Halfords Autocentres Backs UK electric car boom

HALFORDS Autocentres today announces it will train one mechanic at each of its 300 centres in electric and hybrid maintenance by April 2018.

The news comes as the Government announces a £35 million investment to boost the uptake of ultra-low emission cars, including installing thousands more electric vehicle charge points on the street and at work as the nation makes the switch to electric.

Leading the way in electric and hybrid car repair, Halfords Autocentres has committed to training technicians to develop the skills needed to service and maintain low carbon vehicles. According to official figures, the UK has seen a 250 per cent increase in the number of new ultra-low emission vehicles registered in the past 2 years*. There has also been an increase in the number of electric and plug-in hybrid models available in the UK, with most manufacturers now offering an electric car in their ranges.

Following a successful pilot scheme, Halfords Autocentres is now on course to train 180 colleagues to IMI Level 2 Award in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Operation and Maintenance (VRQ) by April. To date, the business has run five courses with a 100 per cent pass rate.

Specialised training for EVs is essential because electric cars can contain circuits running at more than three times the 230 volts found in the mains supply, posing a risk of electrocution and fire unless properly handled.

All Halfords Autocentres technicians will complete an initial foundation course before undergoing full technical training.

Stefan Warhaftig, commercial director at Halfords Autocentres said: “We want our technicians to be the very best in the business, with access to the latest training.

“This is a really exciting time for innovation in the automotive industry - we’ve hit a real milestone as electric and hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular and the introduction of driverless cars is just around the corner.”

-ENDS-

*Data taken from figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

For more information please contact Halfords@z-pr.com or call 020 7896 3200.