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Shortfall of 35,000 EV mechanics predicted
25 November 2021
As we approach the 2030 deadline for the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles and electric vehicle (EV) sales increase, some people are concerned about a potential shortage of mechanics who are qualified to work on EVs.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) predicts that by 2030 the UK will need 90,000 qualified technicians to service EVs and that, with the current rate of training, there will be a shortfall of more than 35,000.
Alex Gibson, a technical trainer at the Bosch EV training centre told the BBC in a recent interview for BBC 5 Minutes On, “Within these vehicles there are high-voltage batteries, there are motor generators, so we’re talking a couple-hundred volts at a minimum. About the same voltage as mains electricity.”
Another spokesperson from the centre also highlighted the fact that EVs are too frequently being misdiagnosed. They said, “We see about at least two or three a month. I had one last week, actually, and we found out the car had a problem with the water pump, and someone diagnosed it to be a head gasket issue”.
Whilst EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars and require less servicing, the huge increase in demand which can be expected over the next eight years could result in a problematic skills gap.
When asked if he thought it possible to close this skills gap, head of repair sector services for Thatcham Research, Dean Lander said, “I think it can be. I think what does need to happen is significant investments needs to be brought in to train the industry to be able to deal with repair maintenance services of electric vehicles. The significant investment going into infrastructure for charging, that same investment needs to be made into skills”.
We at Marshall Leasing are always very interested in the latest news about electric vehicles, and trust that you find this information useful.
If you would like to find out more about how we can help you make the switch to an EV, please get in touch with us at info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or by calling 01480 414541. Alternatively, please complete our contact form.
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