News 'Gaping chasm' warning as shortage of skilled EV technicians revealed
T
he Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is calling on the government to commit funding to support EV skills training. The IMI says its data reveals that the automotive retail sector does not currently have the skills and the pipeline of talent needed to service and repair electrified vehicles to keep the nation moving safely. And, says the IMI, the last 18 months have only served to put the sector into reverse in getting itself EV-ready. Faced with the consequences of an inadequately skilled workforce, the IMI is suggesting a £15m boost would play a critical role, contributing towards training for up to 75,000 technicians. The IMI believes this is a modest figure, in the context of the £1.9bn investment committed by government in the 2020 Spending Review to sup-
port the transition to zero emission vehicles for charging infrastructure and consumer incentives. It would make a significant difference, particularly for the independent sector which doesn’t have the training budgets of the manufacturer franchise network and faces being left behind, with the result that consumers will have less choice. Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI said: “There’s no getting away from the fact that there are still some big hurdles to overcome to meet the government’s 2030 deadline for the ban of the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. “With just 6.5% of the automotive workforce currently qualified to work on electric vehicles there is a gaping chasm in the availability of technicians. And that chasm not only presents a safety threat for those who may risk working on high voltage vehicle
systems without appropriate training and qualifications; it also means the premium on skills could add to costs for motorists, creating another, unnecessary deterrent to the switch to EVs.”
Appropriate skills are needed for high voltage vehicle systems.
Mercedes trials electric roadside assistance van Mercedes-Benz Vans UK has introduced its first electric Service24h roadside assistance van, as part of a pilot project in London. The eSprinter is kitted out in the same way as the diesel-engined vehicles that provide free, round-the-clock support to customers throughout the UK. Operating from the Marshall Van
eSprinter £499
per month contract hire
Croydon dealership in south London, the eSprinter is serving the capital’s growing Mercedes-Benz electric van community. Simon Neill, customer operations director, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, said: “It’s important to demonstrate to customers of our eSprinter and eVito models that we can fully support them with an electric van.”
eVito Panel Van £198
per month contract hire
Visit www.rossetts.co.uk or email electric@rossetts.co.uk for more information *BUSINESS USERS ONLY • 12 month contract hire agreement • £1000 advance rental • Excess Mileage Charge ex. VAT 20 Pence Per Mile • 10,000 miles per annum • All prices exclude VAT at 20% Orders / credit approvals on selected stock models registered by 30th December 2021, subject to credit approval and vehicle availability. Mercedes-benz Finance MK15 8BA. Prices are correct at time of going to press. All prices are subject to any fiscal or legislative changes.
4 VANUSER • SEPTEMBER 2021
