A necessary change for the future
High-voltage training is part of MEKO's E+ training standard and provides workshop staff with the knowledge needed to efficiently and safely handle electric cars. They have been developed to ensure that more of our workshops have the knowledge to perform both minor and major repairs. The training is an addition to the high-voltage training included in today's training for automotive mechanics.
E+ ensures that our workshops and automotive technicians have the right skills and tools to handle the new service and repair needs. This includes assisting our customers with the repair and service of electric car batteries. The E+ standard was developed by MEKO and is the first of its kind in the automotive aftermarket.
"We aim to become the number one choice for electric car owners in Northern Europe. We will continue to develop skill levels, expand the range, and develop services in line with the growth of the electric vehicle fleet in each market. In addition to training in electric car technology, we currently cover more than half of the spare parts needs for the 30 most common electric cars in our markets, and are moving quickly to achieve full coverage", says Pehr Oscarson, CEO and President of MEKO.
Batteries: A critical component
Batteries are one of the most critical components of electric cars. Being able to repair rather than replace them is cost-effective for our customers while contributing to more sustainable resource management. Currently, the aftermarket for electric car batteries is limited, and specific knowledge and training are required to repair high-voltage batteries. This is a sustainability issue, both economically and environmentally. By focusing on battery repairs, we can reduce waste and extend the lifespan of these important components.
Sustainable car ownership
"Earlier this year, the European Parliament introduced a directive for consumer products aimed at facilitating repairs, access to spare parts, and more to help consumers get products repaired. A similar directive for vehicles would be an excellent next step", says Oskar Gibas Hjertquist, Head of International Sales at MEKO.
Lars Bergmark, CEO of the Swedish Vehicle Industry Association, emphasized in an article in Motormagasinet in June 2024 the need for more repair options and easier access to parts to avoid unnecessary costs and high insurance premiums. MEKO has been contributing to this goal for several years, including through the E+ solution.
A milestone in electric car service
In February 2021, MEKO reached an important milestone by transforming our workshops to be market leaders in electric car service. At that time, over 1,500 of the group's workshops met the requirements for the first level of E+. Level 1 ensures that workshops have the right skills and equipment to handle more than 80 percent of the work needed on modern electric cars. Since then, the number of workshops meeting the requirement has multiplied.
"Since the countries we operate in have different regulations, we need a more comprehensive standard to keep up with the pace of transition. E+ is based both on what the customer can expect and what the workshop has the capacity for", says Andreas Forslund, Solutions Manager at MEKO.
Tailored high-voltage training
MEKO is in full swing with training workshops in E+ level 2 in all markets, which approves advanced work on all electric cars, including the replacement of high-voltage components. Now, over 1,000 workshops have reached E+ level 2, which means more workshops in Northern Europe can also work on the electric drivetrain (a technical system consisting of components that drive a vehicle forward, ed. note), which is not required in E+ level 1 training.
"Our workshops should be able to take care of all cars regardless of the type of drivetrain. Consumers should be able to trust that our brands can solve their car problems, regardless of car type and model. The training in our countries varies depending on each country's local regulations and conditions", explains Andreas Forslund.
MEKO's efforts to contribute to a more sustainable mobility
MEKO's commitment to the development of the electric car market is an important part of our overall strategy to create more sustainable mobility. By leading the industry in the service and repair of electric cars, including battery repairs, we aim to reduce environmental impact while offering our customers cost-effective solutions.
