Independents seeing increasing number of HEV repair requests

What HEV courses are available to technicians to take right now?

Independents seeing increasing number of HEV repair requests
Petrol and diesel sales are set to decline and training in HEV systems needs to take place.

The Autologic Technical Support Centre is seeing an increasing number of requests related to the repair and maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs).

Whilst the overall volume of requests is still low, the increasing frequency of support requests reflects the numbers of HEVs entering the aftermarket.

Autologic is also aware that there is a lack of information and some confusion in the aftermarket relating to the maintenance and repair of HEVs.

The table below shows the rapid increase in new registrations of HEVs in the UK.

As well as new vehicles, the used vehicle market is also experiencing a rise in HEV sales.

Out of the 8 million used cars sold in 2018, over 100,000 were HEVs, indicating a 27 per cent increase from 2017.

It is clear from the data that if independent garages are not seeing many HEVs in their workshops today, it is inevitable the numbers visiting will increase rapidly.

The number of electric vehicles has grown rapidly over the last seven years. Photo: Autologic

The increase in HEV numbers is being driven by the move away from diesel powered vehicles, and changes in UK government policy.

In July 2018, the government announced their Road to Zero Strategy, which outlined how they plan to support the transition to zero emission road transport in the UK.

The statement said: “We are reviewing whether current regulations are sufficient to protect mechanics working on electric and hybrid vehicles.

“We are working with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to ensure the UK’s workforce of mechanics are well trained and have the skills they need to repair these vehicles safely.”

Technicians need to attend HEV training

Steve Nash, chief executive of the IMI, stated: “With the introduction of these new technologies, we are emphatically moving away from the realms of the gifted amateur.

“Only individuals with the appropriate training, qualifications and equipment can work safely on the high voltage systems of HEVs.”

Tony Gill, customer support manager at Autologic, added: “By ensuring that technicians have attended relevant training courses, and achieved a level of competency, repairs on HEVs can be carried out more accurately, efficiently and safely, which can only be beneficial to technicians, garage owners and car owners.”

Gill continued: “Providing remote support is a core part of Autologics’ business.

“We recognise the risks associated with the high voltage systems on HEVs and have therefore put in place a process to ensure that we can deliver technical support safely and accurately.

“The first part of this process is to ensure that the technician we are providing support to has a good level of understanding and competency in HEV systems.

“This is achieved through a registrations process requiring the technician to provide evidence that they are qualified to an IMI level 2 standard, to carry out general repairs and maintenance, or, level 3 to be able to carry out repairs to the high voltage (HV) system.”

HEV qualifications for all technician needs

To aid technicians obtaining the required qualifications, Autologic is making available a range of training options so that technicians can get the best qualification for their current requirements.

For customers that carry out general maintenance and repair, Autologic offers a level 2 IMI course which gives technicians the knowledge to make the HV system safe in order to carry routine servicing and repairs outside of the HV system.

For garage customers that carry out more complex diagnostics and repairs, Autologic advises where technicians can attend a level 3 IMI course that provides training in diagnosing and replacing components within the HV system.

Autologic has said it is committed to providing independent workshops and technicians with the information they need to make decisions that are right for their businesses now, and in the future.

You can find out more about Autologic and their HEV courses for technicians by clicking ‘more details’ below.

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