Training

LACK OF EVC INSTALLERS WITHIN THE UK

The world has been talking about electric vehicles (EVs) for a long time, yet it’s something people don’t think about often. However, time is running out before the government’s plan to ban sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 – it’s time to start preparing for EVs.

The introduction and implementation of EVs is part of the government’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution. EV initiatives have been in place since 2007, but we’ve only seen major plans being put into action recently. According to statistics, there were more than 215,000 pure electric cars on the road by the end of February 2021 within the UK – there were also over 455,000 plug-in models. In 2020, we saw the biggest annual increase (66%) in the number of registrations, with more than 175,000 EVs registered. Many manufacturers are going the extra mile to hit the 2030 deadline – Jaguar has pledged to go fully electric by 2025, and other brands, including Volvo, plan to have allelectric vehicles by the 2030 deadline.

Lack of EVC stations

These changes are extremely positive and if they continue, the 2030 deadline will be reached. However, there’s currently a lack of charging stations around the UK. Whilst there has been a push for charge points recently, with around 7,000 being added in 2020 alone, the rollout is still too slow to meet demand. According to the Policy Exchange think-tank, the UK will need 400,000 public charging points by 2039, but there are currently just 35,000. The think-tank informed that the rate over the past three years was at approximately 7,000 – this must reach 35,000 over the next decade. As well as lack of chargers, there’s worry that some parts of the UK will be forgotten.

Report author and Policy Exchange senior researcher, Ed Birkett, says: “Companies are rolling out charge-points at a record rate, but there’s a risk that some areas of the country won’t get enough charge-points and will be left behind. We’re concerned about the patchy deployment of charge-points, which runs against the government’s plans for levelling up and a strong and connected union.”

Demand for charging station installers

Due to needing 35,000 more EVCs across the UK within the next decade, the demand for EVC installers is high – researchers have recommended that the government should issue contracts to private firms to install charge points. A qualified electrician is needed to install charging equipment – the increase in EVs and charging need has created a new revenue stream for UK electricians. To fit EVC installations, electricians must be competent and trained, as installing EVCs can be dangerous due to high charging currents.

Mark Crook, managing director at Technique Learning Solutions, says: “EVC installation is the next big thing within the industry. The demand has been growing slowly, but we’re expecting it to expand further extremely quickly due to the lack of charging points.”

EVC in homes and businesses

In 2019, a law was announced stating newbuild homes must have EV charging points installed. With an estimated 121,630 newbuild dwellings started in June 2020 alone, this increases the demand even further.

Business owners also need to think about installing charging points on their premises. There are government schemes and grants in place to help businesses –small businesses are set to benefit from £50 million to install charge points. Also, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) will be opened to SMEs and the charity sector. This scheme will provide support towards upfront costs of the purchase and installation of charging stations. There’s a range of benefits for businesses installing EVCs.

As well as lack of chargers, there’s worry that some parts of the UK will be forgotten

Become a qualified EVC installer

To become fully qualified in EVC equipment installation, electricians could do a training course such as a Level 3 Award in EVC Equipment Installation. This ensures they are competent and offers an extra service to customers.

Mark adds: “This would be a natural pathway for electricians and creates new opportunities. EVC is still seen as a fairly new concept, despite it being around for years, chances are there won’t be a vast amount of EVC installers at customers’ disposal. Installers can be part of a solution to the current lack of charging installations.”

To become an Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) authorised installer and claim grants such as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Grant (EVHS) or the WCS, you must provide proof that you’ve been trained to install electric vehicle charging points. Unless you’re part of the OLEV scheme, you cannot get the funding.

The government’s 10-point plan is well underway and EVs will soon be filling our roads – if the demand for charging equipment is met, the road to cleaner air will be a smooth ride.