EV repair costs are so high in the UK that minor accidents can total a car and send it to the junkyard: ‘It’s instant death on these systems’

Electric Car Sales in the UK Hindered by Lack of Trained Mechanics

Electric car sales are currently facing challenges in key markets worldwide. In the UK, the lack of trained repair technicians is further stifling demand, which has remained stagnant for the past two years.

Repair Costs and Insurance

The scarcity of mechanics trained to handle advanced electric vehicle (EV) repairs is driving up repair costs, according to insurers and repair companies like the AA, which provides roadside assistance across the UK. Additionally, long wait times for replacement parts contribute to higher expenses. As a result, insurers are choosing to write off cars with relatively minor damage, prematurely consigning electric models to be scrapped.

A seemingly simple crash that damages the EV battery or its housing can lead to a complete write-off of the vehicle, increasing the price of insurance. Currently, fewer than 10% of the UK’s 236,000 auto mechanics are qualified to work directly on EV batteries or their cases. The complexity of the circuits and the risk of electrocution require additional training for the most challenging repairs.

Concerns and Challenges

Drivers are also concerned that collisions are more likely to result in an EV write-off. Long lead times for deliveries and a shortage of functioning charge points further hinder the demand for environmentally friendly vehicles. With 1 million EVs already on the roads, the shortage of qualified technicians is expected to worsen. By 2035, when the UK bans the sale of new combustion vehicles, it is estimated that there will be a shortage of approximately 30,000 qualified technicians.

UK sales of battery-electric vehicles have remained stagnant at around 15% of the market since 2022. Insurance costs for EVs are double those of conventional vehicles. Other factors affecting insurers’ decisions on whether to repair or replace a car after an accident include expensive replacement parts and longer wait times for deliveries from abroad, leading to increased ancillary costs like car rentals.

Efforts and Solutions

Repair shops are beginning to train their staff, but the UK will still face a shortage of qualified technicians. However, the challenges are not insurmountable. Axa UK estimates that the cost of training a mechanic for four days to handle EV repairs is approximately £2,500. While larger chains may find this cost manageable, smaller shops will need to decide whether to invest in training. As more technicians become fully trained in EV repairs, the possibility of repair rather than replacement becomes more viable.

Other countries have dealt with these challenges more effectively. Germany, Europe’s largest car market, has a less pronounced shortage of skilled workers compared to the UK. Norway, where 82% of new cars sold last year were electric, does not face an issue with EV competence but does have a general shortage of mechanics. In Sweden, mechanics’ EV skills are improving rapidly.

Overall, addressing the shortage of trained mechanics in the UK is crucial for the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting the development of skilled labor and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly transportation options.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses the challenges faced by electric car owners, including high repair costs and long wait times for replacement parts. These challenges can impact the affordability and accessibility of clean energy vehicles.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article highlights the shortage of mechanics trained to handle advanced EV fixes, which can be seen as a barrier to the development of sustainable infrastructure for electric vehicles.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article mentions the shortage of functioning charge points as one of the factors holding back demand for electric vehicles. This relates to the goal of creating sustainable cities and communities with accessible and efficient transportation systems.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article discusses the premature consignment of electric models to the junk heap due to challenges in repairing EV damages. This raises concerns about responsible consumption and production practices in the automotive industry.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency – The article indirectly highlights the need for more efficient repair processes and infrastructure for electric vehicles to improve their overall energy efficiency.
• SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable – The article emphasizes the need to train more mechanics to handle advanced EV fixes, which is essential for upgrading infrastructure and ensuring the sustainability of the electric vehicle industry.
• SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all – The article mentions the shortage of functioning charge points, which hinders the accessibility and affordability of sustainable transport systems.
• SDG 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse – The article highlights the premature write-off of electric models due to repair challenges, indicating a need to reduce waste generation in the automotive industry.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 7.3: Energy efficiency improvements in the repair processes and infrastructure for electric vehicles.
• Indicator for SDG 9.4: Number of mechanics trained to handle advanced EV fixes and the availability of sustainable infrastructure for electric vehicles.
• Indicator for SDG 11.2: Number of functioning charge points for electric vehicles and the affordability of sustainable transport systems.
• Indicator for SDG 12.5: Reduction in the number of electric models prematurely consigned to the junk heap due to repair challenges.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: fortune.com

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