Thatcham Research unveils ‘EV Ready’ training programme

Thatcham Research has unveiled a new ‘EV Ready’ training programme geared towards automotive businesses and their employees to learn how to handle electric vehicles safely and effectively.

Thatcham claims its new training programme is “essential” to the future success of vehicle repairers, insurance companies and claims management organisations, as well as businesses operating in the fleet, salvage, recovery and vehicle auction sectors.

“New EV registrations are rising sharply. Adoption will only continue to increase, so it’s imperative that businesses know how to interact with these vehicles safely and efficiently,” said Dean Lander, Thatcham Research’s head of repair sector services.

“It’s about knowing how to identify the technology, and being familiar with working voltages and equipment, vehicle design, components and repair, as well as understanding the health and safety requirements.

“Our EV Ready training programme provides tailored learning to all employees. The objective is to boost understanding at every stage in the customer journey and ensure that everyone who encounters an EV has the correct knowledge to do their job safely.”

Training is delivered via a blended learning model that combines e-learning and face-to-face training.  This versatile model was instrumental in helping Automotive Academy learners to continue their vital education during the pandemic, according to Thatcham.

Thatcham Research says its EV Ready training programme consists of three core components:

• ‘EV Aware’ e-learning modules containing two learner journeys for non-technical/contact employees and technical employees and managers.
• Level 3 Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)-backed qualifications for technical employees. Assessments encompass safety requirements and repair procedures for EV/HV.
• Employee success on the programme earns the business a bodyshop certificate issued by Thatcham Research. This clearly demonstrates to partners the extent of the training staff have undertaken.

Learners that complete Level 3 training at the Automotive Academy will receive an IMI certificate of achievement and be recognised on the IMI’s TechSafe register.

EV Ready training content is shaped and underpinned by the insights and knowledge Thatcham Research’s dedicated engineers gain through their research. This ensures learners receive the latest vehicle information across Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV).