Future Auto March 2024

A SPECIAL EDITION OF THE MTA MAGAZINE MAR 2024
FUTURE
EVERYTHING YOU
NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT EV
UPSKILLING
AUTO
The Kia EV9 is the 2024 Drive Car of the Year
OVERSEAS EV TRENDS | EV FIRE SAFETY | 2024 NEW CAR SALES
WRECKERS & RECYCLERS FACE UNCERTAINTY
LEADERS SHARE THEIR
AUTOMOTIVE VISION
HEAVY VEHICLE
REVOLUTION
LATEST ON THE FUEL
EFFICIENCY STANDARD
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3 FUTURE AUTO | INDEX
CONTENTS
Conversion Revolution for Heavy Vehicles
16
60
Next Stop - SA Buses
Going Green
04 Chair’s Message
06 SA Leaders Share their Auto
Vision
08 EV Sales Growth Comes with
Warning
09 EV Fires – Latest Advice
10 Ford Steps up for Commercial
12 Future of Service Stations
14 New Training Pathways Explained
16 Success for Truck Conversions
20 MTA SA/NT CEO’s Insight into EV
Debate
22 Mining EVs on the Cusp of
Growth
25 MTA SA/NT Calls for More Action
on Incentives
27 FAQ: Our Experts Answer Your
Questions
28 Tesla Repairer’s Brave Call Pays
Dividends
32 Lessons from Overseas
Experience
34 Two Paddocks of Thought on EVs
in Agriculture
36 Peak Body Praises MTA SA/NT
Leadership
38 Association Moves Quickly to
Influence FES
41 Contract Wins for Zero
Automotive
44 All Eyes on New Models Coming
in 2024
46 Working Safely with EVs
48 Is your Business EV Ready?
50 Electric Motorbikes to Open New
Markets
53 A Snapshot of EV pricing
54 Recycling Faces Uncertain Future
58 EV Training and Upskilling
60 Scania Teams with SA
Government on EV Buses
62 Business Partner Index
MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION OF SA/NT
CHAIR Frank Agostino
CEO Darrell Jacobs
GM AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS
Jason Polgreen
GM APPRENTICES Jodi Ryan
GM MEDIA, MARKETING & POLICY
Kaes Cillessen
Official publication of the
Motor Trade Association
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mtasant.com.au

4 FUTURE AUTO | WELCOME
C H A I R ’ S
MESSAGE
Frank Agostino, MTA SA/NT Chair
Welcome to our special EV edition of MTA Motor
Trade magazine!
The MTA has a long and proud history of bringing you
the latest automotive industry news across South
Australia. So it only seems fitting to shine a spotlight on
one of the most important evolutions in the industry’s
history – the electrification of transport.
Electric vehicles are not new. In fact, some of the
earliest examples date back to the mid-1800s. Since the
global launch of the Toyota Prius in 2000, we have seen
the electrification of vehicles go mainstream.
There are some people who will tell you that electric
vehicles will never happen and others who will tell you
that we will all be driving one tomorrow. The truth is that
neither side is correct, but it’s clear that electric vehicles
are here to stay and will play an important role in the
decarbonisation of transport in Australia.
2023 was a significant milestone for full battery
electric vehicles, with sales of new EVs increasing
by 204 per cent compared with the year prior. To put
this into context, electric vehicle sales now make up
5.7 per cent of all new cars sold and together with
hybrids make up 16.3 per cent.
The MTA is similarly doubling down on its commitment
to ensure the industry is prepared to retail, service
and repair the growing number of hybrid and battery
electric vehicles.
MTA SA’s recently launched Electric Vehicle Training Centre at Royal Park
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

5 FUTURE AUTO | WELCOME
Hiran Alwis, MTA SA Trainer Assessor Light Vehicle Technology, conducting hybrid and battery electric vehicle training.
In June last year, we were proud to launch South
Australia’s first dedicated electric vehicle training centre.
And since that time, demand has grown such that we
are further investing in our facilities to deliver even more
EV training.
Apprentices in training at the MTA are also now
receiving EV training as part of their apprenticeship.
While national curriculum does not mandate this
training, we want to make sure that the skilled
technicians of tomorrow are prepared to work on
whatever vehicle enters the workshop.
Our efforts are likewise focused on upskilling the more
than 10,000 skilled technicians in automotive repair
and maintenance, as well as preparing businesses to
become EV ready and adapt for tomorrow’s customers.
As you will see across this publication, the spirit of
innovation and exciting pace of change does not only
limit itself to passenger vehicles. Whether it’s the charge
towards electrification in mining, the cutting-edge use
of autonomous technology in agricultural machinery
or the potential for battery reuse, repair and recycling,
there is much to witness.
Blink and you will miss it.
While we know many are considering an electric vehicle,
this transition is not without its challenges. Affordability
in particular remains one of the top obstacles stopping
ordinary South Australians from their next purchase
being an electric vehicle.
Despite the often-cited factor of range anxiety, the
reality is that electric vehicles are being fitted out with
generous capacity, with 450 kms range and greater
becoming commonplace. Charging infrastructure on
the other hand must be at the forefront of thinking
by decision makers, because while a city commute
has confirmed proof of concept, overseas experience
demonstrates that ‘queue anxiety’ reigns supreme
during long weekends and holiday periods.
Finally, we need a partnership approach with
government in training the next generation of
apprentices and upskilling our existing industry to work
on all vehicle technologies from internal combustion,
hybrid, to battery. And in the not-so-distant future,
hydrogen and biofuel.
Looking at the road ahead I see an exciting future full of
enormous potential and opportunity.
I trust you will enjoy this special edition of the MTA’s
magazine and come away with more than a few
insights on what this extraordinary transformation will
mean for our State.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

6 FUTURE AUTO | PREMIER
SA’s leaders share their
By Peter Malinauskas,
Premier of South Australia
Opportunity to diversify
The car industry, like our economy,
is in the midst of a great transition.
Where oil dominated the 20th
century, electricity will dominate
the 21st.
We are at a turning point. 87,217
battery electric vehicles were sold
in Australia last year. The market is
rapidly growing. All-electric models
are now firmly ensconced in the
national top 10.
For families and businesses, electric
vehicles offer the promise of no
longer visiting the petrol pump.
But for our state, the rapid global
uptake of EVs presents something
even bigger – an opportunity to
diversify our state’s industry base,
increase our economic complexity
and improve our standard of living.
South Australia is already at the
forefront of the global energy
transition, having transformed its
energy system from 1 per cent to
over 73 per cent renewable energy
in less than 20 years.
For much of the year, our solar and
wind energy is plentiful and cheap.
The challenge is harnessing it and
using it productively.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents
The State Government has a big
agenda in this regard – building
the world’s biggest hydrogen
electrolyser and power plant in
Whyalla, to store that energy and
use it productively.
Electric vehicles will provide a
further opportunity to harness
this clean energy for use when its
needed, delivering lower prices, and
a more secure electricity grid.
My Government has been quick to
maximise the opportunity presented
by EVs. In our first year in office,
we abolished the former Liberal
Government’s short-sighted Electric
Vehicle Tax.
We continue to offer a 3-year
registration fee exemption.
In partnership with the RAA, we’re
delivering a network of EV chargers,
which when completed this year will
comprise more than 530 charging
points right across our great state.
As the number of new and used EVs
on our roads grows, so will demand
for their service and maintenance.
Battery packs and electric motors
present a different challenge to
internal combustion engines.
That’s why, in January last year,
the state government allocated
new funding for training programs
in electric vehicle inspection
and servicing.
Two accredited courses – for
battery and hybrid electric vehicles
– will be offered by Registered
Training Organisations, including the
Motor Trade Association.
We have joined the Motor Trade
Association in launching South
Australia’s first dedicated electric
vehicle training centre.
But our ambitions don’t stop there.
Electric vehicles use three to
four times more copper than the
average internal combustion engine
passenger vehicle.
Copper is found in EV motors,
batteries and wiring. Highconductivity
copper coils convert
electricity into motion.
It’s also essential to charging
infrastructure: extensive copper
wiring runs through charging
stations, EV charging cables, and
home charging units.
The global movement to
decarbonisation and electrification
simply can’t happen without copper.
And we have a lot of it. South
Australia is home to 69 per
cent of Australia’s identified
copper resources.
Just recently BHP announced
exciting results from exploratory
drilling at Olympic Dam that hint
at the potential for even greater
copper output.
A huge global shortfall of copper
is looming if we cannot improve
the efficient production of known
reserves and identify new resources
that can be developed within a
reasonable timeframe.
South Australia has demonstrated
we can meet that expectation.
This is our moment.
From Elizabeth to Tonsley, our state
has a rich tradition of building cars.
And with our resources, renewable
energy and know how, we have what
it takes to once again play a central
role in delivering the next generation
of vehicles.

