retraining mechanics to be electricians

How demanding need the retraining be? Present mechanics can hardly be unaware of electrical systems - probably 95% of the systems in IC vehicles are electric/electronic already - from the lights to the wipers to the EMS to rear demister to the starter motor. They can't be strangers to either batteries nor motors and should already be aware of some of the problems associated with higher voltages (from petrol ignition systems), larger currents (from starter motors) and stored electrical energy (shorting out even a 12V lead acid battery in close vicinity to petrol is already well recognised as a bad idea). Most of the other bells and whistles (management systems etc.) varied a lot between different makes/models of IC vehicles so an EV's systems probably isn't much more of a challenge that encountering a new model of IC vehicle - and likely to be treated as a black box at forecourt level anyway (plug in a diagnostic system and if it says "no" just replace the whole box). Some of the mechanics (gears, clutch) disappear - but nothing there isn't really going to be a problem and the mechanical systems that remain (brakes, steering, suspension) are likely not to be that different from what they're used to.

Certainly some training will be needed (e.g. safe isolation) but overall is it that different to what they're used to?

          - Andy.

retraining mechanics to be electricians

How demanding need the retraining be? Present mechanics can hardly be unaware of electrical systems - probably 95% of the systems in IC vehicles are electric/electronic already - from the lights to the wipers to the EMS to rear demister to the starter motor. They can't be strangers to either batteries nor motors and should already be aware of some of the problems associated with higher voltages (from petrol ignition systems), larger currents (from starter motors) and stored electrical energy (shorting out even a 12V lead acid battery in close vicinity to petrol is already well recognised as a bad idea). Most of the other bells and whistles (management systems etc.) varied a lot between different makes/models of IC vehicles so an EV's systems probably isn't much more of a challenge that encountering a new model of IC vehicle - and likely to be treated as a black box at forecourt level anyway (plug in a diagnostic system and if it says "no" just replace the whole box). Some of the mechanics (gears, clutch) disappear - but nothing there isn't really going to be a problem and the mechanical systems that remain (brakes, steering, suspension) are likely not to be that different from what they're used to.

Certainly some training will be needed (e.g. safe isolation) but overall is it that different to what they're used to?

          - Andy.