IMI aims for safer EV technicians

Parliamentary secretary of state for the DfT met with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), to discuss the regulation of vehicle technicians working on electrified vehicles.

Representing people working in the motor retail sector, the IMI has provided new research and recommendations to the DfT that underpins why government should seek to implement a regulation that guarantees the safety of vehicle technicians working on high-voltage systems.

The IMI is calling for government to act to both safeguard all technicians working on electrically propelled vehicles, and ensure independent garages are not excluded from the commercial opportunity the new generation of ultra-low motoring will bring. The motor industry remains largely unregulated, yet the IMI’s research found that the introduction of a license or accreditation scheme could provide businesses with a higher skilled, and fairer market when it comes to servicing and repairing new vehicle technology.

Steve Nash, chief executive at the IMI, said, ‘The IMI has outlined three recommendations for the government to consider when it comes to supporting the automotive retail sector’s transition from internal combustion engines to advanced Hybrid and Electric powered vehicles. The risk to health and safety is very real and needs to be addressed with urgency.  It is also vital that the regulatory mechanisms are in place to support businesses that will come into contact with these vehicles and will be made to defer business because of the lack of skills. ‘

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