Hybrid/electric vehicle sales, in the UK alone, have risen by over 45% over the last 12 months despite costing more than their traditionally powered counterparts. Most major manufacturers already have, or are in the process of launching, either a hybrid or an electric vehicle. This enables them to 'average out'the total emission across their product range to meet internationally set targets. As the numbers of these vehicles increase, so does the likelihood of them being involved in accidents and ending up in bodyshops. Due to their complex technology, high component costs and high voltage systems, greater consideration needs to be given when dealing with these state-of- the-art vehicles. Since the advent of PAS 125 and theThatcham/BSI Kitemark, we are now far more aware of the importance of understanding the products we are been asked to repair, but these cars introduce new elements of risk, both from a cost and safety point of view.
展开▼
