Thatcham Research is targeting public sector fleets with a two-day training course to help employees stay safe while dealing with electric vehicles (EVs).

The new EV Safe training programme reflects the increasing number of EVs on UK roads and joining public sector and bluelight fleets.

The training aims to drive awareness of safe handling requirements across working electrified fleets, ensuring that anyone who may come across these vehicles at work is aware of the risks and dangers they can pose.

Thatcham Research said that two-day in-person course, which does not require delegates to have any involvement with the repair of EVs in their day-to-day jobs, will equip public sector teams with the skills and knowledge to safely shut down and reinstate HV vehicles

The training will equip delegates with the ability to know if an EV is still live, how to identify the different types of EVs, from full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to hybrids, and the different handling requirements for each.

It also addresses potentially dangerous scenarios encountered by public sector workers. This includes first responders who need to understand how to safely shut down an EV following a road traffic collision and how to identify safe cutting points to enable extraction.

It also includes border Force and police who need to be aware of safe handling considerations while searching EVs, including the importance of using appropriate personal protective equipment.

Dean Lander, head of repair sector services, Thatcham Research, said: “As EVs become increasingly present on UK roads, with significant buy-in from public sector organisations, it’s more important than ever for businesses to ensure the safety of their staff.

“With this in mind, I am pleased to announce the launch of our EV Safe training, the latest addition to our suite of EV training programmes.

“Course content is sourced directly from our research facility and the insights that come from our state-of-the-art vehicle-led research.

“It is essential that our vital public sector and emergency services key workers complete this course to equip themselves with the knowledge to protect themselves and the public when interacting with EVs.

“As electrification technology continues to be embraced on our roads, we must ensure that steps are taken now to properly equip staff across the UK with the knowledge to keep them safe when interacting with these vehicles.”

To learn more about EV Safe, including course booking information, click here.