A recent report completed by the NRMA has revealed 62 per cent of consumers have concerns about the lack of qualified mechanics available to repair EVs.
The Changing Gears: The Future of Battery Safety, Sustainability, and Electric Vehicle Repairs, report highlights these concerns as a barrier towards wider adoption of the technology.
“The transition to EVs brings with it the challenge of equipping the repair and maintenance sector. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs come with unique complexities that require specialised skills and tools,” the report states.
“Consumer confidence in EV repairability is crucial for broader adoption. While most Australians recognise that EVs have different servicing or maintenance needs than petrol or diesel cars (82 per cent), there is still some uncertainty about the costs of maintaining and servicing these vehicles.
“In addition, over 60 per cent of EV owners are concerned about the scarcity of trained mechanics in their area who can handle EV repairs (62 per cent). This worry is coupled with a belief that having a specialised EV repairer network is crucial for their insurer, with 90 per cent emphasising its importance.”
According to the report, these concerns are well founded. While it is believed EVs will need less servicing over their lifetime, their maintenance and repair require specific skills that traditional mechanics often lack.
“According to 2023 data, roughly one in 10 repairers in Australia were certified to handle EV repairs, leaving a significant portion of the market underserved. This can lead to increased wait times for repairs, vehicles needing to be transported long distances to appropriate repair facilities, and vehicles being written off more readily,” the report continued.
The study highlighted that as the EV market continues to grow, addressing these gaps in expertise will be essential for building trust and confidence among consumers.
“To address these concerns and help bridge the skills gap, it will be important to see investment in training programs that provide technicians with the necessary skills and equipment to safely service and repair EVs,” the report outlined.
“Industry collaboration and partnerships with educational institutions can play a key role in ensuring a pipeline of skilled technicians are ready to meet the demands of the evolving market. There are high levels of support among consumers for a national training package to upskill mechanics in service and repair of EV repair (66 per cent).”
The report’s authors believe that future technology could help to address these issues.
“Looking ahead, the integration of advanced diagnostic technologies and remote repair capabilities could further revolutionise the EV repair industry. As telematics and remote diagnostics become more sophisticated, technicians will be able to identify and address issues with greater precision and efficiency,” the report affirmed.