EV mechanics shortage.

izwozral

izwozral

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With only around 26% of mechanics who are trained to work on EV's, are we ready for 2030 when fossil fuel cars, vans or possibly campers will no longer be made?
There is also a shortage in supply of lithium and graphite for EV batteries.
Combined with the current difficulties of obtaining fossil fuel, with no end in sight, will this impact on our passion for mhing?

Personally, I will be amazed to see 2030 so it doesn't overly concern me. For the more virile younger members, 2030 and beyond could be quite a challenge.
 
izwozral said:
With only around 26% of mechanics who are trained to work on EV's, are we ready for 2030 when fossil fuel cars, vans or possibly campers will no longer be made?
There is also a shortage in supply of lithium and graphite for EV batteries.
Combined with the current difficulties of obtaining fossil fuel, with no end in sight, will this impact on our passion for mhing?

Personally, I will be amazed to see 2030 so it doesn't overly concern me. For the more virile younger members, 2030 and beyond could be quite a challenge.
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I'm hoping to see 2050, good to know you'll have fecked off by then ;) ;)
 
izwozral said:
With only around 26% of mechanics who are trained to work on EV's, are we ready for 2030 when fossil fuel cars, vans or possibly campers will no longer be made?
There is also a shortage in supply of lithium and graphite for EV batteries.
Combined with the current difficulties of obtaining fossil fuel, with no end in sight, will this impact on our passion for mhing?

Personally, I will be amazed to see 2030 so it doesn't overly concern me. For the more virile younger members, 2030 and beyond could be quite a challenge.
Click to expand...
We should start a book on Rals 2030 projection, have a punt Ral, and if you do win, winnings will go to your next of kin..............tax free!! :cool:
 
izwozral said:
With only around 26% of mechanics who are trained to work on EV's, are we ready for 2030 when fossil fuel cars, vans or possibly campers will no longer be made?
There is also a shortage in supply of lithium and graphite for EV batteries.
Combined with the current difficulties of obtaining fossil fuel, with no end in sight, will this impact on our passion for mhing?

Personally, I will be amazed to see 2030 so it doesn't overly concern me. For the more virile younger members, 2030 and beyond could be quite a challenge.
Click to expand...
The percentage of mechanics trained to work on EV's is about the amount needed at the moment, and will increase with time. Ed China took a EV course to work on EV's the course takes very little time for a trained mechanic, and don't forget even in 2030 the vast majority of cars will still be ICE.
There is no shortage of Lithium or Graphite for batteries, in fact the prices have come down because of the large supplies.
As far as ZEV mandates go, I'm not sure if motorhomes come under car or van regs, if van then it's 3035.
The challenge is if a viable motorhome can be built as a EV, at present the range for 3.5t EV vans is not in my opinion up to it.
 
colinm said:
The percentage of mechanics trained to work on EV's is about the amount needed at the moment, and will increase with time. Ed China took a EV course to work on EV's the course takes very little time for a trained mechanic, and don't forget even in 2030 the vast majority of cars will still be ICE.
There is no shortage of Lithium or Graphite for batteries, in fact the prices have come down because of the large supplies.
As far as ZEV mandates go, I'm not sure if motorhomes come under car or van regs, if van then it's 3035.
The challenge is if a viable motorhome can be built as a EV, at present the range for 3.5t EV vans is not in my opinion up to it.
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Looks like AI has a different on the lithium , graphite availability issue.

Graphite is the most heavily demanded mineral in lithium-ion batteries, making up over half of their total mineral requirement. However, global availability is currently extremely constrained due to China controlling approximately 95% of the refined anode supply and placing stringent export permit restrictions on both raw materials and manufacturing furnaces. [1, 2]
Due to the heavy reliance on imported graphite, supply chain availability is facing several major pressures:
  • Geopolitical Chokepoints: Export controls implemented by Beijing have caused severe supply tightness for battery-grade natural and synthetic graphite. Western countries are currently enforcing heavy tariffs on Chinese graphite, further restricting the immediate availability of affordable supply.
  • The Lithium Connection: Rather than the battery metals like lithium, graphite is viewed by industry analysts as the true bottleneck in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, with demand outstripping new mining developments.
  • UK and European Localization: To avoid heavy dependence on foreign supply chains, the UK and EU are actively investing in domestic battery recycling. For instance, companies like Altilium are scaling up EV battery recycling in the UK to recover critical minerals like graphite and reduce import reliance.
  • Emerging Alternatives: To counter shortages, alternative materials are being developed. Companies are scaling up synthetic graphite production and pioneering substitutes—such as utilizing lignin from the paper industry—to create more accessible, locally sourced anode materials. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]

Again AI has a different viewpoint regarding trained mechanics.

The UK has a massive shortage of qualified EV mechanics. While electric vehicles (EVs) require less routine maintenance, their high-voltage systems demand specialized skills. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) estimates that less than a quarter of the automotive workforce is certified to safely repair EVs. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key factors driving the shortage:
  • The Skills Gap: Over 75% of current vehicle technicians lack the qualifications to service electric and hybrid cars. Working on high-voltage batteries requires certified electrical training.
  • Rapid EV Adoption: The rising number of EVs on the road is outpacing the availability of trained technicians, creating localized "critical bottlenecks" and long repair wait times.
  • Training Challenges: Traditional mechanics need formal, accredited training to transition, as "on-the-job" learning is dangerous. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Of course, AI could be talking through it's backside, maybe, maybe not?
 
runnach said:
We should start a book on Rals 2030 projection, have a punt Ral, and if you do win, winnings will go to your next of kin..............tax free!! :cool:
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Everyone will be approximately three years and seven months older by 2030. Pay up big boy!
 
Micro sonic wave energy vehicles are the way to go. If you don't believe me, ask St3v3, he will explain the science around it.:giggle:
 
izwozral said:
Combined with the current difficulties of obtaining fossil fuel, with no end in sight, will this impact on our passion for mhing?
Click to expand...

Personally Ral, I can see a shift to micro-campers with an emphasis on simple to erect awnings (inflatable?) for the living area and the vehicle purely for sleeping in.

Lightweight camping stoves, hot water on demand systems, power packs and portable heaters are readily available now and will continue to improve in efficiency.

Possibly.
 
Robmac said:
I like Ral, he makes me feel almost normal.
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As in
1779203332765.png
that type of normal?
 
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