Service technicians and mechanics feel that car makers are failing to ensure their safety as they launch electric and hybrid cars into the market, new research suggests.
According to a new study by IDC Manufacturing Insights, auto repairs workers are concerned that they are not being equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively and safely service electrified vehicles. The research conducted in collaboration with Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), of over 2,000 global automotive professionals reveals a discrepancy between technicians’ safety concerns and the level of consideration of their safety from OEMs. Furthermore, within OEM survey respondents, half in management roles expect service safety in EVs will improve compared to only about 25 per cent of designers and service information developers.
As the number of hybrid electric and pure electric vehicles continue to grow -IDC estimates that by 2015 there will be over 2.5 million – so do the challenges of servicing and repairing them effectively and safely. OEMs and technicians’ opinions about the efficacy of service tools needed to ensure technician safety such as training, safety instructions and service manuals. And, while many car makers are aligning initiatives to close gaps, others do not have such plans. IDC Manufacturing Insights believes that the industry as a whole needs to focus activities to provide technicians with better information and tools to improve service performance and safety.
Of course with a still very limited number of electric and hybrid cars on the road, it is understandable that many technicians as yet feel unfamiliar and unsure of how to repair EVs and HEVs. In fact, according to the new report, compared to those at dealerships, technicians at independent repair facilities are appreciably less prepared to handle the safety challenges stemming from new vehicle technologies.
"Electric and hybrid vehicles employ high voltage drivetrain batteries and the required charging systems will potentially have a profound impact on the safety of service technicians in the field," said Sheila Brennan, Program Manager at IDC Manufacturing Insights."Our study found that the service information provided by OEMs does not optimally meet the needs of service technicians. And while many OEMs are working to improve service and safety information, some of these initiatives may be misaligned with how the technicians themselves perceive their needs."
IDC is a foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm operating in more than 110 countries. Its Manufacturing Insights reports provides market intelligence and analysis within the manufacturing sector around the world.
