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Fleet electrification is playing a vital role in driving the EV market and the emergency services are setting the standard for this electric revolution. However, the same barriers that are impeding consumer adoption of EVs are magnified for emergency fleet operators.
Why are some emergency services still hesitant about utilising electric vehicles?
There are still uncertainties over range and the availability of charging infrastructure, which is still not where it needs to be. For fleet companies in general, this could render fleet electrification a ‘tick the box’ exercise, but this isn’t an option for the emergency services. Not only is this sector seeing its fleets electrified as part of the transition to zero-emission road transport by 2030, but its response vehicles need to be reliable and constantly operate under time constraints to meet public demand.
Is it just the vehicle technicians within the workshop who need EV training?
Absolutely not. Everyone should receive some level of training. The high voltage nature of electric vehicles introduces new hazards; therefore, EV awareness training should be planned for all members of staff to enable them to safely work alongside these vehicles.
What training is available?
There are four levels of EV training available through the IMI, starting at Level 1 which provides an overview of the technology and the essential functions of the vehicle, while also helping to alleviate any anxieties people may have about EV’s. Level 2 is designed to give learners the knowledge and skills required to work safely on electric/hybrid vehicles whilst carrying out routine maintenance and repairs, while Level 3 delves into more diagnostic work. At Level 4, delegates who have completed all the previous stages can learn how to work on live high voltage electrical components and systems safely.
Are the emergency services undertaking EV training?
Yes, we are seeing an increase in enquiries and have recently worked with West Midland's Fire Service (WMFS) to train their workshop technicians to IMI Level 2 and 3 Electric/Hybrid vehicle accreditation. The Principal Workshop Technician organised the courses to get workshop technicians up to speed with how to service and repair EV’s safely after switching its pool of cars and internal vans to electric. As with a lot of emergency services, WMFS try to keep all service work in-house.
What sort of repair work will emergency fleet workshop employers expect to undertake?
In the short term, with many electric vehicles still under manufacturer warranty, workshops may not see a large volume of work, but having the skill set to carry out even the most basic of repairs, including the maintenance of brakes, tyres and wipers, will be essential. Consequently, most technicians working within an emergency services workshop should receive IMI Level 2 or Level 3 Electric/Hybrid vehicle training. This will enable them to safely isolate the high voltage system from the rest of the vehicle, carry out any maintenance safely, and correctly re-instating it. These courses also cover off the right tools which are needed to carry out EV repair work - such as insulated rubber gloves and plastic tools.