Insurance and assistance specialist Allianz Partners has collaborated with the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR), to equip a further 72 independent recovery operators with “the latest technological knowledge to attend to Electric, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles at the roadside”.  

The move come in response to growing sales of battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. According to SMMT figures, in August this year, the Tesla Model 3 was the third best-selling vehicle in the UK, placing it ahead of the Ford Focus.

Full accreditation

The annual free-of-charge EV training programme saw graduates receive full IVR accreditation, gaining seven hours towards the 35 accumulative hours of training needed to achieve the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card.

Mark Debenham, UK network manager for procurement and network at Allianz Partners, said: “The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has highlighted a shortfall in the number of technicians that are currently trained in electric vehicle technology. 

“As a major provider of roadside assistance, we feel it’s important to take responsibility to try and redress this. By helping our independent recovery operators plug the gap between ‘conventional’ car mechanics and the demands of EVs, we can equip them with the skills to meet the needs of each and every roadside assistance customer.”

Support growing market

The training took place over six days, across six locations around the UK, including GTG Wolverhampton and the CEME Conference Centre in Essex. Attendees of the training events have spoken positively of their experience. Dave Henwood from Fourwinds Garage Cornwall, an attendee at one of this year’s courses said: “It was a really interesting course, delivering important EV information which will help us support this growing market and in turn, our business.”

David Thornes from Ladyroyd Garage added: “Our driver came back from the training with an overall better understanding of electric vehicles, and gaining CPC hours as part of the course was much appreciated too. Of course, the icing on the cake is that the course was free of charge.” 

Stephen Hall from Recovery North West (RNW) said: “The course provided our technician with valuable hints and tips on loading and unloading vehicles which will inevitably make his job easier and safer in the long run, and enhance the consumer’s recovery experience.”

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