Research conducted on behalf of the Institute of the Motor Industry showed that while 40%  of the public in the United Kingdom have grave concerns about air pollution and see Ultra Low Emission Vehicles as a solution, they are unwilling or unable to pay the increased insurance premiums currently levied on these cars. As a result, they will not consider buying or leasing one in the near future.

Insurers in the UK charge up to 50% more to cover electric and hybrid cars because of the higher purchase price and the current lack of skilled technicians available to repair them.  Currently, only 1% of mechanics have the necessary qualifications to carry out work on the high-voltage systems of ULEVs and they are almost exclusively employed within franchised dealers.

The public are similarly concerned with the lack of charging points available to service electric and hybrid cars, according to the research. But, while the UK government is supporting the development of the charging infrastructure to promote clean cars, it continues to resist any intervention in the market to deal with the serious skills gap.

“Many countries have been actively pursuing the green agenda and encouraging drivers to switch to electric cars. In addition to ensuring the infrastructure is ready and available, the country’s government also has the responsibility to make sure that drivers can afford to make that switch. The skills issue identified by the agency is a major obstacle that needs to be looked at urgently”, said Matthew Stuart, Senior Manager IMI SEA.

In Malaysia, IMI has been working closely with the government to provide training support across a network of community colleges focusing on electric and hybrid vehicles, in line with the country’s aim to be a regional energy-efficient vehicle hub. One of these is the Kepala Batas Community College, which to-date has equipped more than 230 EEV candidates with IMI’s international qualifications.