of dealerships and thousands of dealer sales and manufacturer sales support staff from 13 automakers in selected U.S. cities. The launch of this Massachusetts program builds on the previous Plug In America pilot dealer training program in Boston in 2017. Sales staff that participated in Plug In America’s pilot programs in California sold four times as many EVs as their untrained counterparts. Moreover, surveyed customers at participating dealerships indicated sharply higher satisfaction with the sales experience, with 70% indicating that they were “very satisfied” with the sales experience, compared to 35% at non-participating dealerships.
“Electric vehicles not only reduce air pollution, but they are also cheaper to fuel and more fun to drive,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America. “The PlugStar program ensures that when customers have questions about switching to an electric vehicle, dealer sales staff can provide a high level of support and increase the number of EVs on roads in Massachusetts. We are very grateful for this support from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to make this program possible.”
Visit www.PlugInAmerica.org/EVtraining to learn more.
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About Plug In America: Plug In America is the nation’s leading independent consumer voice for accelerating the embrace of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States. Formed as a non-profit in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. Our expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience of driving and living with plug-in vehicles. We drive electric. You can too. PlugInAmerica.org
About MassCEC: The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies, and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects, and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers. Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides chairs MassCEC’s board of directors. MassCEC.com
