Now’s time for independent garages to consider EV, industry experts say

Battery electric vehicles become UK’s second most popular powertrain, overtaking diesel

Now’s time for independent garages to consider EV, industry experts say

Independent garage owners are being urged to act now as the UK’s shift towards electric vehicles continues to gather pace with fresh data showing Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) to be the UK’s second most popular powertrain after petrol in 2022.

The news comes just days before Garage Wire’s widely anticipated EV Ready event, which is set to bring the UK aftermarket’s EV expertise together under one roof for the benefit of independent garages at Brighton Racecourse on January 25, 2023 from 5.00pm.

Alongside an exhibition of the very latest EV-related equipment, tools, training and parts available to independent garages from the UK aftermarket’s biggest brands, an EV Ready discussion panel will weigh-up what the UK’s growing EV car parc means for vehicle servicing and repairs, the business opportunities available and how best for workshops to transition into the new and emerging electrified era.

Garage Wire Editor, Mike Ruff said: “With sales of BEVs overtaking diesel for the first-time last year, it’s only a matter of time before independents will be seeing these vehicles in large numbers and there is a real opportunity here for independent workshops – especially for the early adopters.”

In 2022, BEV comprised 16.6 per cent of new vehicle registrations, surpassing diesel for the first time to become the second most popular powertrain after petrol, latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show. It puts the total market share of electrified vehicles, including mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), at 52.6 per cent.

New IMI data suggests the number of vehicle technicians qualified to work on electrified vehicles is around 16 per cent – up from 11 per cent at the end of 2021.

Automotive author Tom Denton, who’ll be sharing his expertise during the live panel discussion at EV Ready, said: “The switch from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to a zero emission EV future is, I think, the most rapid period of change out industry has ever experienced. There are great opportunities for those who are willing and able to take advantage of them.

“My advice to technicians and business owners at this time of significant change, is to make the decision now. Either get on board with all the implications of an electric vehicle future, or don’t. To remain as an ICE specialist is fine; there will be lots of work for many years yet but it will start to tail off.”

Tickets for Garage Wire’s EV Ready are available to book online now and include FREE parking, FREE dinner and a FREE beer. Doors open at Brighton Racecourse at 5.00pm on January 25, 2023.

EV Ready is sponsored by GSF Car Parts, Servicesure, Delphi Technologies, Bosch, Castrol and Sykes-Pickavant. For further information about EV Ready and to book your tickets visit click here.

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