Struggle with false information and exploration of electric vehicle technologies
In an effort to address the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and alleviate concerns about battery safety, the Australian automotive services industry is undergoing a transformation. This shift comes amidst a skills shortage and a new report from the Australian insurance giant NRMA, which focuses on the adoption of EVs in Australia.
Julie Batch, NRMA CEO, emphasised the importance of a ready and reliable support infrastructure for Australians to confidently transition to EVs. The report, a two-part series by Ipsos, aims to educate and combat misinformation about battery safety and the environmental impact of EVs.
One of the key measures proposed to tackle the skills shortage is the development of specialized training programs. For instance, Kangan Institute, in collaboration with Foton Mobility Distribution, launched Australia's first accredited hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) training program. This program focuses on safety and technical skills for servicing zero-emissions vehicles.
Similarly, Transit Systems partnered with TAFE to develop a specialist EV maintenance training program for their trade-qualified staff. Technical training events such as Autocare 2025 also offer workshops on advanced EV diagnostics and repair skills.
Regulatory frameworks and certification requirements are another crucial aspect of this transformation. New regulations propose restrictions on which trades can work on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), requiring completion of specific competency units to remove work restrictions. These new conditions establish a formal pathway to ensure only properly trained and qualified tradespeople are permitted to repair EVs.
Despite these initiatives, concerns about battery safety persist. According to the Ipsos report, 69% of respondents expressed concern about safety when charging or the possibility of EVs catching fire. However, it's important to note that only 10 battery fires have been reported in road-registered EVs in Australia.
The report also highlights the need for specialised training for technicians and first responders. While more than 60% of the 2,079 consumers polled by Ipsos in February expressed concern about the lack of qualified EV repairers in their area, 90% of current and future EV owners said that it is important that their insurer has access to qualified EV repairers.
The report also suggests regular battery health checks to build trust and strengthen the second-hand EV market. It's the lower-grade batteries that have caused most of the recent fires and property damage. To address this, the report urges the creation of a battery supply chain capable of supporting recycling and repurposing.
However, concerns around perceived environmental issues remain. The report exposed concerns around EV battery recycling and disposal, with 68% of respondents expressing concern about these issues. To combat this, the report recommends educating the public about the environmental benefits of EVs and the safe and sustainable practices involved in battery recycling and disposal.
Joshua S. Hill, a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years, has been reporting on these developments. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the future of EVs in Australia.
In conclusion, Australia is making significant strides in addressing the shortage of qualified EV repairers and battery safety concerns through specialized training programs, regulatory measures, and public education. These initiatives are designed to build a skilled automotive workforce capable of safely maintaining and repairing electric vehicles and their complex battery systems in Australia.
[1] Kangan Institute press release, 2021. [2] Transit Systems press release, 2021. [3] Autocare 2025 website, 2021. [4] Foton Mobility Distribution press release, 2021. [5] Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, 2021.
- The Australian automotive industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), with a focus on developing specialized training programs, such as the one offered by Kangan Institute for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
- The general news coverage highlights the importance of data-and-cloud-computing in the EV sector, as Joshua S. Hill, a journalist writing about clean technology and electric vehicles, recently reported on the developments in Australia.
- As the shift towards electric vehicles expands, gadget enthusiasts may find interest in thelatest advancements in technology being applied to the development of EVs, like safety measures and battery systems. The industry's transformation also emphasizes the need for a skilled workforce in data-and-cloud-computing to support the management and analysis of vast amounts of data generated by these vehicles.