7 FUTURE AUTO | OPPOSITION
future auto vision
By David Speirs,
SA Leader of the Opposition
SA’s challenges
South Australia’s electric vehicle
(EV) market is expanding, yet
confronts challenges in widespread
adoption, affordability, and
infrastructure development.
Despite a significant increase in EV
sales, accounting for 16.2 per cent
of new car sales in 2023 (combined
battery electric, plug-in hybrid
and hybrid vehicles) — the market
still struggles with making EVs
financially accessible and ensuring
diverse model availability.
But things are changing bit by bit,
and we’re beginning to see a wider
variety of EVs hitting the streets.
This trend will keep up as long as
they become more affordable, and
the right infrastructure is there to
back up their wider use.
I was part of a government that
saw the big picture with electric
vehicles, tackling issues like range
anxiety head on with initiatives such
as the former Liberal Government’s
support for the RAA in creating
Australia’s first comprehensive rapid
EV charging network. Developments
like this are essential in making EVs
a viable option for long-distance
travel. But there is more work to do
and the future of this infrastructure
needs an environment where the
marketplace is enabled to lead its
development and respond to the
growing demands of the EV sector
in a profitable way.
The supply of proficient mechanics
in the EV sector is critical and will
increase over time. The South
Australian Motor Trade Association,
maintaining its legacy of innovation
and advancement, has taken the
lead in establishing dedicated EV
training centres. I had the honour
of attending the inauguration of
these facilities last year. As the
preference for EVs increases among
South Australians, this new centre
will cater to the rising trend and
future demands. Apprentices at the
MTA will be trained on the latest EV
models, utilising state-of-the-art
tools and technology.
While Australia’s EV market
shows promise, continuous and
strategic efforts are essential
in policy support, infrastructure
development, industry training, and
making the marketplace for EVs
more affordable. These coordinated
actions are key to achieving a
sustainable, EV future in Australia.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

8 FUTURE AUTO | EV SALES
EV SALES BOOM
COMES WITH WARNING
SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S 2023
SALES DATA INCLUDED:
Full battery electric vehicles:
EV sales continue to surge in South Australia,
registering a 204 per cent year-on-year increase
in 2023.
That record growth matched unprecedented new
vehicle sales across all categories in SA (79,009)
and nationally (1,216,780).
SA’s EV growth of 204 per cent compares to the
national average increase of approximately 160
per cent.
The number of EVs on SA roads now totals
approximately 8,400, which is 0.5 per cent of the
total car parc.
However, future growth could be put at risk from
a range of measures, including the axing of EV
incentives (see story on page 25).
Nationally, battery electric vehicles accounted
for 7.2 per cent of sales with combined battery
electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles
achieving 196,868 sales or 16.2 per cent of new
vehicle sales in 2023.
There are now 87 EV models across 21 brands
in Australia.
Tesla continues to be the top-selling EV brand
accounting for more than 50 per cent of sales.
Its Model Y ranked sixth overall in new car sales,
selling 28,769 units nationally.
China manufactured approximately 75% of the
87,217 EVs sold in Australia last year.
MTA comment
“2023 was a game changer in the uptake of
electric vehicles,” said Motor Trade Association
CEO Darrell Jacobs.
“South Australia’s transition to zero and low
emission vehicles is well underway.
“But vehicle affordability, charging and road
infrastructure, and an appropriately skilled
workforce remain top priorities if ambitions
for the decarbonisation of transport are to
be realised.”
Traditional hybrids:
Plug-in hybrids:
BRAND
5.7 %
of new vehicles sold
9.5 %
of new vehicles sold
1.1 %
of new vehicles sold
National EV Sales for 2023 by Brand:
SALES
1 Tesla 46,116
2 BYD 12,438
3 MG 5928
4 Volvo 3949
5 Mercedes-Benz 3188
6 Kia 3039
7 BMW 2990
8 Polestar 2463
9 Hyundai 2417
100 Cupra 887
Source: www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/australias-top-sellingelectric-cars-in-2023
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

9 FUTURE AUTO | MFS
Responding to EV fires
By Melanie D’Ambrosio,
Senior Scientific and Environment Officer, and Peter Hilhorst, MFS Commander Built Environment Section,
South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service.
With the global requirement for low emissions transport
to combat global warming, there has been a rapid
uptake of electric vehicles in the new car market.
This uptake of new technology is changing the way
firefighters respond to road crash rescue and car fires.
An EV engine differs from an Internal Combustion
Engine (ICE) as it is powered by electricity stored in
batteries, with the most common battery chemistry
currently being lithium-ion, whereas ICE relies on
burning fuel to generate power.
Fire and Emergency Services have well established
training protocols and response procedures for
attending incidents involving ICE vehicles
EVs utilising lithium-ion battery chemistry is a
relatively new technology which poses different
risks and challenges for firefighters in emergencies.
Situations and incidents that may have previously been
straightforward now have the complexities associated
with high voltages and the challenging nature of battery
related-fires that are difficult to extinguish.
The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service’s
(MFS) emergency response framework focuses on a
comprehensive understanding of risks associated with
vehicle accidents and fires, prioritising the protection of
life, property and the environment.
When responding to EV fires that may be a result of
crashes, internal malfunctions or deliberate acts, the
MFS encounters unique challenges which fall outside of
existing response measures.
The difficulties in extinguishing batteries directly
involved in fire and managing the extended duration
of the fire requires ongoing research, assessment
of international techniques and development of
procedures to mitigate this risk.
The MFS is proactively developing response procedures
for incidents to adapt to this changing landscape.
Training
Training includes simple steps such as identifying the
vehicle as an EV and immobilising the EV, as well as
strategies to safely isolate the battery to enable the
extrication of casualties without risk of electric shock.
Crews are being trained to identify and monitor potential
physical damage to an EV’s battery as damage can
trigger internal reactions leading to thermal runaway
and, subsequently, the production of intense heat, large
volumes of toxic gases and a battery fire.
The MFS acknowledges the expanding role of EV
technology and anticipates its continual evolution with
enhanced safety features and battery chemistries,
which will benefit all first responders and the wider
community.
The MFS will continue to adapt to these changes and
collaborate with the community, other fire and rescue
services, and government to navigate this changing
environment, contributing to the collective efforts
towards a carbon-neutral future.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

