EV technologists are in demand

dailyrecord.co.uk:

SCOtS car dealers need to train more technicians to service ­electric cars as demand for EVs soars.The Electric Vehicle Association ­Scotland has warned ­dealerships must be properly staffed as more buyers consider servicing as part of their vehicle choice.More than 100,000 new EVs have been registered in the UK to June this year, yet data from the Institute of the Motoring Industry shows only 11 per cent of technicians are properly trained to work on EVs safely.The IMI also highlights that the vehicle servicing sector is facing a “time bomb” of consumer confidence as drivers struggle to find garages capable of servicing their cars.It says 75,000 EV-trained technicians are needed now across the UK.According to EVA Scotland, training technicians to the highest standards means investment and commitment to providing existing owners and those considering changing to an EV with the confidence in after-sales servicing.EVA Scotland’s director Neil Swanson said: “Professional EV servicing now features in the decision to go ­all-electric, and dealerships must be adequately staffed with professionally qualified technicians to meet this rapidly expanding EV sales boom.“Some dealerships may not be familiar with or have no previous ­experience of this but they are rapidly up-skilling and there are a growing number of specialist companies on hand, including members of the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair ­Alliance to help.“Member garages have been checked for the right qualifications, tools and equipment to service and repair ­electric and hybrid vehicles.”Both Edinburgh, and Dundee and Angus colleges already offer a suite of EV courses to support the demand for EV trained technicians.The Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, a massive