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1. The best dealerships are the go-to EV experts
"We’ve designated EV Champions in each of our dealerships. Team members who undergo extensive training on everything from charging infrastructure to long-term ownership benefits. We’re not just selling electric vehicles, we’re equipping our customers with the knowledge and confidence to embrace the future of driving."
Liza Borches, President/CEO , Carter Myers Automotive
2. EV expertise from experience and empathy
Keeler Automotive demonstrated an early commitment to EVs that shaped the culture across the organization. Whether you walk into BMW of Latham, Mercedes-Benz of Latham, Keeler Honda, or their newer Ridgefield locations, you’ll find a team that isn’t just trained on product, but is trained to listen.
“At the end of the day, customers just want to feel understood. Whether it’s how charging works, range anxiety, or even just learning about the new technology — we’ve trained our team to slow down, listen, and guide people through the EV transition without pressure.”
Alan Litrell, General Manager of BMW of Latham
That philosophy runs across brands. Mike Severino at Mercedes-Benz of Latham puts it simply: “It’s not just about knowing the product, it’s about knowing the person. Every EV shopper is at a different point in their journey, and our role is to meet them where they are, not where we want them to be.”
Since EV buyers arrive at the dealership at all stages: curious, cautious, or ready to buy, Keeler Honda’s brand-new, state-of-the-art facility was designed to reflect the dealership’s commitment to conversations.
“Our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility was designed with the customer experience in mind. From day one, we’ve built a culture where helping people comes first — whether that means answering EV questions in plain language or just making someone feel comfortable enough to ask.”
Nick Demartino, General Sales Manager of Keeler Honda
That mindset is also driving growth. As the Keeler group expands into Connecticut, the same customer-first foundation remains central.
“It’s about more than product expertise — it’s about working alongside our clients, understanding their needs, and guiding them through every step of the EV journey.”
Thomas McGill, General Sales Manager of BMW of Ridgefield
3. Filling gaps with excellent EV service
Prestige Volvo Cars is the largest new and used Polestar dealer in the country and one of the most EV-forward franchises in the U.S.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight.
Prestige began with early investments in service. Today their certified EV technicians and high-voltage equipment help to bridge a gap left by many direct-to-consumer brands. As GM Mathew Haiken puts it, "we saw a need” and put resources into meeting it.
Big investments in service created an internal push to keep the sales and support teams fluent in electric vehicles. From a robust demo and employee lease program to in-house Polestar training for both sales and service, Prestige ensures its team is prepared.
Employees are encouraged to drive EVs themselves, giving them firsthand knowledge and authentic insight to guide customers.
This leadership has gotten Prestige Volvo multiple manufacturer awards, landed its GM on Auto News' 40 Under 40, and a seat on Volvo’s Retailer Advisor Board.
But beyond accolades, what sets Prestige apart is its commitment to building a modern, electric-first dealership rooted in customer service, digital fluency, and the courage to lead. The dealership even made the choice to dedicate homepage space to EV education and visibility, rather than being directed by Volvo corporate – a decision that perfectly sums up their proactive, customer-first philosophy.
4. View EV education as an opportunity
AutoTeam Delaware, a three-rooftop group including Delaware Cadillac, Kia of Wilmington, and Delaware Subaru, is having an outsized impact on EV sales in the North East Region.
Kia of Wilmington ranked in the top 3 for EV volume in the Philadelphia region in 2024, against locations with higher overall volumes.
Delaware Cadillac has had sales months in 2023 and 2024 where they had some of the highest rate of Cadillac LYRIQ EV model sales in the entire North East region. AutoTeam Delaware's EV success isn’t accidental—it’s earned through intentional investment in education and training. While many dealerships hesitate to commit to electric vehicles, AutoTeam Delaware has sold vehicles to 46 different states in the past five years, many of them EVs.
“Some dealers still have a bias against EVs—that’s how we’ve made these sales. Not liking EVs is as arbitrary as not liking cars that are the color red. At the end of the day, EVs have four wheels and a steering wheel, and selling vehicles is how we make a living. We’ve chosen to embrace it.”
Lee Asher, Vice President & General Manager
If a dealership has opted out of selling or educating their team on electric cars, the sales will go to a dealership that has opted in. And that’s AutoTeam Delaware. While other dealerships pick and choose who - and if - to train on EVs, AutoTeam Delaware ensures all sales consultants across Cadillac, Kia, and Subaru are 100% certified on electric vehicles.
When Cadillac hosted a nationwide EV training summit in Las Vegas this past Spring, management didn’t just send one or two employees—they sent nearly the entire team. It was a big investment, but one they knew would pay off.
Their technician team is equally impressive, boasting two world-class ranked Cadillac technicians. A state-of-the-art Kia EV service center is under construction, set to open in 2026 with the most advanced EV tools and diagnostics available, and an expansion of their Subaru Service Center will follow.
By prioritizing real EV fluency across every brand and role, AutoTeam Delaware is proving that when you invest in your people, customers notice.
