Antigua and Barbuda will invest approximately EC$346,110 in a specialised electric vehicle laboratory to train local mechanics, instructors and students to safely service the growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the country’s roads.

Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Training Laboratory at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies.

The initiative was presented by Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Michael Joseph through the Department of Environment’s Sustainable Low-Emission Island Mobility Project.

Cabinet noted that although more electric vehicles are being imported, Antigua and Barbuda still has limited capacity to diagnose and repair their high-voltage systems.

The new facility is expected to reduce dependence on overseas technicians, lower maintenance costs and create employment and business opportunities in the changing automotive industry.

Training will cover electric and hybrid vehicle systems, battery technology, electrical diagnostics, high-voltage safety and other specialised maintenance procedures.

The laboratory will receive an advanced electric vehicle training system, battery and relay laboratory kits, high-voltage protective equipment and specialised tools.

Curriculum packages, textbooks, certification materials, online resources and access to an instructional portal will also be provided.

The equipment will be placed in the custody of ABCAS under a memorandum of understanding outlining responsibility for maintenance, inventory management, access and reporting.

Two training programmes have been approved to prepare local instructors and technicians.

Fifteen participants will take part in a 10-day Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Service and Repair Train-the-Trainer programme. It will cover battery procedures, electrical diagnostics, high-voltage safety, braking and suspension systems, heating and cooling systems, fault diagnosis and hybrid technology.

Successful participants will receive certificates of competence and may become eligible to pursue further certification.

A separate five-day advanced workshop will provide practical training for up to 10 participants using the laboratory’s equipment.

The estimated US$128,189 cost will be covered through approved SLIM Project resources.

Cabinet said locating the laboratory at ABCAS will allow successive groups of students, automotive technicians and instructors to benefit from the investment.