I have yet to find any dealership where the EV specialist knows anything about EVs and isn’t an asshole. I’ve been browsing cars for over a month now, and 99% of car dealers have one of two things:
- A guy that knows nothing about EVs, but thinks he does.
- A guy that knows things about EVs, but will outright lie to you.
Sometimes this applies to the car itself - sure, it’s got the preheat. Oh you want it in writing? Okay it doesn’t have the preheat, I admit it.
More often this applies to the tax rebates. Hyundai dealers in Connecticut were illegally applying the state and federal EV credit to cars above 50k MSRP, and when called out on it are just like “c’mon, you’ll get it.” Like dude, you’re ASKING me to defraud the IRS?
Today, I dealt with these assclowns: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select (autohausinc.com)
“Qualifies for up to $7500 in tax credits.”
No, it doesn’t. The used EV credit is for 25k and below. This is 27.5. It will not get a dollar. I talked to them about this… and got willful denial every step of the way, to the point that I showed them the IRS policy, pointed out the exact wording, and told them no one on earth would be eligible for it, to which they kept telling me “not all buyers are qualified.” I’m like, no one can get a dollar back from the government for that car. Take that off your website.
The response? " Without an application we cannot answer if you will personally qualify, but we know for a fact there are credits available for our car. I apologize if you feel mislead."
I’m just so frustrated. It shouldn’t be this hard to find a worthwhile used EV under 25k or a new EV under 50k, but everywhere in Connecticut it seems the dealerships play it up and mark the new MSRPs over 50k and the used EVs around 28-33k, and almost all of them then still act like you’d still get the rebates. I’m happy to be smarter than that, but I feel sorry for all the people in Connecticut who will fall prey to the assholes at Hyundai dealerships and used car dealerships in this state.
lol. but avg sales ppl at dealerships doesn’t know how ICE vehicles work either.
Tesla and Rivian.
I’ve been on all sides of this coin. But think about it: we don’t need salespeople. Consumers will drive across town to save $100 on a $50,000 car. “We” as a market do not reward great salespeople. The ones that know everything and are genuinely your advocate simply get undercut by the dumbass pushy salesperson with sale skills (not automotive knowledge or empathy or compassion) at the next dealership.
They don’t need to know cars, because people aren’t coming to them to learn about cars. They’re coming to them for the best price.
The really good human beings in auto sales quickly see that consumers won’t buy cars from them if they’re friendly and knowledgeable. Consumers buy cars from them if they have the best price, and/or smooth talk them into buying on the spot. The end.
So they learn to do what gets them results. Not learn about the products. The guy at the last store educated them. Now they just need to be $100 less and say “if I could, would you?” and apply some pressure and sell a car.
We simply don’t reward salespeople for doing a good job. We don’t need automotive salespeople. You get what you reward.
Where can I check the requirements and limits for Idaho?
Dealers are the reason that 2/3rds of EVs aren’t sold through dealers.
It’s both most of the time.
Buy a Tesla
That’s partially why I took a gamble on buying a Tesla. Was sick of the dealership games coming out of the pandemic. Between the waitlists. Games of advertising cars that don’t exist to bring you into the show room. And market adjustments because they can. No thanks. I’ll take my chances with Tesla.
I went to a hyundai dealer once to look at a kona - they didnt have an electric one but let me check out a regular one. they did spend a lot of time showing me the Ionic5. and then reached out to me twice a week for months.
But recently a used EV lot opened up in my town - really nice guys!
Car sales people know nothing about cars because the car isn’t the product any more. It’s the financing that is the product. That and the data you generate in using the car.
While I’m sympathetic, I think you’re describing a car dealer experience (lies and incompetence), not an issue specific to dealers and EVs.
I’ve had a Chevy dealer tell me they had no Bolts to check out as someone returned from a test drive in one.
I have yet to find any dealership where the EV specialist knows anything about EVs and isn’t an asshole.
Whenever I’ve been in the Tesla shop, the people doing sales work seem to know what they’re talking about and are nice. At least in my experience, it’s very easy to find someone who fits both of those criteria.
Do not forget the sales person that keeps trying to sell you an ICE.
Based on my experience with asking Ford, Hyundai, or Nissan sales people about their EVs; for most questions your just going to get a dumb stare.
The sales people I worked with knew the price of the EV and that was about it. The Ford salesperson just kept saying “Mustang.”
Me: What is the range?
Salesperson; Mustang
Me: How long does it take to charge?
Salesperson: Did I mention it is a Mustang.
Me: What is the battery chemistry?
Salesperson: Must. Stang
Me: Tell me about the tech?
Salesperson: M u s t a n g
This is part of the reason why I got a Tesla. Especially with the deals right now, don’t need to deal with the dealership madness.
Out of my price range, but Porsche dealerships are required by corporate to send their sales staff to extended ev training.
And everyone seems to agree that their service is always excellent.