A global lack of trained technicians and stand-alone service centers capable of fixing electric vehicles (EVs) is a prominent issue. This scarcity may drive up repair and warranty expenses for car owners, putting at risk the objective of lowering carbon emissions from vehicles in the future.
Independent repair shops play a crucial role in making EV ownership more affordable, as they are often more cost-effective than franchise dealerships. However, many garage owners hesitate to invest in the training and equipment required to service high-voltage EVs. This hesitation is primarily due to the perceived risks associated with working on EVs, such as the potential for electrocution and EV fires.
According to a recent report by Reuters, this shortage is leading to higher repair and warranty expenses, as well as longer wait times for repairs.
Due to the pandemic, there is a growing concern about a shortage of technicians for Electric Vehicles. This particular shortage for EVs isn’t just in one country.
The Institute of the Motor Industry in the UK anticipates a gap of 25,000 EV technicians by 2032. Meanwhile, the US will require approximately 80,000 electrician roles annually until 2031. Australia also predicts a lack of 9,000 EV technicians by 2030.
Is the Shortage of EV Mechanics to Blame For Higher Prices?
The increasing repair costs for EVs are already noticeable, leading to long-term concerns about consumers’ affordability. Warranty provider Warrantywise has reported higher warranty expenses for EVs, as expensive repairs often need to be done at brand dealerships instead of independent shops.
This is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed. If left unaddressed, it could harm the future of EV adoption and the overall goal of reducing vehicle carbon emissions.
To tackle the shortage of EV mechanics, efforts are underway to provide training programs. The Siemens Foundation has announced a $30 million training initiative to educate American technicians responsible for installing and maintaining EV chargers.
Government support is also being sought to assist independent repairers in affording the necessary training. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) asks for £15 million from the UK government to address this issue. In Australia, the Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) predicts that simple EV training will cost AUD 100 million for authorised car technicians. Offering reduced-cost EV training is vital for small repair businesses to shift towards EV repairs.
These initiatives aim to address the shortage of skilled EV technicians and ensure adequate training opportunities are available to meet the growing demand for EV repair services.
