ELVES and An Garda Síochána partner on electric vehicle training
ELVES, the producer compliance scheme for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in Ireland, recently facilitated electric vehicle (EV) safety and dismantling training for An Garda Síochána Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Inspectors.
This is the first time that ELVES and An Garda Síochána have partnered on safety training.
The training, which took place over six days in Naas, Co. Kildare, is the latest initiative of the Electric ELVES programme and involved PSV Inspectors from across the country.
In this first-of-its-kind collaboration, 24 An Garda Síochána PSV Inspectors received the most up-to-date EV training, attaining internationally recognised TÜV Rheinland EV qualifications. Training was provided by ELVES’ long standing training partner Salvage Wire Ltd.
This specialised instruction affords PSV Inspectors the opportunity to gain further qualifications in the vehicle sector. The PSV Inspectors Unit is the licensing authority for PSV drivers with officers inspecting large public service vehicles (LPSVs) such as taxis and buses for licensing and renewal to ensure they meet safety standards.
Through its Electric ELVES programme, ELVES has provided 33 EV, dismantler focused training sessions to Authorised Treatment Facilities (permitted scrapyards) at 12 different locations across Ireland.
As part of the programme, ELVES has been running EV training for ATFs since 2019 and, to-date, has delivered training to over 200 ATF staff. The accredited courses are offered up to Level 3 and are provided free of charge by ELVES.
Inspector Damien Hunt of An Garda Síochána stated: “The programme that ELVES kindly provided to An Garda Síochána in training our Public Service Vehicle Inspectors (PSVI) is the most up-to-date available in Ireland. We are delighted to have partnered with the Electric ELVES team.
“It is significant to have access to this level of upskilling and training in Ireland in what is an important and growing sector. Such a course allows us to ensure our Garda personnel are trained at the highest levels. Going forward, these new training qualifications will be of significant benefit in our investigative work both at Road Traffic Collision scenes and in our technical examinations of Electric Vehicles.”
Lee-Jane Eastwood from ELVES added: “ELVES is continually reviewing and improving its electric vehicle dismantling training offering. We are delighted to meet the training requirements of An Garda Síochána PSV Unit and to work with them to provide them with the highest quality and most appropriate safety programme, allowing inspectors to develop their knowledge and understanding whilst achieving a valuable qualification.
“As with any new technology, there are also benefits to be gained from getting front line personnel together to share experiences and outcomes. The TÜV Rheinland training offered by Salvage Wire Ltd provides that space. Each EV safety and awareness training round that takes place, whether it be for ATFs or a public service organisation, is an achievement toward a safe and smooth transition into the EV future we face.”
As the producer compliance scheme for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), ELVES has met the ambitious EU ELV reuse, recycling and recovery targets every year since its approval was granted in 2017.
The targets are set at 85% reuse and recycling and 95 per cent reuse, recycling and recovery of ELVs. ELVES has achieved this objective by funding additional recycling of ELV material that would not otherwise take place.
More information about the Electric ELVES programme can be found on the Electric ELVES website: www.electricelves.ie.
ELVES will be exhibiting at the 2026 Auto Trade EXPO, which takes place alongside the CV Workshop EXPO from 10th -11th October at the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin.