IMI discussing EV standards for technicians
The Institute of the Motor Industry met with industry leaders this week to discuss a professional standard intended to protect technicians working on electric vehicles.
The Electric Vehicle Advisory Group met on Tuesday, following a poll of IMI members which saw 98% of member call for regulation for technicians.
Steve Nash, chief executive of the IMI, said, ‘There is a real imperative for accepted sector-wide EV Professional Standards before we ‘cross the chasm’ from early-adopters to the majority of consumers embracing EV’s in the 2020’s. The IMI is pro-actively developing EV Professional Standards based around existing EV qualifications, IMI Accreditation or accredited training; its code of professional behaviours, and a commitment to Continual Professional Development (CPD).
‘The EV Sector Advisory Group meeting, where experts from across the industry had a chance to comment and contribute on the requirements, was important to shape the development of the standards that aim to benefit everyone. This is an evolving process and we look forward to further meetings in the months to come.
‘Businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure that their staff are appropriately trained, qualified and equipped to undertake work on vehicles which operate at potentially lethal voltages. As the industry’s professional body we feel it is our job to help them define and be clear about what appropriate training and qualification actually means by agreeing and establishing common minimum standards for the industry.’
The Department for Transport’s (DfT) ‘Road to Zero’ strategy includes reviewing whether current regulations are sufficient to protect mechanics working on electric and hybrid vehicles.
The Electrical Vehicle Advisory Group will now be determining the main factors that need to be considered in the Electric Vehicle Professional Standards, and will continue to work together to develop the standards over the coming months.
Andy Savva from the Garage Inspector said, ‘I think an Electrified Vehicle Standard would be a good thing because then we can be measured against something, and at the moment as we’re unregulated everything is done internally in the motor trade, voluntary or not. We need something with a little bit of substance to add weight and credibility to consumers.
‘Technology is always evolving, especially in the last 10-15 years, so as a garage owner it’s very important to look at your business plan and strategy for the next three to five years. Having said that, we mustn’t all run to train all the staff and buy all the equipment, you really must carry out a business plan based around your demographics of where you are. It is important and it’s something to be aware of, but there should be some caution as well.
“I 100% support introducing an Electric Vehicle Professional Standardl I’ve been calling for that but also general licensing to work on all vehicles. It’s more critical for people who come into contact with electric vehicles because of the safety factor and the injuries that can be caused when people are working on these electric vehicles.’
