May 2021

MAY 2021 AFTERMARKET 53 Associates challenged perceptions about how the trade could embrace an alternative fuel future.During ‘Auto industry skills shortage and tackling electric vehicles,’ a panel explored whether the aftermarket is prepared for an EV future. Adrian Haller, Managing Director of Bruderer UK, observed: "We need to uplift the perception of engineering, as people automatically think of dirty, dark environments but it's not at all like that. New technology means the environment is clean, warm and bright, similar to a lab or a clean-room environment. Manufacturing engineering is the place to be and is there for the future." Steve Carter, Automotive Aftermarket EV specialist, then discussed EV handling challenges in the workshop: "In 2010 there were only six electric vehicles available, but last year there was a choice of 110, and this is predicted to rise to over 300 by 2025. These will naturally filter down into the aftermarket, so it’s essential staff are fully trained and qualified to reduce risks from the get-go.” David Hudson from Tata Motors in Europe then urged the aftermarket to act on EV training: “Engineering graduates are already gaining skills to work with OEMs, but the service technician training route also needs to be similarly adapted. Those entering trade training are already a lot more prepared than previous generations, thanks to structured training regimes at academies offering mechanical and electrical possibilities.” Crash repair and business specialist David Lingham then posited that the collision market needs to reposition itself: “We need to start the change now, and not wait for others to catch up. Recruitment should be seen as an integral part of a company’s marketing strategy and we should be creating the perception that we’re the industry of the future, and EVs are a platform for us to achieve that.” Finally IMI CEO Steve Nash reiterated the need for preparation: “Although the internal combustion engine won’t completely disappear anytime soon, there is a fast development cycle and the advent of electrified vehicles and the proportion of vehicle parc they represent will grow rapidly. This is happening sooner than many believe and it’s important that technicians do not put off training.” To watch a recording of the webinar visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/1886244495 761001742 Requirements Commenting on what garages need to do to be prepared for EVs, Graham O’Neill, CEO of ACIS said: “Electric vehicles require specific equipment, PPE, signage and safety equipment, and businesses will need to invest in them to go alongside the normal tools on the workshop floor, so their technicians have access to the correct tools to complete the job. In addition to the tools, it is important that businesses are also aware that working on an electric vehicle means they will have to set up a specific EV workstation on their floor. This area will provide short-term pain due to taking up space, but in the end, it will provide long term gain, as it will pay for itself and the technicians working in that area.” On training, Graham observed: “Technical training is important because as technology evolves, so do the job requirements and the skills and knowledge needed to complete them. This is especially true when it comes to electric vehicles and has led to businesses continually up- skilling their technicians with the knowledge, skills and accreditation required to work safely around any electric vehicle, including high voltage components and systems. On completion of the relevant technical training programmes, it enables businesses to meet a gap in the market and open a new revenue stream.” Then there is overall staff training. Graham said: “Staff training is sometimes viewed as not being a priority compared to technical training for workshop staff and this can lead to the non-technical staff and customer facing employees receiving their training last, if at all. The fact that it is not on the same level as the training for technicians needs to change now. The reason for this is simple; customers now expect staff, no matter their position, to speak with confidence about the care and repair of their vehicle.” Graham added: “Without EV awareness training, customer facing staff such as drivers, damage assessors, reception staff and managers will not be able to demonstrate the professional and reassuring impression any EV owner will be looking for when their vehicle goes into the workshop.” We know that this is an area that workshops are investing in... ” EV essential kit ACIS recommends the following tools and items for businesses working on electric vehicles: Insulated Open Ended Spanner Set 7pc Leather overgloves – Large (10) Fully insulating electrical safety gloves – Large (10) Cotton underliner gloves- pack of 10 pairs Danger high voltage sign Insulated tool kit 3/8”D 22pc High voltage floor matting – 1 metre Protective arc flash face shield- 1,000V rated Safety post support base Plastic tool box 159 Protective face shield bag Insulated rescue pole High voltage/no admittance sign Safety lockout padlock Plastic 6mm chain 25m High voltage tester CAT IV 1,000V Glove storage bag Chain support post with cap (Red/White) Safety tag – ‘DO NOT START’