10 FUTURE AUTO | FORD
customers drive less than 40 km per
day, many also travel off-road, tow
and need a highly capable vehicle
every day,” said Christine.
Ford steps up
for commercial
Years after EVs first hit the
headlines, going electric is still
a big step for many Australians,
according to Ford Australia.
This is particularly the case for
people using vehicles for work.
“Many of them are our customers
at Ford Australia,” said Christine
Wagner, General Manager, Fleet
and Upfitting, Ford Australia. “What
they tell us is that they need vehicles
that can provide the optimum
combination of uncompromised
capability, practicality and
technology. Electrification is a
focus, but it can’t come at the
cost of reduced fleet efficiency
or performance.”
Ford is a brand built on icons like the
Mustang, F-150, Ranger and Transit.
“Every vehicle in our line-up has
been developed with a customer
at the core. And we’ve spent the
last century getting to know our
customers very well.
“Australian commercial vehicle
owners have exacting expectations
from their vehicles and see them as
an essential tool for their work.
“For those who choose to make the
transition to EV, our job is to give
them the confidence they need,
while offering vehicles that get the
job done.”
Commercial
The commercial segment is one
major focus of our Australian EV
portfolio, with the E-Transit battery
electric van now on sale, the
E-Transit Custom to join later this
year, and the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid
(PHEV) coming in early 2025.
“They offer the capability and
performance drivers expect from
vehicles that have already proven
their worth with businesses across
the globe,” said Christine.
The E-Transit and All-New E-Transit
Custom are described by Ford
Australia as having cabins that are
“fully equipped workplaces, catering
to the drivers’ every need as they go
about their daily tasks”.
“Both vehicles deliver outstanding
load-carrying capability, while
offering safety and driver assistance
technology as well as new ways
to optimise fleet performance, all
with a global reputation for comfort,
drivability, and dependability.”
The E-Transit Custom is built with
next-gen connectivity at its heart,
reimagining Europe’s best-selling
van for a new era of electrified
productivity. Neither does it
compromise on uptime, supporting
DC fast charging up to 124 kW
for a 15-80 per cent recharge in
41 minutes.
The company is also
understandably excited about the
recently announced Ranger PHEV.
“Australia is unique – our customers
are spread across metro, regional
and rural areas. While most Ranger
The Ranger PHEV will offer the
option to drive in pure electric mode
for more than 45 kilometres without
using fuel or producing tailpipe
emissions. Beyond this, drivers will
be able to switch to hybrid mode
and travel further while carrying or
towing heavy loads.
The PHEV will also power worksite
tools with Pro Power Onboard and
has a 3.5 tonne towing ability.
“The Ford Ranger was Australia’s
best-selling vehicle in 2023; we
anticipate Ranger PHEV bringing
more commercial customers to
the Ford brand as they look for an
electrified option,” said Christine.
Overall cost of ownership is
also a critical consideration for
commercial vehicle owners. How
does the company approach this
challenge?
“Our network of Authorised Ford EV
Dealers, which will be expanded to
100+ by the end of 2024, can offer
extensive support for EVs, equipped
with charging infrastructure,
specialist EV workshop equipment
and knowledge of end-user
maintenance routines.
“This, along with our commitment
to ensuring extensive dealer staff
training, means owners can rest
assured they are backed by our
nationwide network when choosing
a Ford EV.
“With our growing electrified
commercial vehicle portfolio
that aims to hit the sweet spot of
capability and performance, and
a highly trained dealer network,
Ford is excited to help Australians
electrify for the real world and make
a real impact to local businesses.”
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12 FUTURE AUTO | PETROL
give Australians the energy to power
their EVs.
bp pulse operates in the United
Kingdom, China, Germany, India,
Spain, Portugal and the United
States, and has an ambition to
install 100,000 EV charge points
globally.
THE FUTURE
OF SERVICE STATIONS
To assess the future of petrol
stations, Future Auto spoke with
two key executives at bp Australia
and New Zealand: Paul Augé,
Vice President, Mobility and
Convenience, and Jeffrey Liu,
General Manager, bp pulse Australia.
In general, how have Australian
service stations changed over the
last decade and does this reflect
international trends?
Paul: As Australia continues to
progress the energy transition,
significant changes are taking
place in service stations across
the country.
The energy transition presents
a huge opportunity for the fuel
industry to jump headfirst into
diversifying from traditional fuels to
new sources of energy.
We can see these changes
happening already, with the roll-out
of electric vehicle (EV) charging
at service stations. By providing
Australians with more options to
charge their vehicles when they
are on-the-go, service stations are
playing an important role in the
transition to electrification.
Globally, bp is transforming its retail
offering to ensure we continue to
provide customers with the energy
they need. As energy sources
evolve, so are customer behaviours
at service stations.
We anticipate customers will spend
more time in-store while vehicles
are charging, so we’re reimagining
our retail offering for a superior instore
experience.
By 2025, bp aims to increase its
customer touchpoints to more
than 15 million a day globally. Our
convenience strategy is about
creating something distinctive
that sets us apart from other
convenience offers.
What is bp pulse?
Jeffrey: bp pulse is bp’s
electrification business in Australia
and is an important element of our
broader strategy to become a net
zero company by 2050 or sooner.
As the world turns to electric, we are
drawing on our global expertise to
What has bp pulse achieved to date
and what are your future plans and
targets?
Jeffrey: Since launching bp pulse
in Australia in late 2022, we’ve now
installed over 100 EV charge points
across the country.
We’ve delivered more than
2.2 million kWh of energy to
our customers in this time. This
is enough power to drive from
Melbourne to the Moon 28 times in
an EV.
With rapid progress, we’re well on
our way towards building the most
convenient EV charging network
in the country, with more charge
points and charging hubs at a
variety of locations across Australia.
Looking ahead, we are planning to
have installed 600 EV charge points
in Australia by 2025.
How does home charging feature in
your analysis?
Jeffrey: bp has been providing fuel
to Australians for over 100 years,
and we’re rolling out our charging
infrastructure to ensure that
everyone has access to convenient
EV chargers when they need it.
Our focus is on continuing our
expansion of charging infrastructure
at our bp sites across the country.
By doing so, we hope to reduce
some of the barriers that are
preventing Australians from
adopting EVs, such as range
anxiety.
We are working with key partners
to help EV drivers charge at home,
such as our initial offer with AGL
Energy in 2023. Through projects
like this we hope to encourage
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

