Cheltenham-based Cleevely Motors is a name many in the UK’s automotive aftermarket will recognise – and for good reason.
Founded in 1962, the family-run garage built its reputation on delivering high-quality servicing for all makes and models, with technical expertise, honesty, and customer care at its core. But while the original workshop continues to thrive, it’s the company’s pioneering role in the electric vehicle (EV) space that has truly set it apart in recent years.
How did Cleevely Motors get started in EVs?
In 2018, recognising the lack of independent support for EV owners, Matt Cleevely launched Cleevely EV. “I was just curious at first,” he recalls. “I bought an EV and quickly realised how poor the support was outside of the dealers, and the dealers themselves were far from great either. That didn’t sit right with me, so I decided to do something about it.”
How did Cleevely EV grow?
What began as a passion project soon gained national traction. Cleevely EV built trust through active engagement with online EV communities and a refreshingly honest, expert-led approach. Today, Cleevely EV is the go-to destination for quality used EV sales and hard-to-find EV parts, supplying garages and specialist repairers across the country.
To meet the growing demand for convenient servicing, further expansion came in 2021 with Cleevely EV Mobile, taking mobile EV technicians directly to customers’ doors nationwide.
What is the Cleevely Group?
Together, these operations form the Cleevely Group: a forward-thinking independent business that champions quality, education, and support for both motorists and the trade.
How is Cleevely helping other garages embrace EVs?
As one of the first independents to fully embrace EV servicing and repairs, Matt has emerged as a passionate voice for helping other garages make the leap. Since joining the Servicesure network in 2022, he’s backed its EVSure initiative as a vital resource – providing the training, tools, and technical support garages need.
Backed by GSF Car Parts, Servicesure exists to unite quality independents under one national brand, supporting them through technical resources, a national warranty programme, and targeted initiatives like EVSure.
Why is training and quality parts so important?
“By focusing on the right training and using quality parts, there’s no reason more garages can’t step up and take on EV work,” said Matt. “The demand is there, we just need to make sure the trade’s ready for it, and EVSure is a great place to start.”
What’s next for Cleevely Motors?
That future is something Matt is actively helping to build. Today, Cleevely Motors delivers IMI-accredited EV training from its Cheltenham workshop. The At Ease With EV course, in particular, has received widespread acclaim for its practical approach in enhancing the confidence and skills of EV technicians.
“I don’t see us as competing with the dealers,” said Matt. “We’re simply doing things the right way. If more independents follow that approach, the whole sector stands to benefit and networks like Servicesure are a great platform to support that progress.”
