March 2021

MARCH 2021 AFTERMARKET 31 www.aftermarketonline.net “We are one of the only OEs that offers a blended learning approach. Learners begin with an eLearning course allowing them to cover the basics, then complete two days of practical training and assessment. Upon course completion they get six months access to our post H/EV learning material, which is updated regularly.” Return on investment Also commenting, Adam White, Workshop Solutions Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “There is a perception that becoming EV and hybrid-ready is a big financial commitment. But actually, a £2,000 one-off cost can equip one technician with all necessary training, tools and equipment. And with an average EV or hybrid service typically costing £300, garages can quickly generate a significant return on investment. “Before they can start to sell specialist services for EVs and hybrids, garages will need to invest in the right safety equipment. Our specialist safety pack includes essentials like high voltage floor matting, an insulated rescue pole and safety clamp, safety signage, an insulated face shield and gloves, extra-long hex keys and a 22-piece insulated toolkit. “EVs and hybrids feature sophisticated systems designed to enhance performance, efficiency, safety, and the overall experience at the wheel. These systems require regular software updates, for which connectivity is key. “Hybrids are arguably more complex than EVs, because they feature a combustion engine alongside a high voltage system. This means that all the usual filters, lubricants and other internal consumables are needed, and they can only be changed when the high voltage system is discharged, to make sure that it doesn’t start itself unexpectedly, which could compromise technicians’ safety and cause mechanical harm. “EVs on the other hand should require relatively little maintenance, because their engines contain far fewer moving parts. The main things to be aware of are checking battery health, which can be done from the driver’s seat, ensuring the charging point is working correctly, topping up the reduction gearbox’s oil level, and ensuring that any cooling elements are in good working order just like the radiator on a combustion engine.” Developing skills On the training side, Adam said: “The courses we offer through our AutoEducation Academy cover both hybrids and EVs, meaning technicians can develop their skills to deal with the hybrids that are already present in the independent aftermarket, and the pure electric vehicles that are on the way. “Level 2 is our most popular course and covers routine maintenance activities and terminology, as well as providing technicians with a thorough understanding of the construction and function of hybrid-electric systems, and safety considerations for working with high-voltage operations and components. Level 3 builds on this to cover system repair and replacement, as well as more advanced electrical regeneration, rectification and regulation skills – and Level 4 extends further into diagnostics, testing and advanced repairs. “Our 2021 course schedule includes more hybrid and EV course dates than ever before, and will help to bring more than 550 new hybrid-trained technicians up to Level 3 standard, while upskilling another 670 to Level 4. Signing up for AutoEducation is free, and technicians can complete nine free skills assessments to help them identify which courses to take. Courses can be completed and paid for on a one-off basis, or unlimited access for 12 months costs £1,499.” Adam added: “When it comes to working with battery-powered vehicles, health and safety is as important to consider as technical expertise. To tackle this, the IMI has developed a Professional Standard for Electric Vehicles, which helps technicians understand the minimum requirements for keeping safe when servicing them. Garage owners have a legal obligation to ensure that their employees are properly-trained and protected when working on or around high-voltage systems, and they can certify their competence with the IMI TechSafe banner, something we actively promote to our customers.” Accomodation Commenting on the physical workshop logistics around EVs, Pilot Group MD Archie MacPherson said: “Should businesses be looking to accommodate greater numbers of electric vehicles, it is important to get a capacity check done. The supply must not have any diversity in order to have sufficient power to charge the cars. “If a site is found to have an insufficient supply, it may be necessary to ring-fence power for the electric vehicle charging points, in which case a charging point supplier can install a charging point where the power is ring-fenced before it goes to the existing distribution board. “Installing charging points is the next step. Garage owners should look to install basic charging points in each bay, in order that electric vehicles can charge while being repaired. You should also consider a handover bay, with a charging point that delivers the maximum amount of charge that the building allows to deliver the vehicle back to the customer with enough power to use afterwards.”