Who Can Work On Electric Cars?

If you thought electric motoring was some kind of new trend that would fizzle out in the near future, you’d be wrong. With government plans to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, it’s clear that eco-friendly travel is now a huge priority.

The good news is, electric vehicles (EVs) come with many benefits. No combustion engine means no tailpipe emissions, which in turn is better for the environment. EVs also come with lower running costs and are exempt from tax and congestion charges, which is also an obvious bonus.

As you might expect, however, new technology comes with new skill requirements from mechanics. Working on an EV is very different from working on a traditional vehicle. So who can work on electric cars and what training is required? Let’s find out more.

At all our Group 1 Automotive service centres, we have an impressive network of skilled EV mechanics to ensure your electric car stays in tip-top condition. We always follow safety guidelines and our employees have the relevant skills to keep you (and them) safe.

Electric vehicles need servicing and maintenance just like petrol and diesel cars. But not every mechanic can work on EVs. In fact, they need specialist qualifications and training from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) - the Professional Body for people working in the automotive sector.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), individuals should have “Additional skills and training… necessary to allow people to work safely with E&HVs…” alluding to “Specific training with qualifications awarded by organisations such as IMI Awards.”

With the number of electric vehicles on our roads set to increase to 12.7m over the next decade, the UK will need around 75,000 technicians with the skills to work on EVs.

The IMI has called for an increase in government investment to ensure work is carried out safely and that specialist skills won’t drive up the costs for EV motorists. Motorists can keep themselves safe and their vehicle in good working order by looking for EV-trained technicians.

Electric vehicles work in a different way to cars with a traditional combustion engine. This is why EVs need specialist mechanics with tailored knowledge and qualifications.

Put simply, electric cars store electricity in rechargeable batteries that power an electric motor, which turns the wheels. Electric cars must be plugged into a charge point regularly and take electricity from the grid.

They are not fuelled by fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel and don’t have an engine. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts. But mechanics working with EV vehicles need to understand the dangers of working with electric-powered vehicles such as the presence of high-voltage components and cabling.

Electric cars need regular maintenance, just like traditional petrol and diesel cars. This is an important part of EV ownership, with MOTs being required by law. Servicing is a great way to make sure your car remains in tip-top shape and ensures any issues are dealt with quickly.

Electric vehicles need servicing just like traditional cars do. There are fewer parts to check but there are processes to follow due to safety.

Certain things are more vital in EVs. For example, the braking system has to be working perfectly for regenerative braking, and the suspension and tyres need to be checked more regularly as EVs are heavier than normal vehicles.

During an EV servicing, your mechanic should check the electric motor/s and batteries, oil and coolant, brakes, tyres and suspension.

A brand-new electric vehicle needs an MOT after the first three years, followed by an annual renewal of the MOT certificate. A yearly MOT is required for older electric vehicles.

EVs do not require an emissions test for obvious reasons meaning there’s less scope for them to fail. As you might expect, MOTs of electric vehicles put focus on battery condition and the condition of electric components, as well as charging ports and equipment.

Yes.

Electric cars have changed modern motoring and are not composed of the same parts as a regular car.

They use electrical equipment that requires specialist knowledge and all electric car owners should seek out highly trained EV mechanics at Group 1 Automotive.

Remember, EV motoring is not a craze but will soon become part of your life - if it’s not already. So it’s well worth embracing the change and learning all you can.