13 FUTURE AUTO | PETROL
uptake for people considering
an EV.
How important is fast charging?
Jeffrey: Having access to
convenient fast charging options
will be critical to supporting the
transition to EVs.
For more drivers to make the
switch to EVs, they need to have
confidence that their vehicles can
be charged quickly at a range of
convenient public charging
stops.
While drivers will
always be able
to charge
their vehicles
at home
more slowly
overnight,
fast charging
enables
drivers to get
back to their
journeys more
quickly.
Ultra-fast charging (over 150 kW)
can offer a comparable experience
to current refuelling and many of
bp’s sites globally plan to upgrade
their infrastructure to meet
this speed.
If charging at a service station takes
longer than filling up with petrol,
how important is the mix of food,
retail and convenience?
Paul: As the world changes, it’s
important that we keep up with
this progress to ensure that we can
continue to provide customers with
the energy they want, when and
where they want it.
As customers make the switch to
electric vehicles, we expect their
retail behaviours to change too. We
anticipate customers will spend
more time in-store while their
vehicle charges and will be looking
for convenience and comfort.
For bp, it’s important that as
customer needs evolve and
bp pulse EV charging.
change, we do too. We’re currently
transforming our convenience
offering to provide customers with a
food offer that meets their needs.
Are there any measures that bp
pulse would like to see at the
political level to assist the industry
and/or consumers?
Jeffrey: We believe the
electrification of transport is a key
part of helping Australia get to net
zero. We have been pleased to see
all levels of government get
behind EVs but there is
still a way to go.
For charge point
operators like
bp pulse, grid
connectivity
remains the
significant
determiner
for the roll-out
of fast charging
infrastructure. To
enable Australia to
continue moving forward
on its EV journey, being able to
anticipate demand areas for public
charging and making it easier to
identify whether there is adequate
installed capacity and second lines
of supply would be valuable.
Governments could incentivise
for more charging infrastructure
and competition in regional
Australia where demand growth
is expected to be low. This would
boost confidence for EV drivers
visiting these areas and support
regional tourism.
In other markets like Germany, bp
is partnering with government to
build gigahubs in metropolitan and
regional locations where multiple
fast charge points are co-located.
It’s a solution that would enable fast
and efficient charging and allow
multiple drivers to charge, reducing
range anxiety.
Collaboration between government
and industry will be necessary to
identify key areas, ensure timely
planning and connection across
networks is possible.
Consumer behaviour shows there
is a willingness to embrace EVs,
but the scale of this transition
to electrification should not be
underestimated. Supporting early
adopters will be crucial to ensuring
Australians continue to make
the switch.
3
1
2
3
THINGS
you didn’t know
about EV tyres
Simon Pool,
Technical Manager,
Pirelli Tyres Australia
They are engineered to
be quieter – “so all you
will hear inside the car
are road and wind noise”.
Pirelli’s BEV-specific
products incorporate
sound-absorbing sponge
beneath the tread.”
Most EVs don’t come
with a spare tyre to save
weight, which increases
range. A tyre with runflat
capabilities is being
developed to keep the
vehicle moving until the
punctured tyre can be
replaced.
Using the wrong tyres on
EVs can reduce range
and add to car noise.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

14 FUTURE AUTO | TRAINING
Opportunity
knocks for
EV techs
Jodi Ryan, MTA SA/NT
General Manager of Apprenticeships
According to Jodi Ryan, General Manager of
Apprenticeships at the MTA SA/NT, mechanics with the
ability to service both traditional and electric vehicles
can pave the way for a secure financial future. She said
the shortage of qualified technicians in this field has
led to a considerable gap in one of the world’s largest
emerging markets.
“Right now, there is an enormous skills shortage. Job
opportunities would open quickly for technicians with
these skills. However, significant training in electrical
or battery electric technology is needed for current
technicians, and this process will take some time. For
those committing to this path in the long run, it’s the
way forward.”
Training pathway
The pathway begins with the Certificate III in either Light
Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620), Mobile
Plant Technology (AUR31220), Agricultural Mechanical
Technology (AUR30420) and Heavy Commercial Vehicle
Technology (AUR31130), these qualifications are already
offered by the MTA. Following that, you can advance
to the Qualified Technician to Automotive Electrician
Program, spanning up to 12 months. The final stage is
the Electric Vehicle Technician Program, which might
entail an additional 12 months of training unless you are
already a qualified Automotive Electrical Technician.
The demand for qualifications in automotive electrical
work has surged.
“Our members are now thinking beyond the next 12
months,” stated Jodi. “They’re discussing strategies to
ensure the future success of their businesses.”
Range of courses
This prompted the MTA to establish a pathway for
experienced mechanics to gain additional qualifications
in EVs without having to pause their jobs.
“Members have shared with us that their main gap is
in electrical knowledge,” explained Jodi. “When dealing
with an EV, everything is electrical, and it’s all covered in
orange, which you don’t touch.”
With program adjustments and the upskilling of its
trainers, the MTA has gained recognition as a national
leader in EV training, boasting one of the top EV training
centres in Australia.
“Our new approach for qualified technicians ensures
they don’t have to be away from the workshop for
extended periods, attending classes at trade school.
The program, which acknowledges their existing
qualifications, features self-paced learning, on-the-job
assessment, and training at our Royal Park or Cleve
facilities. For 6-12 months, participants work alongside
certified technicians instead of apprentices.”
Additionally, there are short one- and five-day safety
courses designed for entry-level technicians and
apprentices working on electric vehicles.
“Think about someone working in paint and panel;
their focus may be solely on understanding car safety
measures, such as removing residual current from
electric vehicles. Our members can register for our
five-day EV course, demonstrating to consumers that
they’ve undergone training in electric vehicles and have
the skills to perform repairs.”
Apprentices
The MTA is also developing a pathway for apprentices
who are just beginning their careers in the industry.
“We are working closely with the SA Skills Commission
to develop a dual trade for apprenticeships, for
heavy and light, and combining that with automotive
electrical.”
This approach ensures that apprentices receive training
tailored to current industry requirements while also
preparing them for the anticipated surge in electric
vehicles.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

15 FUTURE AUTO | TRAINING
Female participation
Jodi noted, “We’re seeing a growing interest among
women who want to pursue opportunities in the
automotive sector, especially with the transition to
electric vehicles, and we’re excited about bringing more
of them on board.”
“Traditionally, the industry has been perceived as a
male-dominated environment associated with dirt and
grease.
“With the emergence of fully electric or electric hybrid
cars, they are now clean and free from grease, which
makes them particularly appealing to people with a
computer oriented and analytical mindset.”
Fuelled by her deep passion for the industry and
extensive training background, Jodi is eagerly looking
forward to witnessing someone complete an entire
four-year journey toward becoming a certified electric
vehicle technician.
MTA apprentice training on a hybrid vehicle.
“Members told us their biggest
gap was electrical.”
“I can’t wait to see the upcoming experts who will lead
innovation and progress in electric vehicle technology.
Our trainers at the MTA are well-equipped to guide them
on this journey.”
“It’s important to note that internal combustion engines
are projected to stay for another 40 to 50 years,
emphasising the significance of having a technician
with expertise in both technologies.”
By then, Jodi expects more people will begin to
understand the switch to battery electric is not just
about cars.
“The progress in mobile plant technology, commercial
buses, and trucks is astonishing. The most significant
impact is seen in mobile plant equipment; those small
diggers at residential construction sites are now
all electric. They operate silently, enabling them to
commence work earlier, charge during the night, and
are more compact and mobile. Several workshops
are opting to remove traditional air lines for air guns
and replacing this with electric alternatives. In every
sector, the adoption of this technology is increasing
as it becomes smaller and more affordable. I believe
hydrogen fuel cells will also have a significant role in
this shift.”
With a forward-thinking perspective, the MTA is
delivering training solutions today to meet the growing
demand from both businesses and individuals that will
be required into the future.
CAN bus (MP 1918) is a transportable
training aid now available at the
MTA’s Cleve Training Centre.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

16 FUTURE AUTO | TRUCKS
CONVERSION
HEAVY
“This will have a considerable positive impact on the South
Australian economy. It’s possible that we may supervise the
commissioning of multiple trucks weekly in the modest city of
Adelaide, creating a path to inject $100 million into
SA’s economy””
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

