New Trend? Training EV Ready Mechanics

The article analyses the topic of new trend which is getting more and more relevant these days – it is about training EV ready mechanics.

The world of EVs is booming these days. This is mainly due to the environmental concerns and radical measures taken by global governments.

Incentives and EV grants in several countries are also contributing to the segment’s growth.

The EV Boom Is Threatening Existing Jobs

The expansion of the EV segment is generally regarded as a positive sign. This is primarily due to multiple environmental and performance benefits over conventional vehicles.

However, the boom is also concurrently haunting some people. The automotive spare-parts manufacturers and mechanics are at the top of this list.

EVs Need Lesser Maintenance

Their concerns, however, are justified. Compared to gasoline and diesel vehicles, EVs have far fewer moving parts. This means that the likelihood of such vehicles and their components getting faulty is also significantly reduced.

However, even EVs are machines that, like any other working vehicle, will require repairs.

How Many EV Mechanics Are Required & By When?

The growing shift to the EV segment necessitates a larger workforce for repairs and maintenance.

Situation In Australia 

According to one study, only Australia will require 6,000 mechanics by 2030. That is only 8 years from now. That’s why radical measures need to be taken to train such a large number of professionals.

Situation In The UK

The situation in the United Kingdom, on the other hand, is even more concerning. That’s because at present about 6.5% of the total mechanics are conversant with EVs.

The UK government is taking drastic measures to phase out the sale of all gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030. So, a need for 75,000 EV mechanics does not appear to be extraordinary.

According to another report, only 5% of current UK mechanics are ready to work on EVs.

To reach the target of 75,000 mechanics by 2030, the government will need to spend around €18 (£15.28) million on training.

This data is simply a wake-up call to the type of efforts that will be required if the world is to prepare for the EV transformation that is looming over our heads.

What Skills Will Be Needed?

The world of EVs is very different from that of conventional vehicles. Thus, the risks that the segment faces are different from those of previous technology. 

The operations and maintenance of EVs are much easier as they have just two main parts:

– A motor;

– A Li-Ion Battery.

However, the following skillsets need to be acquired by mechanics before they can start working on EVs: 

Dealing With High Voltage 

As EV mechanics need to deal with high voltage, it necessitates proper training in the field. Without such training, the risk of electric shocks always exists. 

Shifting Heavy Batteries

The EV batteries are heavy components. So for shifting and repair purposes, they need to be properly disconnected and shifted to new locations. This requires a heavy-duty lifting mechanism.

EV mechanics will need to learn how to operate these machines.

Understanding Electric Stuff

Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs use electric stuff. So, having a detailed understanding of how this stuff operates will be vital for EV mechanics.

How Is The World Coping Up?

GM is one example of a conventional vehicle manufacturer that has embraced the EV segment. 

The GM Automotive Manufacturing Electric College (AMEC) is training staff for EVs.

Some of the major hurdles for GM while training EV mechanics are:

– Investing millions of dollars;

– Running a comprehensive college for the training;

– Setting aside existing staff for this training.

GM is undertaking these steps to make sure its staff is ready to work on EVs.

Final Verdict  

Several countries are trying to transition old factories to the EV requirements. However, they must also train the mechanics that will keep such vehicles running.