While the transition to zero emission vehicles is a key part of fleet decarbonisation the importance of EV repair and maintenance training for technicians must not be overlooked.
A recent report from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) predicting shortfall of 3,000 EV mechanics by 2030, growing to 16,000 by 2035, shows the need for more training courses and facilities to keep the UK at the forefront of vehicle electrification.
CoolKit, a manufacturer of temperature-controlled vehicle conversions and solutions, recently partnered with Blackburn College’s Hybrid Electric Automotive Training (HEAT) centre to enhance the skills of its employees.
Through this strategic partnership, nine CoolKit team members from its Blackburn site undertake the IMI Level 2 in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles at Blackburn College’s HEAT centre.
This qualification provides essential knowledge and skills to work safely around electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly during routine maintenance and repair activities.
One of CoolKit’s core focuses is to support its fleet customers with the transition to electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles.
Joe Gleave, Operations Director at CoolKit aid: “By equipping our people with the latest skills and knowledge, we’re not only boosting our own capabilities but also playing a part in advancing our industry as we work toward Net Zero.
“The facilities and services are outstanding and it’s a real advantage to have this right on our doorstep.”
Budding truck technicians are also getting real hands-on experience of working with EVs, due to Cardiff and Vale College’s decision to buy its own 100% electric battery-powered FUSO eCanter.
Supplied by local dealer Euro Commercials, the eCanter 4C15e has a gross weight of 4.18 tonnes and is fitted with a simple platform body – reflecting the fact that it is not intended for use in a transport application, but to help students prepare for life in workshops with EVs.
The eCanter is used by the college’s level 2 and 3 heavy vehicle apprenticeship students – most are school leavers who have joined employers on schemes which see them spend four days per week in their workplace, and one on day-release in the classroom, over a period of two or three years.
The College’s eCanter is a 4C15e model with three-seater Comfort cab and 129 kW motor. The S battery pack fitted provides a range of up to 70 km – larger M and L batteries are available, giving ranges of up to 140 and 200 km respectively.
Ben Young, Heavy Vehicle Lecturer said: “It’s no secret that there is a shortage of trained heavy vehicle technicians in the industry so these young people, and the skills they learn, are going to be vital to keep tomorrow’s trucks, buses and coaches running.
“We have over 100 students who are on apprenticeships with everyone from haulage operators to local authorities, bus and coach companies, main dealers and even emergency services.
“In all cases, as well as learning how to work on traditional combustion engines, knowledge of how to maintain electric vehicles safely and effectively is going to be crucial in their future careers.
“Having a vehicle of our own for them to work with on a daily a basis is invaluable to the teaching process.”
Meanwhile, South & City College Birmingham (SCCB) has opened a new hydrogen vehicle training facility, developed following £1.5m of capital funding from The Office for Students.
Intended to support the automotive industry as it upskills its existing workforce to address the growing demand for hydrogen fuelled vehicles, including light vehicles, PSVs and HGVs, the investment includes the purchase of a Bluepower e-base municipal truck.
The immediate focus will be on upskilling the existing automotive workforce to Levels 3 and 4, as well as supporting higher education students on foundation degrees to access real-world training opportunities.
This 450m² ATEX-compliant workshop, located at the college’s Bordesley Green Campus, meets all industry specifications, incorporating ventilation and safety systems and including vehicle lifts and an EV training area.
SCCB also plans to use the workshop and truck as a research and development facility with plans for a Level 4 course focused on diagnosing faults on vehicles with live hydrogen, instead of simulating those faults.
Mike Hopkins MBE, Principal at SCCB, said: “With the government planning to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, it is imperative that the automotive sector is ready for the switch to alternatively fuelled vehicles, including hydrogen.
“Commercial fleet operators such National Express, and local authorities operating refuse collection and road sweeping vehicles will require suitably trained engineers to maintain those fleets.
“Significantly, the training that we’ll deliver via this new workshop segues nicely with the electric vehicle programmes that we already offer, ensuring that we’re addressing the whole hybrid vehicle sector, heavy and light vehicles.”
Also, Valeo Tech Academy has launched in the UK to help bridge the growing EV skills gap.
The new training platform includes 50 hours of content addressing electric and hybrid vehicle repairs, which covers safe handling of high-voltage systems, advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Alongside online training, the Academy will also deliver one-day face-to-face sessions on EVs.
In addition, training will be carried out on simulators allowing mechanics to engage in more than 150 real-life repair scenarios.
Andy Swann, Managing Director at Valeo Service UK, said: “Individual sessions last between five to 30 minutes.
“This means mechanics can learn at their own pace and at any time of the day. The programme also includes pre- and post-assessments to ensure measurable skill improvements.
“In workshops, 60% of time is spent on diagnostics, yet many assessments are too slow or inaccurate, leading to driver dissatisfaction and lost productivity.
“Our new simulator-based training enables mechanics to quickly identify issues and sharpen their problem-solving skills, leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses and improved workshop efficiency.”
With the launch of these training facilities and the commitment shown by operators, the existing and future workforce will benefit from the most appropriate training to enable them to effectively service, maintain and carry out repair and maintenance on the latest zero emission vehicles.