20/11/2017

IMI submits evidence for proposal

Motor industry body, Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), has submitted its closing evidence for Parliament's consideration regarding a Licence to Practise for vehicle technicians working on the high-voltage systems of electric and hybrid vehicles.

The IMI has today published evidence that will assist the Automated and Electric Vehicle Bill Committee in reaching a fully informed decision in relation to the proposed introduction of a licencing scheme, which would establish the minimum standards of skill, knowledge and competence required for technicians servicing and repairing the high-voltage systems of electric and hybrid vehicles.

The IMI's evidence gives the Committee expert intelligence on the potential safety risks to untrained and unqualified vehicle technicians. It also spells out how regulation can help to ensure a wider spread of the necessary skills, especially in the independent repair sector, helping to facilitate a fully competitive market. The current scarcity of appropriately trained individuals has already contributed to insurance premiums for EV's being up to 50% higher than for comparable petrol of diesel cars.

Steve Nash, chief executive of the IMI, said 'The IMI's primary concern is the health and safety of the people it represents. Electricians working on domestic or commercial electrics are regulated by the Electricity at Work Act which requires them to be appropriately trained and qualified, yet there is a glaring inconsistency in allowing absolutely anybody to work on electrified vehicles which operate at potentially lethal voltages. The future of automotive is electric and the government are playing a very direct role in encouraging and accelerating this transition. We are just trying to ensure that the appropriate frameworks are put in place to support this.

'Many motor manufacturers and large independent groups already use IMI Accreditations and Qualifications to train their staff on safe working practices on high-voltage vehicles. So an accepted framework already exists and is linked to a publicly available Professional Register to help motorists identify appropriately skilled people and where they work.'

The committee, chaired by Adrian Bailey MP and Sir Edward Leigh, is formed of cross-party MP's including Karl Turner and John Hayes, who have gathered support from external bodies and individuals to examine the details of the Bill during the committee stage.