According to IMI, only 3% of UK Technicians are qualified to work on EVs
Analysis from the Institute of the Motor Industry shows that just 3% of all Vehicle Technicians are currently qualified to work safely on EVs. The majority of those who are qualified work in franchised dealerships.
The sale of new vehicles with petrol or diesel engines will be banned from 2040, with some MP’s demanding an earlier introduction date of 2032.
By 2020, one million electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles are expected to be on UK roads.
IMI Chief Executive, Steve Nash, said there is going to be a serious shortfall in trained Technicians as demand for EV’s continues to increase.
“The recently published sales figures for electric and hybrid vehicles demonstrate that drivers are rapidly making the transition away from pure petrol/diesel engines.
“However, it’s vital that government recognises the new skills requirements needed to underpin the successful move to this new technology – which is entirely different to the skills required to service and repair internal combustion engines.”
Without the appropriate training, Technicians could be at risk of serious harm and employers may be in breach of Health & Safety regulations.
He said: “The Government must incentivise and support businesses to invest in the training of their staff if they are to have the knowledge and skills to safely work on or around high voltage vehicle systems and technology.”