The demand for qualified electric vehicle technicians is set to increase in Gloucestershire, as the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in the county continues to rise – and Cheltenham-based garage, Cleevely EV, is encouraging more local garages to capitalise on this and follow its lead in offering electric vehicle servicing.
By 2030, the UK will stop selling new petrol diesel cars, meaning every new car on the road will be electric or hybrid.
And with Gloucestershire working towards its own eco target of reaching net zero carbon in 2030, too, it's likely that local businesses and families will be looking to make the switch to electric or hybrid vehicles sooner rather than later.
Cleevely EV, an award-winning garage on Cheltenham's Lansdown Industrial Estate, employs a full team of trained electric vehicle technicians who are able to carry out routine servicing for all models and makes, according to individual manufacturers' specific service intervals.
Despite this, Cleevely has recognised a skills gap in the motor industry and wants other garages across Gloucestershire to help plug it.
It recommends an annual service for electric vehicles, saying it's a common misconception that MOTs are enough to keep these engine-less vehicles safe and reliable on the road.
Services are tailored to each individual vehicle and test things like the auxiliary battery, which provides back-up power to make sure drivers aren't stranded unexpectedly; and the brake fluid moisture content, which can go unnoticed by EV drivers, who won't necessarily be able to feel if there's a problem through the pedal, thanks to electronic braking systems.
According to the Gloucestershire-based experts electric vehicles have less components than their petrol and diesel counterparts, so there's generally less wear and tear – but this doesn't make servicing them any less important.
Cleevely EV recently welcomed news of a £500,000 investment in Gloucestershire College's new electric and hybrid vehicle training centre, with the education provider currently offering a number of short courses to help automotive business upskill their technicians and future-proof their operations.
For more information about Cleevely EV and its electric vehicle servicing, call the garage on (01242) 308006 or visit cleevelyev.co.uk.
