At The Blend 2024, I had the pleasure of delivering part two of my “To EV or Not to EV” presentation, following up on last year’s session.
Through a simple yet powerful exercise, I asked attendees to raise their hands if they had seen an increase in EV work in their garages over the past 12 months. The sight of hands shooting up across the room confirmed what we already knew: EVs are quickly becoming a key part of our daily business. This offered a realtime snapshot of the growing impact the expanding EV car parc is having.
A significant change this year has been the rise in EV MOTs. Many EVs sold in 2021 are now reaching MOT age, and in my own workshop, the shift has been striking. Just the other day, out of 11 MOTs, only two were ICE vehicles. This is a clear indicator of where the market is heading.
The rise of hybrid and electrified versions of top-selling cars, like the Ford Puma and Kia Sportage, reinforces this trend. With technological advancements, especially in battery efficiency and range, and the growing charging infrastructure, EVs are more appealing and practical than ever before.
Last year, I made the case that this shift is a huge opportunity for independent workshops. This year, the evidence is undeniable. The challenge now lies in educating EV owners, many of whom mistakenly believe their vehicles require little maintenance.
As industry professionals, we must take the lead in educating motorists. This is a real opportunity for independent garages to shake off the outdated ‘back-street’ stereotype we’ve struggled with for years.
By offering proactive advice, stressing the importance of preventative maintenance, and showing how regular servicing can boost the lifespan and performance of EVs, we not only build trust with our customers but also secure our place in this growing market.
For more from this series, click here.
