Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Automechanika Birmingham has announced a newly launched training feature at the show, the EV Training Academy, designed to offer visitors the latest tips, tricks and opportunities in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

In partnership with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and Our Virtual Academy (OVA), the EV Training Academy will provide a series of 30-minute training sessions throughout each day of the trade event.

With two demo vehicles also on display, attendees can get hands-on to discover more about the opportunities of EV, gain key insights and information, plus ask EV experts anything and everything on hybrids and EVs.

Recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that although used car transactions fell by 8.5 percent in 2022, the industry saw record demand for used EVs. *

Transactions of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased by 37.5 percent, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) rose by 8.6 percent and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) grew by 3.6 percent, in comparison to 2021. *

As this demand for alternative fuelled vehicles continues to rise, it’s crucial for independent garages and workshops to get onboard with the latest in EV training, tools, equipment and trends to ensure they are prepared for the electric future.

The EV Training Academy programme will cater for all technicians with both beginner and advanced-level tuition on offer. The free sessions, delivered alongside training vehicles to add invaluable practical elements, include Essential EV Training; HV System Isolation (low-voltage service disconnect) for beginners and Advanced EV Training; as well as Plug-in Charging (proximity pilot circuit), suitable for those more experienced in the EV industry.

Essential EV Training will provide delegates with the chance to learn about the high-voltage isolation process using a low-voltage service disconnect, which is becoming an increasingly popular solution used by vehicle manufacturers.

This training session will compare this solution to other types, explain its function and operation, plus offer some top tips for disconnecting and reconnecting the device during the high-voltage isolation procedure.

The Advanced EV Training session offers businesses the opportunity to learn about the proximity pilot circuit used in Type 2 plug-in charging system.

Type 2 is the most common method for charging plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, and much like any electrical system, there’s more than enough potential for faults. These sessions will look at the details of Type 2 charging, including wall boxes and differences between cables, as well as the function, operation, and testing of the proximity pilot circuit.

Kristan Johnstone, project director of Messe Frankfurt, organisers of Automechanika Birmingham comments: “We’re pleased to be partnering with the IMI and OVA to deliver what our visitors have requested – further opportunities to get practical guidance and advice with electric and hybrid vehicles. 

“By utilising two vehicles alongside both beginner and advanced sessions, we are confident the IMI and OVA experts will ensure visitors learn new tips and tricks, discover more about the opportunities brought about by electrification, and have any burning questions on EVs and hybrids answered by the experts.”

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI added: “This focus on EV skills is great news because our latest data shows that by 2030, 103,000 IMI TechSafe qualified technicians will be needed to work with electric vehicles in the UK alone. However, we are currently predicting a potential shortfall of 4,500 qualified technicians by 2029, increasing to a massive skills gap of 16,000 by 2032.”

Nash adds: “It is critical that consumer confidence in electric vehicles is not eroded by a lack of ability of garages to service, maintain, and repair the new drivetrain.”

Taking place from 6 to 8 June 2023 at the NEC, ticket registration for Automechanika Birmingham 2023 is open now and a free ticket can be claimed here.

Background information on Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. The Messe Frankfurt Group employs around 2,500* people in a total of 30 subsidiaries. The company generated annual sales of approximately €250* million in 2020 after having recorded sales of €738 million the previous year. Even in difficult times caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we are globally networked with our industry sectors. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are expanding our digital expertise with new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).

For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com

* https://www.smmt.co.uk/2023/02/used-car-market-down-but-evs-buck-trend/

* preliminary figures 2020

For all media enquiries, contact Impression Communications, PR agency on behalf of Messe Frankfurt UK:

Hayley Evans + 44 (0) 7540 285300 

[email protected]