Aftermarket March 2023

E lectric vehicles sales continue to rise, but with charging infrastructure still inadequate, and the number of properly trained technicians still lagging behind the upward ownership curve, a number of issues still need to be overcome. AA unveils monthly AA EV Recharge Report With energy prices on the up, and EV drivers facing higher bills, the AA has launched a monthly AA EV Recharge Report, that will look at the pay-as- you-go (PAYG) pricing across all chargepoint speeds available on public chargers, as well as domestic charging costs. The report takes the average prices of more than 6,000 chargers across the UK, 17% of all devices, with the initial November 2022 report reinforcing that home 58 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2023 EVS AND HYBRIDS www.aftermarketonline.net ADDRESSING THE SHORTFALL? Like an incomplete jigsaw, many key pieces are still missing from the electric vehicle picture charging is the cheapest possible option. Commenting on the launch of the report, Edmund King, AA President, said: “We are pleased to launch an EV version of our much- acclaimed Fuel Price Report. This report will help educate and inform drivers looking to switch to an EV and show how the cost of charging moves over time.” Commenting on the findings of the first report, Jack Cousens, the AA’s recharging spokesman, added: “Surprisingly, fast chargers are on average cheaper than slow charging, but subscription offers for on-street lampposts can be found with deals around 29 p/kWh. “Most people will opt for pay as you go rates when away from home, especially if they top their EV up at rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. While the cost of recharging will always be cheaper than refuelling, EVs can lose out to diesel cars when looking at the pence per mile cost. However, those with a home charger reap the rewards of the cheapest rates possible. Many can also enjoy discounted rates if their energy provider offers an off-peak tariff for overnight charging.” Report warns on EV technician shortage The IGA was consulted during the researching of report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) that has again highlighted ongoing risks to future mobility if the skills gap around EVs is not closed. The report, ‘A vehicle for change: Upskilling the UK’s technicians to service and repair electric vehicles,’ looks at the shift to hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs), and warns that without government action, there is likely to be a shortfall of 25,000 EV