Over 60% (62%) of Electric Vehicle (EVs) owners in Australia are concerned about the lack of qualified repairers in their area. Additionally, 90% of EV owners - or those intending to purchase an EV - say it's important that their insurer has access to qualified EV repairers according to a new report by NRMA Insurance.
A news release by NRMA Insurance said the 24-page report Changing Gears: The Future of Battery Safety, Sustainability, and Electric Vehicle Repairs highlights a growing concern: Is the country's automotive repair workforce ready to meet the demands of the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future with electric vehicles (EVs).
With over 80 EV models now available in the country and many more expected in the coming months, Australia’s EV market is rapidly growing and with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation predicting most cars will be electric by 2050, the demand for skilled mechanics to service them is becoming increasingly urgent.
Beyond servicing concerns, the report also highlights environmental issues, with 68% of Australians worried about EV battery recycling and disposal, and only 30% expressing confidence in the feasibility of battery reuse and recycling. This lack of trust is reflected in attitudes toward second-hand components, with fewer than a third (31%) willing to use a recycled battery.
NRMA Insurance CEO Julie Batch said, “The shift to EVs is transforming the automotive services industry, and it's happening at a time when the sector is already under pressure due to a skills shortage. EVs are sophisticated, software-driven machines, and while hybrid technology has helped familiarise the industry with high-voltage systems, it's clear that training must rapidly scale up to keep pace with evolving technology.
“In the future, auto repairs will increasingly be about diagnostics, software updates, and battery management. We need to rethink how we attract and train talent, so there’s a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to keep EVs on the road."
Ms Batch said that NRMA Insurance’s own repair network and workshops are evolving to incorporate EV-specific equipment for servicing and repairs, and EV training is underway for all technicians.