Sep 6 2021
One of the UK’s largest car retailers, Lookers, has struck a major partnership with ‘all-in-one’ electric vehicle and home charging comparison service Rightcharge as part of a new drive to help customers make a smooth move away from petrol and diesel.
Image Credit: Lookers
The UK government has pledged to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, with a ban on new hybrid sales in 2035 as part of its strategy to cut the transport sector’s carbon emissions – and it is estimated 10 million people will make the switch over the next 10 years.
Lookers’ partnership deal with Rightcharge means that within 10 minutes of browsing, consumers can now choose the charge point best suited to their needs, connect with an installer and identify their best-value home energy tariff, helping them launch their electric journey.
Set up by ex-CERN engineer and entrepreneur Charlie Cook, the Rightcharge platform will offer Lookers’ customers a tailored comparison of home charge points and energy tariffs, combined with recommended installers for domestic chargers.
The deal also means customers buying a new vehicle from Lookers could reduce their energy bills by over £500 a year by switching to an EV-friendly energy tariff and scheduling for the off-peak hours with a smart charge point.
Andrew Hall, Business Development Director at Lookers, said "We’re excited that by combining our vehicle knowledge and expertise with Rightcharge as part of an all-in-one comprehensive service, we’ll be ensuring that every customer can make a more confident move to electric and save money while getting on the road.”
Our research shows that while many customers are really keen to embrace electric driving and they’re excited by the increasingly extensive range of powerful new models available, most need additional information, guidance and practical help around tariffs and chargers to help them on their journey.
Andrew Hall, Business Development Director, Lookers
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), battery-powered vehicles currently account for more than one in 10 new UK car registrations and this figure is expected to grow sharply in the years ahead.
Rightcharge founder Charlie Cook said the partnership with Lookers would help to encourage more consumers to make the switch, "We are thrilled that Rightcharge will be the recommended solution and we’re looking forward to helping tens of thousands of drivers easily understand the right tariff and charge point combo for them.”
Spurred by ambitious government targets for the removal of full petrol or diesel cars by 2030, there has been a surge in interest and demand for the growing choice of vehicles, tariffs and chargers in a market. Helping drivers understand the savings possible through switching home energy tariffs once they are charging at home is the next big step for the car industry and Lookers are leading the way by bringing tariffs into the showrooms.
Charlie Cook , Founder, Rightcharge
Separately, in a further partnership arrangement, all Lookers staff can now acquire an electric vehicle home charger from Rightcharge on a Lookers-funded zero-percent scheme, providing an affordable option to all employees making the transition from petrol and diesel cars.
Lookers and Rightcharge are also preparing this week to support the biggest ever festival of electrical vehicles and clean energy. Fully Charged OUTSIDE 2021 takes place in Farnborough from 3-5 September, bringing together over 100 exhibitors with more than 100 electric vehicles, as well as two theatres packed with electrifying content.
Last month, Lookers announced a partnership with EV charging locator and mapping specialist Zap-Map, marking a significant new step forward in the car dealer’s ambition to drive a seamless customer journey to electric motoring in the short and long term.
Lookers’ customers can now securely access Zap-Map’s interactive software through its online channels, instantly enabling them to quickly pinpoint the locations of thousands of electric charging points across the UK for free.
Founded in 1908, Lookers is one of the largest multi-franchise dealer groups in the UK and Ireland, representing 33 volume and premium car manufacturers and specializing in new and used electric car sales across a network of over 150 franchised locations.