Electric vehicles reached a key milestone in the UK recently, with the millionth vehicle sold since EVs first emerged here 22 years ago hitting the road in January. This coincided with predictions on the move to electric vehicles being about to pick up speed. Despite this, drivers are still finding out first-hand that there are genuine issues around the support for the technology, both in terms of infrastructure and servicing and repair support. The shift to EVs will accelerate over 60 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2024 EVS AND HYBRIDS www.aftermarketonline.net CHARGE UP OR CHARGE HOME? While some predict the shift to EVs is about accelerate, owners are still being let down by infrastructure issues the next 12 months, the new Chief Executive of LKQ UK & Ireland Kevan Wooden, has predicted, and he also anticipates that as a result more independent garages will need to invest their money in equipment and skills to enable them to service EVs. He also said that parts makers, factors and chains must also doubledown on the EV front in the face of VMs needing to make sure 22% of new vehicles sold are EVs: “The EV transition will continue to influence motor factors’ and independent garages’ direction of travel in 2024. Simply put, those that fail to prepare risk falling behind in the market, with plug-in vehicles representing a major, growing share of all new and used car sales.” Kevan also expects more garages to shift over to fixing and maintaining EV batteries. LKQ Academy is also ramping up its EV and hybrid training offering through 2024. According to Kevan, the modernisation of independents could also help address the industry skills crisis: “The transition to EVs represents a multifaceted challenge, from upskilling thousands of technicians UK-wide, to finding innovative
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