REVOLUTION FOR
VEHICLES
Jared Archer, Managing Director of Archer Heavy
Equipment Repairs & Archer Retail Group, is pivoting
his heavy vehicle diesel repair business now to
avoid being “left behind”.
Archer Heavy Equipment Repairs at Wingfield
has partnered with NSW battery electric solution
provider Janus Electric, becoming that company’s
first authorised dealer in SA to convert diesel trucks
to battery electric systems.
But it’s not a decision he made lightly.
“As we all know, if you don’t move with the times,
the times don’t stop for you,” Jared said.
“We wanted to be an early adopter of the technology
– we wanted to be a market leader.
“Obviously our industry is pretty flooded with
different brands and dealerships, so opening
another dealership with the only point of difference
being “brand” seemed like a dead end.
“It was an opportunity to launch not only a different
brand but an entirely new industry in Adelaide and
make it worthwhile for South Australia, as well
as having the opportunity of being a leader in the
country for battery electric technology.
“We saw battery electric as a feasible option. When
we learned about Janus Electric’s business model
and the way we could change batteries, we got a
little excited and thought people would be able to
implement that into their business straight away,
versus waiting for charging infrastructure.
“We then approached Janus and after carrying
out their due diligence, we were selected as the
Adelaide dealership for the conversions to take
place from our workshop.”
“We’ve been on board assisting with the
conversions for the last few years.”
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

18 FUTURE AUTO | TRUCKS
Bevan Dooley (CTO Janus Electric),
Jared Archer Managing Director of Archer Heavy Equipment
Repairs & Archer Retail Group,
Lex Forsyth (CEO Janus Electric).
Financial case
Janus provides Jared with the batteries and the
conversion kit and his business does the rest.
The conversion is usually completed within four weeks
at a cost of $175,000.
It sounds like a large investment but it’s just a fraction
of the price of a new battery-electric vehicle which costs
anywhere between $750,000 to $900,000.
Once a vehicle is converted, batteries can be swapped
at designated Janus recharge stations for $125.
Bigger companies have the option to purchase their
own recharge stations but the public stations are
far more economical for smaller companies and
owner operators.
“Your fuel costs are reduced almost exponentially,
which for an owner-operator is huge,” Jared said.
“They fall by about 30 per cent. So if you’re running a
fleet of trucks and you’ve got a fuel bill of $100,000
a month as a mid-size operator, to have an extra
$30,000 in your pocket every single month is massive.
This doesn’t factor in your reduction in maintenance
costs either.”
The range of the batteries varies greatly depending on
the truck’s size, weight, how it is driven, as well as any
prevailing headwinds or tailwinds. The same variables
go for diesel too.
But a battery typically delivers between 300-600 km
before it needs replacing.
Janus’ battery network remains in its embryonic stages,
with only about 25 trucks on the road, all still restricted
to short runs.
A Mack Trident in the process of being converted.
“There’s a charging station at Port Augusta, one in Port
Adelaide and Janus will be looking at putting another
two between these spots,” Jared said.
“It will help to decrease that ‘range anxiety’ which
people have with anything electric at the moment.
“But I don’t think that’s an issue for trucks as much as it
is for cars.
“Unlike cars, trucks generally have preset routes. You
can plan your routes easily and together with Janus’ live
analysis and infrastructure, you can find out where and
when the batteries are available and when they will be
fully charged. It’s all smart integrated.
“The charging stations will almost anticipate your
arrival, if that makes sense,” he explained. “The busy
Adelaide-Melbourne route won’t be far away either. It
will likely necessitate two battery swaps en route, each
taking four minutes — like the blink of an eye. You’re in,
you’re out.”
Robotics
Charging stations are presently staffed with a forklift
working the changeover but already, those days
are numbered.
“When the robotic chargers start going in, people won’t
know what’s hit them.
“When companies start seeing the profits they are
missing out on running diesel and they start getting
comfortable with the idea of battery electric, any
business owner would be silly not to make the switch.”
Business owners who are sceptical may hesitate to
commit and invest in batteries, but Jared is firmly
convinced that this is just the beginning.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

19 FUTURE AUTO | TRUCKS
“It was an opportunity to
launch not only a different
brand but an entirely new
industry in Adelaide and
make it worthwhile for
South Australia...”
“I am a diesel mechanic and automotive electrician.
While diesel engines are my main focus and concern,
it’s important to note that electric motors, despite
causing some apprehension, have actually been around
for a longer time than diesel motors.”
Thomas Davenport is credited with inventing the
electric motor in 1834, predating the diesel engine by 59
years.
“The issue people face is their resistance to change, but
I believe that mindset is outdated.
“In this generation, most people are familiar only
with diesel engines; they associate them exclusively
with trucks and anything requiring substantial
torque. I may not witness it in my lifetime, but as a
forward thinker, I see a future where diesel might not
exist. Diesel has reached its pinnacle, and further
improvements seems unlikely.
“Those familiar with market dynamics understand
the importance of not investing at the market’s peak.
You want to ride the upward wave, not catch it on
the way down from its peak. Now, battery electric
vehicles (BEVs) are at the start of this wave, and their
advancements are inevitable.
“So, for us, it would be unwise to not establish a
business in this direction.”
Emerging generation
“The choice is either to embrace change or face the risk
of perishing,” Jared said.
“Similar to how Blockbuster overlooked Netflix, Nokia
overlooked Apple, and Kodak overlooked the digital
camera, these major corporations failed to recognise
that change is unavoidable.
“Despite our confidence in understanding how the world
operates, in 30 years, it will be our children who are in
charge.
170 tonnes of pulling power – the worlds heaviest rated tri-drive
battery electric truck
functioning or history; instead, they view it as
impractical because of the pollution it causes on our
planet.
“I’ve noticed my kid’s asking questions that never
crossed my mind when I was their age.
“Their mindset is different, and it won’t be too long
before they’re the ones making decisions, leading to
a shift where outdated practices like diesel may fade
away completely.”
Tipping point
“This change is happening gradually for us. Even though
most of our work still revolves around diesel repairs,
we have secured commitments from Diamond Bros
and Symons Clark in Adelaide for these trucks, with
Diamond Bros’ truck set to be delivered shortly.
“Once these guys are up and running, everyone else
won’t have a choice.
“The choice is between letting these companies boost
their bottom line, leading to increased size and industry
dominance, or becoming part of the movement. In my
view, joining is unavoidable, so we predict a significant
increase in demand, keeping us fully booked for up to
two years.”
“This will have a considerable positive impact on the
South Australian economy. It’s possible that we may
supervise the commissioning of multiple trucks weekly
in the modest city of Adelaide, creating a path to inject
$100 million into SA’s economy.”
“Their disregard for diesel is not based on its
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

