The growth of hybrid and electric vehicles is reshaping the automotive industry. The repair and maintenance industry faces both challenges and potential opportunities due to changes in consumer attitudes and regulatory changes. Garages can’t rest on their laurels, as some markets are facing an imminent ban on the sale of combustion engine vehicles. Garages have a chance to prepare for electric vehicles (EVs) in the next few years. They should take this opportunity to retrain and adapt to the future.
Garages cannot take on all the responsibility. We need to collaborate across industries as EVs are becoming more common. Vehicle technicians must have the necessary skills to service EVs safely and efficiently.
Today’s volatile market for EVs
The UK’s decision to delay the net zero target has complicated an already complex landscape of EVs. This may confuse drivers who are considering a switch to electric. The fog will only get thicker as government announcements continue. Not only are they likely to increase adoption rates, but they also make it harder for garages and dealers to prepare.
Garages must invest in tools and talent.
The announcements surrounding COP28 and the Autumn Statement suggest that changes are coming. But the key question is: Will they explore only the macro-level requirements, or will they provide concrete support and guidance for independent garages and workshops?
The UK auto industry is under pressure to reach its initial targets of EV sales or face a fine of PS15,000 ($18,500). Two main obstacles must be overcome before garages can accept EVs or hybrids on a full-time basis: tools and talent.
The skills gap in vehicle technicians
The growing skills gap for repairing EVs is one of the biggest challenges in preparing garages to prepare for the EV Revolution. There are many reasons for this, but the technicians lack the necessary specialist training. It’s not their fault, but rather the challenges independent workshops face, such as the high cost of tools, the lack of government funding for training, and the lack of time to train due to fewer technicians entering the industry.
While EVs operate similarly to combustion engines, the handling of high-voltage battery systems requires specialist training. Hybrids pose a greater challenge because they combine both combustion and electrical systems. It is, therefore, necessary to have a team of specialists to meet the demands of EVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles.
According to The Institute of the Motor Industry, vacancies in the automotive industry are declining but remain 34% above the average for all industries. Rising costs and economic pressures partly drive this trend. IMI also warns about a significant skills shortage. According to its estimates, there will be a shortage of 4,500 qualified electric vehicle technicians by 2029. This is expected to grow dramatically, reaching 16,000 technicians by 2032.
Special training is required to handle and shut down high-voltage battery systems.
This is due to the fact that mechanics are getting older, and there’s a perception that working with hands isn’t a career you want. The automotive industry has increased its efforts to recruit apprentices, and job postings have increased significantly. According to the IMI, advertising for automotive retail apprentices has increased since 2020. Job postings have more than doubled since 2021.
The current lack of time to perform routine tasks leaves little room for upskilling. Workshop software can improve the efficiency of existing operations. However, there is a consensus that these tools are not the best solution. The training of new and experienced technicians should be made more accessible. This cannot be left to the workshop alone.
Investment in EV-specific tools: What to be concerned about
The complexity of EV repair can make it difficult for small garages to handle. Compared to cars with combustion engines, EVs rely more on software. The cost to equip workshops with EV equipment is a major roadblock. The unpredictable return reflects consumers’ concerns about their EV switch on investment garages when purchasing these specialist tools.
Software designed to assist mechanics and technicians in vehicles is evolving as well. Autodata, as an example, gives information about the tools required for a variety of jobs in order to speed up the servicing and repair process. Software can streamline operations, but it is clear that independent garages need to take more concrete measures in order to prepare for the future.
EV repairs can be a challenge for smaller garages because of their heavier reliance on software compared to combustion engine vehicles.
Collective responsibility
Educational institutions, associations, and garages must work together to develop a workforce capable of meeting the increasing demand for EV repairs and servicing. This is the only way that technicians can receive the training they need in order to perform their jobs safely.
Garages are required to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology beneath the surface of vehicles. The government can provide crucial support to garages by setting standards, providing incentives for infrastructure development and training, and establishing standards.
