“Be Prepared” A Key Message from Future Tech Leaders

The NT was represented by Zone Chair Guido Merlo of Autocrash Express Repairs at the MTA’s recent Industry Advisory Council, which examined ways members can navigate emerging and future technology.

While electric vehicle numbers are low in the Territory, they are steadily increasing. Approximately 78% of people in a government survey said they would you consider buying an EV in the next five years.

“The Northern Territory needs to be prepared for the transition to EVs and harness the benefits which EVs can provide,” according to the Northern Territory Electric Vehicle Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2026.

The “Be Prepared” theme was reinforced by several speakers at the future tech summit.

“I would like the motor trade and the broader associated industries to have their eyes wide open and prepare for the change that's coming,” said guest speaker, SA Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan.

“I don't want anybody to be caught out in two or 10 years’ time when this change has occurred, because it's starting already and it's only going to pick up pace.

“So, I want everybody who works in this industry to really take notice of what is coming and prepare themselves for it so that they can get the very most out of it for themselves and their organisations.”

Releasing the Plan in July, Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics and Renewables and Energy, Eva Lawler, said the government’s intent was to “address renewables and climate change while creating new business and economic opportunities for Territorians”.

She said the government wanted to “support this new industry and the jobs that come with it”.

Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics and Renewables and Energy, Eva Lawler.

The EV Strategy includes a range of actions for implementation over the next five years, including:

• Reduced registration and stamp duty fees for Electric Vehicles;

• Developing a grant program for home, workplace and public EV chargers;

• Facilitating the installation of more EV charging stations;

• Supporting local innovation in EV technology;

• Skills development for EV servicing and EV charging infrastructure installation;

• Promoting information on EV charging locations; and

• Increasing the number of EVs in the Northern Territory Government Fleet

The Strategy focuses on passenger and light commercial vehicles, as these are most likely to be the areas with the greatest growth in the near future.

However, it notes that “the Northern Territory’s characteristics including long distances, a small and widely dispersed population and extreme climatic conditions present unique challenges for the introduction of EVs.”

The Strategy also addressed the issue of skills and training.

“EV maintenance and installation of charging infrastructure will require specialised servicing and maintenance skills,” it states.

“Although some servicing requirements may be undertaken remotely, there are opportunities for local providers to service and maintain EVs and install and maintain EV recharging facilities. Feedback on the 2019 NT EV Discussion Paper highlighted that EV servicing and repair is likely to require a more complex range of skill sets than traditional mechanical skills, including an increased level of IT and technology skills.

“Training in the service and repair of EVs and charging infrastructure is likely to be required and the Northern Territory Government will liaise with industry and other jurisdictions regarding skill development.

“There is potential for innovation and development of specialised skills in relation to EVs and renewable recharging. With the Northern Territory’s climatic extremes there is potential to position the Northern Territory as a specialised test environment for EVs and related technology.”

I want everybody who works in this industry to really take notice of what is coming and prepare themselves for it so that they can get the very most out of it for themselves and their organisations.- Dan van Holst Pellekaan

Minister Lawler said the Northern Territory Government is working with other jurisdictions and the Australian Government to coordinate Australia’s transition to low and zero emission vehicles, with the release of the EV Strategy and Implementation Plan setting out a clear direction for the NT.

Investing in Electric Vehicles and providing the necessary infrastructure is in line with the Northern Territory Government’s Roadmap to Renewables, the Climate Change Response and Action Plan and the Digital Territory Strategy.

Minister van Holst Pellekaan said independents had always played an important role in vehicle servicing and maintenance “and I'm sure that will continue”.

“But I really want the independents to start focusing on this and start concentrating on this now,” he said.

“I would hate for a high quality, independent motor vehicle workshop to be caught off guard by the transition from combustion and compression engines to electric vehicles.”