20 FUTURE AUTO | Q & A
Q & A
Lessons from
the ‘frontline’
An interview with Darrell Jacobs,
MTA SA/NT CEO
Q1: You were part of the launch of Australia’s first
electric car at Mitsubishi. That was in 2009, 15 years
ago. What did you learn from that experience?
Some of the lessons we learned still exist today.
Customers were unsure of range, being a battery car
was very foreign to them and they were uncertain about
the infrastructure to support it. Affordability was also an
issue. It was a $55,000 car competing in the $20,000
car segment.
Q2: Fast forward to 2024 and we’ve seen a significant
uptake in electric vehicles. What has changed?
They are becoming more mainstream, with much
greater awareness of them in the media and on the
roads. There is also a greater choice for the customer,
and ultimately, the link to decarbonisation is stronger.
Q3: What is one thing missing in the discussion
around this transition to zero and low emission
vehicles?
The discussion seems to be centred on everyone
needing to drive electric vehicles quickly and that
they will all be here tomorrow. What’s missing is an
understanding that vehicle technologies are constantly
improving. Diesel technologies are improving, there are
a large number of hybrids and hydrogen is on its way.
People seem stuck on talking purely about EVs. And
we can’t forget that it’s not just about the vehicle; it is
about infrastructure, skills, safety and recycling. Not to
mention, it is a 20+ year transition. So, we must discuss
the whole ecosystem.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

21 FUTURE AUTO | Q & A
Q4: How do you arrive at that number on the road?
Today there are around 20 million vehicles on the road
in Australia, and we sell about a million new cars a year.
The math is simple; it will take 20 years to change over.
We also know, in countries that are advanced in their
EV adoptions, customers are keeping their internal
combustion vehicles for longer - sometimes up to
18 years.
Q5: Training is critical. What does this mean for
people entering the automotive industry and those
already employed in our sector?
The technology in an electric vehicle is different, but
they still need to be serviced and repaired. With high
voltage running through them, the first priority is safety.
Currently, we have many technicians with a mechanical
background who require reskilling to handle these
vehicles that enter the workshop.
Q6: SA and Australia suffer from the tyranny of
distance. But, as new cars increase their range and
the charging network expands, does ‘range anxiety’
even matter anymore?
It’s an interesting question. We are starting to see
potential in solid state batteries that would allow
vehicles to travel a lot further. But there is anxiety in
consumers heads around whether they will make it to
the next charge station and if it’s already occupied or
working. Generally in South Australian metropolitan
locations, you know you can drive to work and charge it
at home but the anxiety begins the moment you leave
the city.
Q7: You talk to automotive businesses every day.
What are they telling you about this transition?
Automotive businesses are very diverse. A dealership
selling electric cars is already seeing many customers
as they come back for servicing. But an independent
repair shop around the corner may not have seen
a single EV and don’t expect to for some time. And
the same goes for recyclers, so it’s a different pace
depending on which part of the industry you’re in.
Overall, we are seeing increased interest from qualified
mechanics wanting to upgrade their skills and remain
relevant.
Q8: What’s your one message to members about
electric vehicles?
Embrace EVs because they are coming, whether you
like it or not. Read widely to see what’s happening
in your space and start preparing your staff and
your business. Not everything you read will happen
tomorrow, but you will gain a general awareness - and
you will see there are huge opportunities due to the
paradigm shift occurring in the industry.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

22 FUTURE AUTO | MINING
MINING
AT A CRITICAL TURNING POINT
The growth of zero and low emission vehicles in
Australian mining is gathering pace.
As long-standing contracts expire, adoption of the
new technology is starting to accelerate, with Normet
forecasting its EV sales to increase from 10 per cent to
50 per cent in the next five years.
Part of the impetus is the need for mining companies
to prove their environmental, social and governance
(ESG) credentials. Major finance firms are increasingly
refusing to invest client funds in miners with a poor
environmental record.
At an individual level, the reduced emissions, heat
and noise are being wholeheartedly welcomed by
underground miners.
However, most mines still have a heavy reliance on
diesel and it takes considerable time to upgrade
infrastructure to suit battery-powered equipment.
Normet
Finnish company Normet has been offering mining
and tunnelling solutions, including concrete spraying,
transporting and explosive charger machines,
since 1962.
In 2015, it began research and development of
SmartDrive, the modular battery electric vehicles it
builds from scratch, using Polish battery supplier
Impact Clean Power Technology.
By 2019, it had built and sold its first SmartDrive
into Australia.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

23 FUTURE AUTO | MINING
“These trucks are quieter,
generate less heat and the
underground air is cleaner.”
He predicts the sales of battery electric equipment to
be as high as 40 per cent within three years and hit 50
per cent within five.
Mine upgrades
There are several factors putting the brakes on the
sector’s ability to dump diesel for batteries.
“People say the biggest hurdle is how fast we can
develop them, build them, get them into production and
get them to the mine,” Brendan said.
But that tells only part of the story.
“Most mines have not been designed to handle this
amount of electrification,” he said.
“Every mine has a grid system set up for its expected
power requirements for its production life.
“If the mine is 10 years old, it wasn’t set up to plug in
40 machines a day to load the grid for things like the
trucks and loaders.
“You might have a 60-tonne truck that’s running on
diesel. When you move to an electric model, the density
of the energy storage you need on those batteries is
huge because they are running such high weights.
“So an older mine that hasn’t been planning for this, if
they were to plug in every charger that they needed at
the same time to charge their batteries, they’d probably
overload the grid and they wouldn’t be able to operate.
“The phase we see at the moment is where there
are upgrades to the mines themselves for their grid
structure to accommodate the extra requirement for
charging these batteries.
Eight of those vehicles, comprising about 10 per cent
of Normet’s annual output, are currently operating in
Australia in the Tanami Desert, the Northern Goldfields
Region and in South Australia at the Carrapateena Mine
and Prominent Hill.
There are another eight hybrid machines at
Olympic Dam.
Full battery electric vehicle.
Hybrid units use a diesel engine to power a generator,
significantly reducing CO 2
emissions when under full
load, operating at low rpm ranges, down from a typical
diesel engine at 2700 rpm.
The balance of Normet’s sales remain dieselpowered
vehicles.
Brendan Percy, National Technical Manager at Normet
Asia Pacific’s Adelaide office, sees a strong future.
“The appetite is there. It’s how fast mine owners and
then the subcontractors can accommodate the change
in technology.”
Equipment contracts
Long-standing agreements between mining companies
and subcontractors also have to expire before change
can be implemented.
“It very much relies on where contracts are at as well.
“If a mining company runs a five or seven-year contract
with their subcontractors, they have only got that ability
to make that change of request for the type of machine
at the end of the contract.
“It’ll be a slow creep.
“The sector says we want to do everything now but the
reality is they need to stage this because they need to
make changes to the structure of the mine sites and
supply chains need to ramp up to facilitate this.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

