Sligo and Athlone host EV dismantling training sessions
ELVES, Ireland’s End-of-Life Vehicle compliance scheme, continued its nationwide electric vehicle (EV) dismantling training programme for Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) this month, facilitating training sessions in both Sligo and Athlone.
The free training initiative, delivered by Salvage Wire Ltd., addresses the need for specialist safety expertise as the number of electric vehicles increases in Ireland.
The sessions are aimed at ATF staff and other operators in the ELV sector to ensure that they have the expertise and know-how to safely and effectively manage end-of-life electric and hybrid vehicles.
To date, training has been provided in Dublin, Naas, Galway, Co. Monaghan, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Sligo, Athlone, Dundalk and Letterkenny as part of the Electric ELVES Programme.
Since launching in 2019, ELVES reports that the programme has successfully trained more than 200 ATF personnel, equipping them with practical knowledge and technical skills required to manage, dismantle and recycle end-of-life electric vehicles safely. The sessions provide recycling operators with updated guidance, protocols and best practices for handling EV battery systems and high-voltage components.
“As Ireland continues its transition towards sustainable transport, ELVES’ free EV dismantling training programme ensures that Authorised Treatment Facilities have the expertise needed to safely and responsibly process end-of-life electric vehicles,” according to Anja Koeckritz of ELVES.
The Electric ELVES training programme covers a range of critical safety and operational procedures, including:
- Ensuring the safety of technicians and their colleagues
- High-voltage system identification and isolation
- Safe battery removal and handling procedures
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
- Environmental compliance and best practice standards
- Emergency response and incident management procedures
With electric vehicle registrations continuing to rise nationwide, demand for specialist dismantling expertise within the automotive recycling sector is increasing.
ELVES says its training plays an important role in supporting industry readiness and meeting ELVES’ overall aim of improving ELV recycling in Ireland. Also, the new Batteries Regulation in place since 2023 puts more obligations on all actors in the sector.
Training is provided free of charge and is open to all ATFs in the Republic of Ireland.