An independent academic report to be published tomorrow (13th April) will call for significant government investment in a charging infrastructure and ‘upskilling’ of the UK motor industry.
The author of the report, Professor Jim Saker of Loughborough University, says electric cars could bring major economic benefits but only if the government acts strategically to make charging low emission cars convenient to drivers, and to make sure there are enough qualified people to service and repair them.
The report, which was commissioned by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), will be presented to a cross-party group of MPs this week by Professor Jim Saker and IMI CEO Steve Nash.
They will highlight the need for the government to focus on protecting both the economic growth of the motor industry, and the safety concerns across the sector.
Recruitment
With 81 per cent of independent garages struggling to recruit highly skilled technicians and the UK retail motor industry failing to attract young people into technical roles, the IMI has warned that unless a proactive strategy is undertaken the UK will not be able to support the growth of future car technology safely.
Saker suggests the government should make it illegal for untrained technicians to work on electric and hybrid vehicles with a license to practice in order to drive investment in the necessary training.
Professor Jim Saker said: “The UK by the nature of its size and geography has a natural advantage in the rapid adoption of vehicles with the new power train technologies, but it is dependent on government investment to pump prime this initiative.
“Without proper regulation a skills gap will emerge with only a limited number of technicians working in the franchised sector being able to service and repair new technology vehicles.
“If this trend is found to be true then it is likely that the independent sector of the retail automotive sector will decline.”
Rapid market growth
Steve Nash, IMI CEO, said: “We have seen growth of more than 20 per cent in alternatively fuelled vehicles with Tesla announcing orders of £7bn in only two days for their new model.
“It’s vital we take the appropriate steps now if we want to ensure that the UK has the skilled workforce it needs across the whole industry to support and service these vehicles.
“This will only be possible if appropriate actions are taken with some urgency to avoid a serious and growing skills shortage, most particularly in the non-franchised part of the automotive sector.”
Professor Jim Saker and the IMI Chief Executive, Steve Nash, are hosting a meeting in Parliament on Wednesday 13th April to discuss the independent academic report.
For further information about the IMI, select ‘more details’ below.