90% of independent repairers turn away electric vehicle jobs
Almost 90% of independent repairers have turned away or referred electric vehicle or hybrid work in the last six months.
This is according to new research carried out by LKQ Euro Car Parts Plug In-Dex, a new tracker measuring how independent workshops are adapting to the shift towards electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The research found that diagnostic access for newer brands was a key issue for 27% of independent repairers and slowing further investment in repair capabilities.
It found that this is limiting repair options for drivers and forcing many to use franchised dealerships, which can add £260m to £550m to their servicing bills.
Meanwhile, 83% of workshops expect electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for most enquiries within five years.
Andy Southby, chief commercial officer for LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “Our data shows that independent garages are not standing still on EVs. They’ve invested heavily in skills, training and equipment but they can only realise the return on this investment if they can access the data, diagnostics and technical information they need to do their jobs.
“Quality local garages keep servicing accessible and affordable for drivers, seven in 10 of whom say they prefer to use independent workshops. The independent aftermarket supports more than 40,000 workshops and 345,000 jobs across the UK, and we have to protect that network as the transition to EVs continues.”
