The Garage 361

More documents

Recommendations

Info

EV CHARGED UP: Why the UKs EV transition is in full swing By Mike Cafferky, Operations Director of OCU Evolution. The first “real” electric vehicle (EV) was introduced to roads in the US in 1888, meaning we’ve had over 100 years of automotive advancements to weigh up their potential as the natural successor to fossil fuel powered vehicles. Despite this, it’s only recently that demand for EVs to become the main form of transportation has intensified. This is due to a series of policies and commitments introduced by the Government, which have been designed to support the UK’s move to net zero by 2050. To meet this target, the UK needs a radical reduction in the burning of fossil fuels, phasing out some of the biggest emitters, petrol and diesel cars, and replacing them with cleaner, more sustainable electric vehicles (EVs). Businesses need to view the adoption and integration of EVs as an essential process and not something that is merely a consideration. The key benefit for transitioning is to improve a company’s sustainability and impact on the environment. Businesses operating fleets of EVs have lower emissions compared to those with petrol and diesel vehicles. Even counting electricity generation, the carbon emissions of an electric car are around 17-30% lower than driving a car with an internal combustion engine . Grants and financial incentives are available for small-medium sized businesses looking to switch to an EV fleet. The Government’s Electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) grant for staff and fleets provides SMEs with money off the cost of installing EV chargepoints and supporting infrastructure for their staff and fleet vehicles. EVs offer other benefits too, such as lower Benefit-in-Kind tax rates, 0% road tax until 2025 and exemptions from London Congestion Charges. VAT registered companies can also claim back 50% of the VAT on vehicle payments or maintenance costs. With new vehicles powered by combustion engines set to be banned by 2035 in the UK, businesses can benefit by investing and evolving their fleets now. Is range anxiety still a prominent issue with EVs? Almost all (99%) of car journeys in England are under 100 miles and most could be made by an EV without needing to recharge. This is simply because many EVs can now travel further than before. The average battery range for new vehicles launched in 2023 was almost 300 miles on a full charge, while vans such as the Ford E-Transit can do around 236 miles when fully charged. Despite this, there is still a level of anxiety among the public regarding existing electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) – most notably the accessibility of charging points for long journeys. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported in 2022 that, “as plug-in vehicle registrations surged, public charging infrastructure expansion has failed to keep pace. Plug-in cars on the road had grown a phenomenal 280.3% between 2019 and 2021, but slow/fast public chargepoints grew by just 69.8% in the same period.” That’s why we’re addressing these concerns by providing a sensible, endto-end solution. OCU Evolution provides businesses with the complete EV package, from installing and connecting infrastructure through to providing charging units for cars, lorries and buses. We also support with the ongoing maintenance and commissioning of substations, solar panels and batteries. And the timing couldn’t be better. The SMMT reported that Britain’s millionth battery electric car (BEV) hit the road in January 2024, and SMMT’s latest used car market figures for 2023 show that BEV uptake was up 90.9%, proving to us that there is potential for huge growth provided supply from the new market remains consistent. Is the current EV charging infrastructure prepared to cope with further EV adoption? If not, what needs to be done to remedy this? EV adoption will stall without a public network of chargers for drivers. People need access to chargepoints at home and at work, as well as for long-distances or those in need of a quick top-up. As of January 2024, 55,301 charging points have been installed across the UK , but the Government has said it wants to grow that number to 300,000 charging points by 2030. This highlights the big task ahead, and the need to expand the network and increase investment. Despite this, we want to contribute towards that momentum of getting those charges in the ground over the next six years. For us it’s about having the technicians and the right equipment in the right place to service businesses who want to build their charging capabilities. While the UK has a long road ahead, if we continue to collaborate and embrace technological advancements, we’ll be in a strong position to hit the zeroemission vehicle target. We know there is a huge opportunity to create a more sustainable and efficient transport system in the UK, but if the EVI and charging stations are not in place, it will be increasingly difficult to encourage businesses and members of the public to buy into this new norm. However, despite the challenges, we’ll be on hand to help businesses across the nation make a successful transition to a greener, cleaner future. 24 THE GARAGE 21 Feature EV.indd 4 27/03/2024 13:55
