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Knowledge is power: Electric vehicle training courses for technicians

25 July 2024 #Features & Interviews #TNB News

Moving over to operating practices and new technologies that reduce CO2 is a key part of vehicle fleet decarbonisation, but many organisations in the sector recognise that levels of training must increase to meet operational needs.

Waste management company Veolia, and training specialist, Autotech Training, have taken a proactive approach by implementing approved qualifications for the company’s workshop teams.

Recognised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), electric vehicle manufacturer Dennis Eagle, and the Health and Safety Executive, this new qualification enables technicians to work safely on all aspects of high voltage systems associated with the latest electric vehicles.

The course incorporates three stages including IMI Levels 2 and 3 Heavy Vehicle Electric/Hybrid training, as well as Dennis Eagle’s own eCollect training course.

Following the training, technicians gain the knowledge and skills required to work on heavy electric and hybrid vehicles and become fully qualified to carry out operational and repair activities including replacing parts.

This can include vehicles that may have damage to their high energy systems, and ensures every technician is safeguarded against the dangers of working on, or around electric vehicles.

Gary Clark, Veolia Fleet Director UK&I, said with vehicle maintenance essential to support Veolia’s existing operations that use more than 200 EVs, completion of the training courses provides upskilling of technicians and enable them to work safely on live high voltage vehicle electrical components

“As we look to achieve a net zero fleet by 2040, we know that maintenance is vital, and to keep our electric vehicle fleet operational we need to have fully staffed workshops that can keep vehicles on the road to make full use of them”, he added.

“This first of its type training course will add to our ability to support a rapidly growing number of EV, enhance safety, and further the decarbonisation of our self-managed fleet.

“It is a great opportunity for our fleet technicians to learn new technology whilst already maintaining a variety of different vehicles, and by training 40 of our technicians we are ensuring we can deliver a zero carbon future fleet.”

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz dealership Intercounty Truck & Van has made a £2m investment into an all-new service and parts location in Dunstable, Bedfordshire which includes eight electric vehicle charging points.

Alongside the facility upgrades, the dealership is making substantial investments in technician training.

It includes actively recruiting the next generation of skilled technicians through an apprentice programme and participating in the Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle technical training pathway.

This enables technicians to repair electric vehicle equipment, including batteries, down to component level.

Intercounty said the initiatives will ensure that customers receive high-quality service from well-trained professionals while also providing valuable career opportunities and creating 30 new jobs.

Nick Skillman, Managing Director at Intercounty Truck & Van, said: “The launch of our new Dunstable site offers incredible opportunity, both for us as a business and for the local economy – particularly as we welcome the transition to electric.”

Also, DAF Trucks holds dedicated electric vehicle product training for its network-based dealer technicians, relating to its new 19-tonne right-hand-drive LF Electric and CF Electric in 27-tonne 6×2 rigid and 37-tonne 4×2 tractor variants.

The training is delivered at the DAF Academy based at the manufacturer’s UK head office in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire.

This forms part of a comprehensive programme of activities to prepare the DAF dealer network, made up of 135 locations, for the uptake of electric vehicles, with significant investment going into tooling and charging infrastructure, as well as training.

Product training at the academy includes in-depth electric vehicle maintenance and diagnosis procedures specific to the DAF range.

Training content comes in addition to IMI Level-3 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair & Replacement training which all delegates on the DAF electric vehicle product training have already successfully completed.

Suzanne Moore, DAF Training Manager, said: “We’re making sure we’re fully prepared to support customers as they adopt DAF electric vehicles into their UK operations.

“We have electric vehicles entering regular operation, we offer a range of mobile and static charging options and we now have fully-trained technicians in place in the network.”

Logistics UK has launched two electric truck maintenance training programmes, in partnership with Stephenson, Brooksby and Melton College and Bristol College.

The L2 and L3 electric vehicle maintenance training programmes are designed to upskill existing vehicle technicians and ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to keep vehicles roadworthy and identify faults as soon as they occur.

These new courses, which last for two days, include modules such as working safely on an electric/hybrid vehicle, using information to carry out the task, knowledge on carrying out repairs on high energy electrical systems and recording information and making suitable recommendations, all delivered in a practical way with hands-on training.

The programmes lead to an IMI Level 2/3 qualification in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Routine Maintenance, and inclusion on the IMI TechSafe register.

David Jordan, Logistics UK deputy operations director said: “The new generation of electric trucks relies on different technologies from those found in traditional combustion engines and, without appropriate information and training, this could prove problematic for conventionally trained mechanics, who could find themselves without the necessary skills to service and repair the new vehicles.

“It is vital that logistics businesses ensure their team has the necessary skills in new technologies to keep vehicles roadworthy and delivering for customers.

“These new training courses will ensure that businesses are properly equipped to identify and solve problems with electric vehicle technology as soon as they arise.”

Data recently published by information provider Statista suggests that the UK’s electric HGV market could see a 70% growth by 2026, with more than 2,100 battery-powered vehicles due to be operational across the nation by that date.

Transport companies need to protect their businesses by upskilling mechanics to meet the repair and maintenance demands of their growing electric fleets.

Also, having the knowledge to service and repair vehicles with high voltage systems is essential, not only from a technical view but from a safety perspective.

 

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