24 FUTURE AUTO | MINING
“They can’t just switch diesel off straight away because
they have to set up the electrical infrastructure of the
mines themselves.”
Big players
The pressure to make positive change, Brendan said, is
coming from the very top of the industry.
“The big mining houses are predominantly the drivers of
BEV/hybrid supply.
“The majority of our sales are actually the
subcontractors but the mining houses are the ones
putting the big pressure on and a lot of that is driven
by shareholders.
“These companies want to be at the front for
the change.”
That pressure also trickles all the way to the bottom,
more than a kilometre below the earth’s surface where
some miners find themselves as old dogs learning
new tricks.
Normet’s SmartDrive machines,
including its explosive chargers
and shotcrete, can be plugged
into a 1000AC grid while they
operate or connect to any fast
chargers with CCS charging
communication standard and
CCS2 fast charging plugs,
including Normet’s own 40, 160
or 320 kW chargers.
Their batteries can also be
recharged via regenerative
braking as the vehicle travels back
underground.
But recharging below ground may still be necessary if
the vehicle needs to return to the surface.
“The expectation is that you get a full shift out of a tank
of fuel.
“BEV’s will do that with opportune charging during the
shift. But if they have to then get it out of the portal and
take it to the surface, they would have to stop for a bit
of a charge.
“We place a charger halfway along that journey so they
can pull up, connect the fast charger, get a really quick
20 minutes and that gets them out to the surface.”
Training, noise & heat
Normet deploys one of its own to spend the first
week of every machine’s life on any new site,
retraining drivers.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents
Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
“The lack of requirement for fuelling is great but it
brings its own challenges to the operation because
operators have to learn how to correctly charge the
machine,” Brendan said.
“There’s some extra training involved with that, as well
as how to drive and maintain it.
“These trucks are quieter, generate less heat and the
underground air is cleaner.
“Once they see the positive benefit of that, we generally
get operators on board pretty quickly.”
MTA assistance
“In the past, where you had a mechanical fitter
and an auto electrician, now you need a 1000V
qualified or licensed electrician as well for isolation
procedures onsite.
“So there are implications on training and skillsets.
“With every customer we’ve delivered a BEV
too, the first thing we do is get them to the
MTA’s training course, and then we do
our own gap training after that.
“There’s a fair skillset change that
the MTA is helping.”
The MTA’s training module is
geared heavily toward safety
and it is an absolute priority
for Normet.
“MTA is also introducing some of
our training materials on Normet
specific systems.”
“When assessing the introduction of
BEV’s/HEV’s into a new customer’s system
and site, one of the first areas we advise on is skills
upgrade, including specific training avenues both
external and internal to our business.
“We also explain and assess the differences in cell
chemistry between those batteries and our current
battery technology, which is lithium titanate oxide (LTO).
“The battery strings are closely monitored by a
management system to ensure that any issue is
identified in the individual cell voltage and temperature.
“There’s a fire suppression system and multiple layer
control systems with complex cooling systems that
automatically shut machines down.”
The benefits clearly outweigh the risks, and with miners
continuing to operate under stringent licencing and
investor scrutiny, it will come as no surprise to see the
further electrification of mines around the globe.

25 FUTURE AUTO | INCENTIVES
well as expanding the program to
all zero and low emission vehicles,
regardless of technology.
“With the Federal Government’s
proposed fuel efficiency standard
looming large, we don’t want to
see ordinary South Australians
punished if they cannot afford an
electric vehicle.”
PRIME OPPORTUNITY
TO INCENTIVISE CHANGE
The State Government has a
once-in-a-generation opportunity
to demonstrate national leadership
in the electrification of Australia’s
transport.
The MTA has called on the
government to reintroduce - in the
upcoming State Budget - incentives
for all zero and low emission
vehicles (ZLEVs), which includes
battery electric, hybrid and plug-in
hybrid vehicles.
“The Motor Trade Association would
be concerned if there were a lack
of financial policies to support EV
affordability,” said Darrell Jacobs,
CEO of the MTA SA/NT.
“These concessions should likewise
be extended beyond electric
vehicles to hybrids and plug-in
hybrids. A typical South Australian
family might not be able to afford
an electric vehicle but they might
be more willing to try a hybrid or
plug-in hybrid model which will still
emit fewer emissions than a petrol
or diesel car.
“Hybrids and plug-in hybrids can
be more affordable, reduce range
anxiety and provide an entry
point for motorists who may not
have previously considered an
electric vehicle.
“Transport is the highest emitting
sector in South Australia. With
the right incentives, we can help
decarbonise it.”
He added: “The MTA will continue
to call for the reintroduction of
incentives for electric vehicles, as
Affordability
With a cost of living crisis underway
in Australia, and an emerging fuel
efficiency standard, now more than
ever, Governments must support
the uptake of ZLEVs beyond
targets. The scrapping of incentives
for these new vehicles in South
Australia and interstate is a misstep.
“In taking a leadership role, SA
should reintroduce incentives to
include low emission vehicles,” said
Mr Jacobs.
“As a former union official and as
the current Labor Premier, Peter
Malinauskas understands cost of
living pressures for the average
wage earner.
“The $3,000 subsidy and threeyear
registration exemption for new
electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel
cell vehicles is a wonderful initiative.
But its partial removal is a step in
the wrong direction.”
Affordability has proven to be a
major obstacle, pointing out that
the cheapest EV currently available
is still more expensive than the
average Australian new car price.
Motorists should be encouraged to
adopt fuel efficient technologies.
“We know if affordability is left
unaddressed, motorists will simply
not charge our transition to electric
vehicles,” said Mr Jacobs.
“So, we should not be taking away
incentives. If anything we should be
expanding incentives to encourage
EV ownership and this should
include all zero and low emissions
vehicles.”
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

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Q1: How do EVs work?
EVs operate on electric power
stored in high-capacity batteries.
These batteries power an electric
motor, propelling the vehicle. Unlike
traditional vehicles relying on
internal combustion engines, EVs
produce zero tailpipe emissions,
making them environmentally
friendly.
Q2: What is the range of an EV?
EV ranges vary by model, but
advancements in battery technology
have significantly increased these
ranges. Modern EVs can typically
offer ranges between 300-450
kilometres on a single charge.
Factors such as driving conditions,
temperature, and driving habits can
influence range though.
Q3: How long does it take to
charge an EV?
Charging times depend on the
charger type and the vehicle’s
battery capacity. Level 1 chargers
(standard household outlets) may
take several hours for a full charge,
Ask the MTA’s
EV Training
Experts
Steve Richardson - MTA SA Trainer Assessor Light Vehicle Technology
Hiran Alwis - MTA SA Trainer Assessor Light Vehicle Technology
while Level 2 AC fast chargers can
significantly reduce charging times.
Fast DC chargers, often found in
public charging stations, can provide
a substantial charge of around 30-
60 minutes in many instances.
Q4: Where can I charge my EV?
Charging infrastructure is expanding
rapidly. EV owners can charge
at home using a standard outlet
or a dedicated home charging
station. Public charging stations are
becoming more prevalent, located
at shopping centres, workplaces,
and along highways, ensuring
convenient access for drivers.
Q5: Are EVs more expensive than
traditional vehicles?
While the initial purchase price
of some EVs may be higher,
total ownership costs can in
some instances be lower due to
reduced maintenance and fuel
expenses. Incentives, tax credits,
and decreasing battery vehicle
costs contribute to making EVs
increasingly competitive in pricing.
27 FUTURE AUTO | FAQ
Q6: How long do EV batteries last?
EV battery life is improving with
advancements in technology.
Modern EV batteries are
generally designed to last for
8-15 years, depending on usage
and environmental factors. Many
manufacturers offer warranties
covering the battery for a specified
number of years or kilometres.
Q7: Can I use renewable energy to
charge my EV?
Yes, EV owners can choose
to charge their vehicles using
renewable energy sources.
Homeowners with solar panels can
harness clean energy to power their
EVs, reducing their overall carbon
footprint.
Q8: What is the environmental
impact of EV production?
While the production of EVs
involves the extraction of raw
materials, overall, they have a lower
environmental impact compared to
traditional vehicles. As technology
advances, manufacturers
are working to improve the
sustainability of EV production
processes.
Q9: Can I tow with an EV?
Yes, many EVs are capable of
towing. However, towing capacity
and range can vary so it’s essential
to check the specifications of the
specific EV you are interested in.
Manufacturers are continually
improving the towing capabilities
of EVs.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

