More than 80% of Fleet Assist garages can now work on hybrid and EVs

Fleet Assist has announced that more than 80% of its garage network is now capable of working on hybrid and electric vehicles.

This means 3,800 of the company’s network, which comprises franchised, fast fit and independent garages, can service and maintain those vehicles.

To be recognised as a ‘hybrid and EV ready’ garage, a technician will have completed, as a minimum, the IMI Level 2 qualification in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Operation and Maintenance, and have suitable premises.

Vincent St Claire, managing director at Fleet Assist, said: “We have been working on ensuring our network could deal with the marketplace changes since 2017 and as early as 2018 50% had this capability.

“It’s testament to the relationship we have with our network and through the use of our Atlas business intelligence system that the capability of each garage is recorded and available to our customers.

“This is supported by periodic audits which are completed by our network development team to ensure we direct the servicing work to the most relevant garages.”

Fleet Assist said ensuring garages are ‘hybrid and EV ready’ has been an important part of its network strategy as increasing numbers of EVs are being sold.

August’s SMMT registration figures showed the combined sales of battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and mild hybrids had risen 88% compared to the same month last year.

Mild hybrid petrol engines were the most popular alternative powertrain choice in August, overtaking hybrids with more than 6,500 registrations.

Sales of plug-in hybrids increased by 221.1%, although they still only accounted for one in 30 sales.

Registrations of battery electric cars (BEVs) increased by 77.6% in the month, accounting for 6.4%. However, BEVs make up just 4.9% of registrations year to date.