EV training is becoming increasingly important for automotive technicians as electric and hybrid vehicles become a normal part of everyday workshop work. For independent garages, dealerships and repair businesses, having technicians who understand how to work safely around high-voltage vehicle systems is becoming an important part of preparing for the future.
But developing an EV strategy isn’t simply about sending one technician on a course. Workshops need to consider which vehicles they intend to work on, what level of EV training their technicians require, how high-voltage vehicles will be managed safely and what equipment and procedures may be needed.
Whether your workshop plans to carry out routine maintenance, repairs or more advanced diagnostic work, preparing your team now can help ensure you have the appropriate skills and knowledge as the number of electric and hybrid vehicles entering workshops continues to grow.
EVs are becoming part of everyday workshop life
Electric vehicles still make up a smaller proportion of the vehicles on UK roads than petrol and diesel cars, but the numbers continue to grow every year.
More importantly, every new EV or hybrid sold today will eventually need servicing, maintenance, repairs and diagnostics. As those vehicles get older, independent workshops will see more of them coming through the doors.
We’ve already seen this happen with hybrid vehicles. A few years ago they were relatively uncommon. Today they’re a normal part of workshop life.
EVs are following exactly the same path.
You don’t need to be an EV specialist
Another misconception is that EV training is only for workshops carrying out major battery repairs.
That’s simply not the case.
Many routine jobs require technicians to understand how to work safely around high-voltage systems, even if they’re not carrying out repairs on those systems themselves.
Knowing what you can do safely – and when specialist support is needed – is becoming an increasingly important part of modern vehicle maintenance.
Start with your people
When workshops think about preparing for EVs, equipment is often the first thing that comes to mind.
In reality, we’d always encourage businesses to start with their technicians.
The right training gives your team the knowledge and confidence to work safely around electric and hybrid vehicles, understand the risks involved and recognise the correct procedures.
Once those foundations are in place, decisions about equipment become much easier.
What EV Training Do Technicians Need?
The level of EV training a technician needs will depend on the type of work they carry out and their level of involvement with electric and hybrid vehicles.
A technician who only needs awareness of the hazards associated with electric vehicles will require a different level of knowledge from someone carrying out routine maintenance, while technicians working directly on high-voltage systems will need more advanced skills and competence.
This is why EV training should be matched to the technician’s role rather than treated as a one-size-fits-all requirement. Workshops should consider both the work technicians currently carry out and the type of EV and hybrid work the business intends to undertake in the future.
EV Training and IMI TechSafe Recognition
For technicians working on electric and hybrid vehicles, recognised competence is becoming increasingly important.
IMI TechSafe provides professional recognition for technicians who have achieved an eligible qualification or accreditation and meet the requirements to appear on the IMI TechSafe Register.
For workshops, having appropriately trained technicians who are eligible for TechSafe recognition can help demonstrate that the business is investing in the skills needed to work safely and competently on electric and hybrid vehicles.
For technicians, it also provides a way of demonstrating their EV knowledge and competence through an industry-recognised professional register.
Several of Pro-Tech’s electric and hybrid vehicle training routes can support technicians towards IMI TechSafe recognition, depending on the qualification completed and the applicable IMI requirements.
Small changes now make a big difference later
You don’t need to change everything at once.
For many workshops, the first steps are simply:
- Reviewing current technician skills.
- Identifying where additional training would be beneficial.
- Understanding what equipment may be needed in the future.
- Keeping an eye on how the vehicles coming into the workshop are changing.
Preparing early means you can invest gradually, rather than trying to catch up later.
EV Training FAQs
Do mechanics need EV training to work on electric vehicles?
The level of EV training required depends on the work being carried out. Technicians working around electric and hybrid vehicles need to understand the hazards involved, while those carrying out work on high-voltage systems require a higher level of knowledge, skills and competence.
What level of EV training does a technician need?
This depends on their role. EV training ranges from basic awareness through to qualifications for technicians carrying out maintenance, repair, replacement and diagnostic work on electric and hybrid vehicle systems.
Is EV training only for technicians who repair batteries?
No. Technicians can encounter electric and hybrid vehicles during routine servicing, maintenance and repair work without carrying out high-voltage battery repairs. Appropriate EV knowledge is therefore relevant to a much wider range of automotive technicians.
Can EV training lead to IMI TechSafe recognition?
Eligible electric and hybrid vehicle qualifications and accreditations can support technicians in meeting the requirements for professional recognition through the IMI TechSafe Register, subject to the applicable IMI requirements.
How Pro-Tech Can Help
At Pro-Tech, we work with workshops at every stage of their EV journey.
Some are taking their first steps into electric vehicle maintenance, while others are building on existing knowledge and qualifications.
Our range of IMI-approved Electric and Hybrid Vehicle courses has been designed to give technicians practical skills and confidence that they can apply back in the workshop straight away.
Whether you’re planning for the future or responding to growing customer demand today, we’re here to help you develop the skills your workshop needs.
If you’d like to discuss the most suitable EV training for you or your team, get in touch with Pro-Tech. We’d be happy to help.
Call: 01283 734427
Email: info@pro-techacademy.co.uk
Visit: www.pro-techacademy.co.uk
