Alphabet (GB) was delighted to support three Department for Transport (DfT)’s roadshows this month in association with Sainsbury's ultra-rapid electric ‘Smart Charge’ network.
Members from Alphabet’s marketing and commercial teams visited the DfT’s first event at Sainsbury's superstore in London Colney (Hertfordshire) on 21 May, before the roadshows stopped at retailer’s stores in Harrogate (North Yorkshire) and Warren Health in Ipswich (Suffolk) on the 22 and 23 May, respectively.
It provided the perfect opportunity for store-goers to experience, among other, the new BMW iX3 and MINI Countryman SE, learn how the Electric Car Grant can make the switch to an EV more affordable, practice charging and book a test drive.
It was also a great opportunity for Alphabet team members to support the Government’s ‘Get That Electric Feeling’ campaign and the clean energy mission, in collaboration with Nissan and Smart Charge.
Speaking at the event in London Colney, Claire Coomber, Strategic Customer Development Manager for Alphabet (GB), said: “There has never been a better time to switch to an EV. Initiatives like this provide consumers and local businesses with the opportunity to get close to the cars, book test drives, and ask questions while on the go for increasing ease and convenience.”
Meanwhile, fellow Strategic Customer Development Manager for Alphabet (GB), Dominic Brandon, who attended the roadshow in Warren Heath, said: “Interest in EVs has accelerated hugely over the past 12 months; driven in part through roadshows like this, but also through the huge uplift in products now available to support a range of business and consumer needs. Exciting times ahead.”
This was evident from the feedback provided by visitors at the roadshows, where 60% of those asked indicated that they intend to purchase an EV within the next 12 months, citing more affordable products and improvements to the charging infrastructure as their principal reason for wanting to make switch sooner rather than later.
Sustainability also has its part to play, with one in five drivers advising that greener travel is the primary consideration in their decision making.
We would like to extend our thanks to the BMW Group brand teams at Group 1 BMW in Borehamwood and Ipswich, and Stratstone BMW in Harrogate for supporting the DfT EV roadshows.
