It’s been a big week

electric vehicle charging

I’m excited to tell you that the IMI featured on the BBC’s Rip Off Britain programme recently. The report looked at how the industry is preparing for an increasing number of EVs rolling into workshops, and what needs to be done to make sure there are enough skilled technicians available to keep these vehicles roadworthy. 

The numbers at present are small; just 6.5 percent of technicians have the qualifications needed to work on EVs. It’s growing but needs to accelerate. The IMI is helping to make it happen with a range of courses including the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Level 2 & 3 qualification.

The momentum around electrification is growing. Only this week Ofgem announced it would deliver a £300 million down payment to rewire Britain, getting it ready for the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel sales, and the ramping up of EV adoption.

The money will help support more than 200 low-carbon projects, investment in new infrastructure to support 1,800 new ultra-rapid charging points at motorway service areas, and is part of a broader programme for safe, secure and clean energy.

Electrification is a worldwide phenomenon and, again, the IMI is leading the way. Only this week I’ve been part of a major online event with the British and Chinese governments, as well as our partners in Guangdong, to celebrate the completion of the IMI’s EV training pilot in the Province.  

It’s the culmination of some great work by our team to successfully support the UK Department for International Trade through the delivery of this programme. And we’ve high hopes it’ll lead to considerably bigger engagements in China. 

As the industry shifts, it’s crucial to stay ahead and invest in the future, and the IMI can help. So, if you have a question you need answering, please get in touch on +44 (0)1992 519025, or send an email to hello@theimi.org.uk. 
   
With my very best wishes.
 
Steve