The electric revolution: is your workshop ready?
The hum of electric vehicles on UK roads is growing louder by the day, and it’s no longer a distant whisper of the future – it’s the undeniable present. Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, recently confirmed a staggering 27% increase in UK charge points over the past year. With 17,370 new installations since July 2024, this has pushed the total to over 82,000 public charge points. This significant growth is a clear signal from the government: the EV agenda is accelerating, and the automotive industry must adapt or risk being left behind.
For bodyshops across the UK, this isn’t just a headline; it’s a call to action. The transition to electric vehicles presents both challenges and unparalleled opportunities. Is your workshop prepared to service the cars that will soon dominate our roads?
The inevitable shift: why EV is the future
The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by several key factors:
Government commitment to EV infrastructure
The Government is making significant investments to bolster the UK’s charging network. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander recently announced £63 million in funding to help build charging infrastructure. This includes £25 million for councils to implement innovative cross-pavement technology, allowing residents without driveways to safely run charging cables from their homes. An additional £30 million will go to vehicle depots, such as those used by the NHS. This new funding complements Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pledge of £400 million for charging infrastructure over the next five years, part of a wider £1.4 billion fund to support the uptake of all EVs. The commitment is clear: they aim to make it “easier and cheaper” to buy and charge electric cars.
Evolving EV market dynamics
While the number of enquiries for new electric cars has seen a significant year-on-year decrease (down 65%, now accounting for only 9% of all new car enquiries compared to 27% last year), the used EV market is booming. The volume of used electric vehicles entering the market has soared by 229% year-on-year in April. This has led to an 18% year-on-year drop in used EV prices, making them more accessible and driving strong overall demand for used EVs. This shift means a growing fleet of electric vehicles will require servicing and repair.
Confusing grant landscape
The Government has also announced a new EV grant scheme, reportedly offering discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars priced under £37,000. However, this new grant has caused considerable confusion, with eligibility dependent on factors like manufacturing sustainability standards. This uncertainty has prompted some manufacturers, like Hyundai UK and Skywell UK, to launch their own incentive programmes to provide clarity and stimulate sales. This dynamic landscape of grants and incentives underscores the need for bodyshops to remain agile and informed.
Environmental necessity
The drive towards net-zero emissions means the UK is committed to phasing out petrol and diesel car sales. EVs are central to this national goal.
Technological advancement: EVs are complex machines, demanding specialised knowledge and tools. They’re not just cars with a different engine; they’re a whole new paradigm of automotive engineering.
Ignoring this shift is no longer an option. Bodyshops which fail to embrace EV technology risk losing a significant portion of their potential customer base to competitors who are prepared.
What your bodyshop needs to do NOW
The key to thriving in the EV era lies in proactive preparation. Here’s what your workshop should be prioritising:
1. Invest in knowledge: EV Training to upskill your workforce
Working on EVs presents unique safety considerations due to high-voltage systems. Without proper EV training, your technicians and your business are at risk. This isn’t just about understanding how EVs work, but how to work on them safely.
2. Equip for the future: get the right tools and PPE
Once you have the proper EV training, you need to invest in tools. Standard workshop tools are simply not sufficient for EV repairs. High-voltage systems require specialist insulated tools, diagnostic equipment, and robust Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of your staff and the integrity of the vehicle.
3. Future-proof your business model
By investing in EV readiness, you’re not just meeting a market demand; you’re future-proofing your business. You’ll be able to attract new customers, offer a wider range of services and solidify your reputation as a forward-thinking, competent repair centre.
Our solution: your pathway to EV expertise
We understand that stepping into the world of EVs can seem daunting. That’s why we’ve developed comprehensive EV training courses, and a dedicated EV tool and PPE package designed specifically for car repair workshops like yours.
IMI accredited EV training courses
Our EV training courses are IMI accredited, providing nationally recognised qualifications that assure competence and adherence to industry standards. We offer a structured pathway to EV expertise, from foundational awareness to advanced diagnostics:
- IMI level 1 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness: Essential for all bodyshop staff, this course provides a crucial understanding of EV safety protocols and general awareness when working around electric vehicles. It’s about ensuring everyone on your team knows how to operate safely in an EV environment.
- IMI level 2 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Routine Maintenance Activities: For technicians who will be performing routine maintenance tasks on EVs, this course covers safe working practices and essential servicing procedures.
- IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement: This level equips technicians with the skills to diagnose and repair high-voltage components and systems, excluding live work.
- IMI level 4 Award in the Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles and Components: The pinnacle of EV training, this course focuses on advanced diagnostics, testing, and live high-voltage work, empowering your most skilled technicians to handle complex EV repairs.
The essential EV tool and PPE package
To complement our training, we offer a comprehensive EV tool and PPE package. This ensures your workshop has:
- Insulated tools: Designed to protect against electric shock during high-voltage work
- Specialised diagnostic equipment: Crucial for accurately identifying and rectifying EV system faults
- High-Quality PPE: Including insulated gloves and face shields to protect your technicians
- Safety measures: Such as lockout devices, barrier systems and clear signage to create a safe working environment
The future of roads is electric, and the future of car repair is EV-ready. Don’t let your workshop be an exception. Invest in the training and equipment that will empower your team, and secure your place in the evolving automotive landscape.
Ready to electrify your workshop? Contact us today to learn more about our IMI accredited EV training courses, and our comprehensive EV tool and PPE packages.