Electric vehicles assembly is very different from that of a ICE vehicle. EVs have much simpler drive-train with fewer moving parts, as they do not have transmission, fuel pump, head gasket, or spark plugs.
The differences are noticeable to even the most casual observer and could effortlessly stump a home mechanic or panel beater, but they also can challenge trained mechanics.
Stavros Yallouridis, chief executive of the Motor Trades Association NSW, warns that Australia needs to catch up to the rest of the world in retraining its automotive workforce.
Increasing EVs in 2030
More than 100,000 Australian technicians will need additional training to service the increasing number of electric vehicles on Australian roads by 2030, according to experts, who warn that more attention needs to be paid to the issue.
Automotive groups are asking for state and federal governments to take action immediately to increase electric vehicle training and prevent “a bungled EV rollout.”
It’s a problem industry groups raised after the last federal budget, which included tax breaks for fringe benefits to encourage the use of electric vehicles but still needs to address how they’d be serviced.
The debate over getting more electric cars on Australian roads was dominated by issues such as fuel-emission standards and charging infrastructure, but the point of maintaining them was overlooked.
Specialist training in electric car and battery maintenance for mechanics is critical to avoid workplace safety dangers and driver risks
Stavros Yallouridis, Chief executive of the Motor Trades Association NSW stated on training mechanics
NSW has over 49,000 licensed automotive technicians, with over 100,000 nationwide.
According to Mr. Yallouridis, the association has spent $1 million on specialized electric vehicle equipment from Germany to develop short educational courses in safety and maintenance.
However, he claims that training the NSW workforce would cost more than $100 million and that governments must collaborate with industry to share costs and develop standards.
To do anything less is reckless and puts the transformation in jeopardy, risking our country’s ability to reduce emissions and meet our international obligations. Nobody wants to see a bungled EV rollout. This has to be scaled up right the first time around
Stavros Yallouridis, Chief executive of the Motor Trades Association NSW stated on increase EV roll out
100,000 expected EVs on Australian roads
More than 83,000 electric vehicles are being driven on Australian roads, with more than 100,000 expected to hit the streets in the coming months.
Despite the low numbers, Hugo Acosta of vehicle operations company Carma says there is already a shortage of mechanics trained to service electric vehicles.
Mr. Acosta claims that the company inspects, reconditions, and sells used vehicles online and needs help finding mechanics trained to service gasoline and electric vehicles.
There is a lag in offering certification and training for these technicians, only seven are offering EV training for apprentices versus 168 organizations for (internal combustion engine) cars. Obviously, that’s a challenge because you’ve got these new people coming into the industry and having to choose
Hugo Acosta of vehicle operations company Carma stated on training mechanics
Carma was looking for a couple of apprentices, but there were few options, and recruits had to choose between four years of training in electric or gasoline vehicles – not both.
Collin Jennings, MTA NSW government relations and advocacy head, says automotive trainees are also challenged by their practical component.
Each apprentice must be paired with a mechanic trained in electric vehicle maintenance, which is yet to be a standard qualification.
A lot of what apprentices do is on-the-job training. While apprenticeships might start today, it will be a question of whether the person in that workshop supervising the apprentice has the skills (to service an electric vehicle). Each technician, be they working at a service centre, all the way through to tow truck drivers, panel beaters, or spray painters, will all need to be upskilled in how to de-power an electric vehicle. Electric vehicle batteries store up to about 800 volts. If they’re damaged and not handled properly, they can be dangerous
Collin Jennings, MTA NSW government relations and advocacy head stated on training mechanics
States target 50-80% EV sales by 2030
Employees in related fields will also require additional training. For example, dealing with an electric car damaged in an accident could pose risks to untrained personnel.
Australia might only have seven years to train thousands of new, experienced auto workers.
The ACT has set a target of 80% electric vehicle sales by 2030, while Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and NSW aim for a 50% market share by then.
Australia’s transportation transition may hit another snag if governments do not work quickly with industry.
Employees in related fields will also require additional training. For example, dealing with an electric car damaged in an accident could pose risks to untrained personnel.
Each technician, be they working at a service centre, all the way through to tow truck drivers, panel beaters, spray painters, will all need to be upskilled in how to de-power an electric vehicle. Electric vehicle batteries store up to about 800 volts. If they’re damaged and not handled properly, they can be dangerous. We don’t want to be in a situation in five years where three-quarters of the workforce don’t know how to work with electric vehicles
Collin Jennings, MTA NSW government relations and advocacy head stated on training mechanics
Australia might only have seven years to train thousands of new, experienced auto workers.
The ACT has set a target of 80% electric vehicle sales by 2030, while Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and NSW aim for a 50% market share by then.
Australia’s transportation transition may hit another roadblock if governments work slowly with industry.
See Also
- Light EV fleet surged to 83,000 units in Australia in 2022; BEVs accounted for 79%
- Australia is expected to hit the 100,000 EV milestone, per research
- Select Tesla Superchargers to provide recharging to non-Tesla EVs in Australia
- NRMA launches new Mobile EV Chargers to aid stranded drivers in Australia
- Toyota Australia announces extensive EV Plans
