How to prepare your workshop for EVs and hybrids

Change is always scary, and for a lot of workshops out there, the number of changes

happening at the moment would make the strongest of characters concerned. But it’s better to be prepared, and with the increased number of electrified vehicles on the road, it’s a good place to start making changes.

At my business, Avia, we’re seeing a steady rise in the number of EV and hybrid vehicles coming through the door. We’ve always had an even split between petrol and diesel, but we’re now seeing an average of 5% EV or hybrid vehicles every month, which fits with SMMT data that states that in 2021, 4.3% of the UK car parc was taken up by EV and hybrid vehicles.

We’ve embraced the change without promoting the fact that we work on electrified cars. It’s just been a case of a few Facebook posts and joining the HEVRA network, which advertises our workshop as EV-friendly. What I would say is that a lot of the EV and hybrids we’re seeing are existing customers shifting over from combustion power to electric.

So, while you may not have a great deal of EVs or hybrids through the door yet, it’s worth doing these five key things to prepare:

1. Get your EV qualifications squared away to at least Level 3

We did this prior to the pandemic, which meant that it was nearly two years until we saw this type of work again, running the risk of forgetting what we had learned. Things have moved on since and it should be possible to see enough work straight away.

2. Get on the TechSafe register via the IMI

This requires you to complete your Level 3 qualification, but it will help you keep up to date with technology in the coming years and maintain your CPD, which is a requirement for the register.

3. Get tooled up

There are lots of packages available out there, but it’s simple to put the basics together yourself. The tools we already own are enough for most jobs.

4. Get data-driven

It can be troublesome to get hold of as navigating the manufacturers’ information can be complex, but it seems to be filtering through and most data providers are catching up.

5. Get safe

Electrified vehicles require a different approach to safety equipment, PPE and general awareness, so training for both technical and non-technical staff is crucial. Like it or not, this new technology is here to stay and is going to take up more of the UK car parc as we head towards 2030 and the phasing out of new combustion sales. So take advantage of the extra work, and while the technology may be more advanced, the vehicles still do the same thing; steer and stop. And they all need servicing.

For all the EV skills you need to succeed, search the IMI’s courses and qualifications. Find out more about your road to IMI TechSafe

This is an edited version of the feature from IMI's new MotorPro magazine, received free as part of IMI membership.