Are EV After Sales an Afterthought?

Are EV After Sales an Afterthought?

EV “season” is in full swing as evidenced by the April 25 issue of Automotive News, where I unofficially counted an astounding 15 articles dedicated to Electric Vehicles and a full page announcing AN’s Congress event on 5/18 - spotlight on EV’s and Batteries. 

The EV wave is truly an unstoppable tsunami and OEMs are staking their fortunes on the ability to execute. With all this fanfare surrounding production of the EV, one would expect some discussion about EV After Sales. 

Curiously, there was nary a peep about a plan to provide service to this new generation EV buyer. That’s a “thing that makes me go hmm.” So, indulge me while I count the reasons why EV After Sales (specifically Mobile After Sales) is kind of a big deal:

Amazon Effect 1: Society is becoming more and more “addicted” to home delivery of products and services. What was once considered a luxury is now an expectation…. (Dare I say entitlement).

Amazon Effect 2: Customers expect a seamless experience and Amazon has perfected the science of the speed and ease transaction. Consumers crave this experience with their other products and services.

Social Media Effect: In recent years social media has driven us to a virtual reality. We have become more comfortable with a placebo social experience than the real thing. We are more isolated, and isolationism begets isolationism. 

The COVID Effect: With COVID we developed a great affinity for quiet time, AND a healthy paranoia of germs. The touch-free experience became the new IT innovation. Home base became the work base, and we didn’t like it... at first. Then, as restrictions eased up and employers reinstated the privilege of returning to the office, we served up a dose of shock and awe, collectively proclaiming “we don’t wanna go back.”

The EV Buyer: The EV Buyer represents a demographic who values efficiency in all aspects of life. They purchase an EV with the expectation it doesn’t require oil changes, therefore it doesn’t require service. The EV Buyer already has little tolerance for in-Dealership Service. When shopping for an EV, given the choice, they WILL choose a brand that offers Mobile Service.

The Punchline: Every Auto Manufacturer that sells or plans to sell an EV should be developing Mobile After Sales in tandem. Today. A five-figure investment will get the ball rolling with a small sample Mobile After Sales Pilot Program. Mobile Service proficiency is not instantaneous, and the race has already begun. A profitable program encompasses ICE as well as EV, so there are plenty of units in operation to support the business. Now is the time. My company, Next>Level, has the experience, tools, and methods to leapfrog trial and error and fast-track your Mobile Service start up. We promise to deliver the most effective AND economical Mobile Service program informed by real-life experiences.  Connect with us on LinkedIn to discuss Mobile After Sales Pilot Program opportunities.