EV The outstanding business opportunities of new energy vehicles The thermal systems of new energy vehicles (NEV), which include hybrid and electric cars, are more advanced than in there conventional combustion engine cousins and so require specific attention when they are maintained and repaired. This presents the independent sector with a real opportunity as there is great potential should they gear themselves up to offer the appropriate level of service and the replacement parts that are required. “Many NEV’s thermal systems rely on heat pump solutions, which are more advanced than a typical air conditioning (AC) loop and these systems are crucial for the electric car’s mobility, range, battery, charging and driving comfort,” explains Nissens Automotive’s Marketing Manager, Jan Zieleskiewicz. “Nissens Automotive is the perfect aftermarket partner for the NEV challenge, as we have decades of aftermarket expertise and a comprehensive product range that reflects the rapid developments in vehicle technology. As a result, we have established a wide range of NEV thermal management engine products alongside our highly regarded AC programme, as well as an engine efficiency & emissions parts range, which all cater for the majority of makes and models within the European car parc. Besides the coverage and the quality, the concept also consists of in-depth technical knowledge shared in various formats and covering multiple needs from ‘fundamentals’ to ‘expert’.” In addition, all these products are manufactured to Genuine Nissens Quality standards to provide the independent service and repair sector with premium grade replacement components, that deliver trouble-free installation and excellent performance. Unique Aftermarket Offering Nissens Automotive’s NEV parts offering comprises more than 850 items for the most popular applications and caters for more than 3,800 OE part numbers. As always, whenever needed, its products come equipped with extra installation parts included, to provide a First Fit solution, and with the company’s established support services like the NTC/Experts technical training programme, it shares knowledge within the NEV’s thermal management system, including heat pump solutions. Most popular NEV applications The Nissens NEV range covers the most popular vehicle models: e.g. BMW i3, i8, Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt, Fiat 500 EV, Hyundai Ioniq/ Kona EV, Hybrid, Kia Niro Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Nissan Leaf EV, Opel Ampera, Renault Zoe EV, Škoda E-Citigo EV, Tesla Models S/3/X, Toyota & Lexus Hybrids, Volvo XC90 Hybrid, VW Golf VII GTE Hybrid. However, more than 40 new parts are under development, for among other applications, Audi E-Tron, BMW IX Series, Mercedes EQC-Series. To learn more about the Nissens NEV range, visit: www.nissens.com/nev Cleevely Group unveils new EV training course dates Cleevely Group, a pioneer in the servicing and repairs of electric vehicles (EVs), has confirmed dates for its new ‘At Ease With EV’ training course. It will be held at the Cleevely EV training facility in Cheltenham on April 6th, July 20th, and October 12th. Offering hands-on high voltage education, the course aims to build the confidence of technicians who have IMI Level 2, 3, or 4 qualifications but lack regular opportunity to practice EV skills in their workshop. “As EVs become increasingly common on our roads, it’s essential for technicians to feel competent in the servicing and repairing of them,” said Matt Cleevely, Founder and CEO of Cleevely Group. “This new course provides an invaluable opportunity for technicians to refresh and update their expertise through practical workshop experience on a 2018 Nissan Leaf and Tesla Y Performance.” Delegates will participate in practical tasks covering a range of topics, including interlocks, charging faults, high voltage battery testing and repairs, EV servicing, common EV faults, and a Tesla service mode ‘deep-dive’ demonstration. The training takes place at the award-winning Cleevely EV workshop, the UK’s most renowned independent EV specialist. It brings an exclusive chance to learn directly from Matt and acclaimed technical trainer, Alistair Finch. “By offering this training on Saturdays, we aim to minimise disruption to workshops during the week,” said Matt. “It means technicians can enhance their skills without sacrificing valuable work time.” Lunch and refreshments will be provided, along with a certificate of attendance – which counts towards CPD. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for just £295 + VAT per delegate. Technicians are advised to book early to secure their spot. Register for the course online here: https://forms.gle/cvX9QjQ7o5cY1PpM6. THE GARAGE 25 26 21 Feature EV.indd 5 27/03/2024 13:52
Page 1 and 2: The Supporting the Independent Gara
Page 3 and 4: The The Supporting the Independent
Page 5 and 6: A garage network prepared for the f
Page 7 and 8: Run in association with 5-6 June 20
Page 9 and 10: ADVERTISEMENTFEATURE REGISTRATION F
Page 11 and 12: INDUSTRYNEWS A poll commissioned by
Page 13 and 14: Ranked Number 1 in the UK & Ireland
Page 15 and 16: IF YOU THINK SAFETY IS EXPENSIVE, T
Page 17 and 18: NEWS GSF Car Parts launches London
Page 19 and 20: R S 35150 PAY Monthly Spread the co
Page 21 and 22: EV HYBRID & ADAS Castrol ON EV flui
Page 23: WAI is first in the market to have
Page 27 and 28: AS-235SB 3.5T TWO POST LIFT £1,350
Page 29 and 30: INCLUDES REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS INCLUDE
Page 31 and 32: ADAS DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT ADAS PROD
Page 33 and 34: Products and Services Contact Nat E
Page 35 and 36: THE BATTERY BRAND TRUSTED BY THE TR

The Garage 361

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?