28 FUTURE AUTO | REPAIRER
Aluminium & carbon fibre EV room.
GOOD CALL
CATAPULTS
CRASH REPAIRER INTO 21 ST CENTURY
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

29 FUTURE AUTO | REPAIRER
“I believe it will get to that
point where you are going
to have to be a specialist in
your brand.”
Gavin Rich happily admits he had no idea what lay
ahead when approached by Tesla in 2018 to become
one of its certified repairers.
Now he’s one of Tesla’s biggest fans.
“I think they’re a great car and they have been excellent
for business,” he said.
Was the bold move a gamble?
Maybe, he concedes: “The best way I could describe it
was it was ‘unknown’.”
Gavin is a director at Australian Crash Repairs, the
second of three certified Tesla repairers in Adelaide.
Adelaide Motor Bodies was the first, before an
unsolicited call came from the Texas EV manufacturer,
keen to expand options for local motorists.
“People talk through the industry and I’d like to think
that’s how that came about,” Gavin said.
“Our reputation as a prestige body shop has been
around for 40 odd years.
“But I don’t think we realised what we were getting into.”
Overnight revolution
That call completely changed the direction and focus of
the Allenby Gardens business.
“Not knowing much about it, we had the opportunity to
take on another brand and basically it was like turning a
light switch on.
“The cars started rolling in, so we had to learn on our
feet very quickly.
“It wasn’t a slow, gradual thing. It was overnight. The
next morning there were three Teslas rolling through
our door.
“We had to adapt and grow quickly and the first year
was very, very challenging.
Aluminium Rail Replacement.
“But all of a sudden we could see the rewards and we
still do.
“Probably from day one, we could see the benefits of
the investment and the road we were going down.”
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

30 FUTURE AUTO | REPAIRER
That outlay came without government support and was
a significant sum, adding to the initial costs of training,
as well as the ongoing expense of tooling and training
updates.
When a new model is released, Tesla provides new
tooling - but of course, that is another cost.
Tesla classes Australian Crash Repairs as a service
centre but it has chosen to specialise in panel work.
In little more than a year, the company has doubled the
value of its EV work from around 25 per cent of its total
business to about half.
Besides Tesla, they are also accredited repairers for
other EV branded cars including BMW, Lamborghini,
Bentley, Subaru and BYD.
“The only negative is we’ve had to turn away a lot of
traditional customers who have been with Australian
Crash for a long time.
“That’s the downside of it. It’s a hard call to tell people
you can’t fix their car anymore.
“We just don’t have the capabilities to take on any more
work. We’re booked a long way out.”
Brand specialisation
But Gavin can see the day coming when Australian
Crash is forced to distill its energies and resources even
further, such are the complexities and demands
required to work on each different brand of
electric vehicle.
“I believe it will get to that point where you are going to
have to be a specialist in your brand,” he said.
“That’s my opinion. Porsches are starting to come out
with electric cars, Volvos too and once Germany get
hold of all the technology and master it, it’s going to be
like BMW.
“We’re the only ones who can get access to their repair
methods so you’re going to have to be a specialist in
your field, I believe.”
Already the upskilling at Australian Crash has
been exponential.
“There is a lot of online training. Every staff member has
their own access to the Tesla training portal.
“At the beginning, we had to get everyone up to speed.
“That included sending techs up to Brisbane for
welding certification. All our techs have to be qualified
aluminium welders.”
Gavin said that staff could refer to the training portal to
get step by step instructions on how to fix most issues,
something that does not exist with other brands.
Australian Crash Repairs workshop
This was backed up by experts at Tesla and he
emphasised the value of these relationships.
Australian Crash Repairs now boasts a fleet of highly
skilled experts who undertake the repair of all their
electric vehicles.
Staff have transitioned from being panel beaters to
technicians, noting their growing experience in finding
problems - which are normally electronic, not the
bodywork.
Insurance implications
Gavin came from an insurance background and read
the tea leaves, moving seamlessly to the flip side of the
motor repair industry.
He warned that when it comes to EVs, insurance
companies are just one of many facets of the motor
vehicle ecosystem still playing catch up.
For example, when repairing BMW EVs, Australian
Crash still relies on a representative from the dealership
to arrive on site before commencing work.
“We are not allowed to touch those vehicles until they
are disarmed.”
It all contributes to pushing the cost of repairing a
damaged EV beyond that of a traditional vehicle.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

31 FUTURE AUTO | REPAIRER
“We just don’t have the
capabilities to take on any more
work. We’re booked a long
way out.”
“We need to be getting into schools and explaining what
our industry is doing now.
“It’s not the dusty old tin sheds that it used to be.”
The modern workshop now features:
• Specialist aluminium rooms and EV bays
• Hoists rather than pits
• Excellent air flow
• Electronic measuring systems
• Sealed rooms that keep out contaminants when
technicians are working on aluminium and carbon
fibres
Sourcing parts
Australian Crash only uses new parts to repair
damaged Teslas.
“It’s a really cool industry and I’m quite passionate
about it,” said Gavin.
“I want to get kids through because they are going to
absorb and love it.”
“Sourcing those parts remains a challenge but it’s
becoming easier.
“Tesla has a big warehouse in Sydney. It’s pretty good
and on par with any other manufacturer, if not better.”
Finding parts for other EV brands remains difficult
for now.
And employing qualified technicians to work on EVs is
every bit as problematic.
The industry is still struggling to find good
tradespeople, so Gavin is now focussed on training the
next generation.
His own son studied as a mechanical engineer and now
works for Australian Crash as an estimator.
He would love nothing more than to one day hand him
the company keys.
Education is the future
But well before then, he’s convinced much more
needs to be done to stimulate what looms as a
flourishing trade.
Caroliner electronic
measuring bench.
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32 FUTURE AUTO | TRENDS
OVERSEAS EV
TARGETS A ROCKY ROAD
Darrell Jacobs, MTA SA/NT CEO
Australia should be wary of
technology bans, as EV uptake
in Britain stutters amidst slowing
consumer uptake.
“We need to bring all Australians
‘along for the ride’ in the
decarbonisation of the nation’s
vehicles,” said MTA SA/NT CEO
Darrell Jacobs.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has
raised a few eyebrows around the
globe by adjusting the previously
announced ban on selling new petrol
and diesel cars from 2030. This
has now been delayed to 2035
in line with other European
powerhouses, such as France,
Germany and Sweden.
As the UK struggles to achieve
mass adoption of EVs, the British
PM told media: “…at least for now,
it should be you the consumer
that makes that choice, not the
government forcing you to do it.
“Because the upfront cost is still
high – especially for families
struggling with the cost of living –
small businesses are worried about
the practicalities, and we’ve got
further to go to get the charging
infrastructure truly nationwide.”
“We’re aligning our approach with
countries like Germany, France,
Spain, Italy, Australia, Canada,
Sweden, and [some] US states… and
still ahead of the rest of America
and other countries like New
Zealand.”
Don’t penalise
Britain’s car industry has urged its
government to provide tax breaks
or other incentives to encourage
people to buy electric vehicles, with
concerns that consumer sentiment
is on the wane.
After growing EV sales to
20 per cent of all new car sales,
what seemed like unstoppable and
exponential growth has slowed
considerably. It is understood that
Australian politicians are closely
watching the overseas experience.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

33 FUTURE AUTO | | TRENDS
“The European market is uniquely
different to Australia’s and our focus
should be on reducing emissions
through technology agnostic
principles,” said Mr Jacobs.
“Care needs to be taken to not
unfairly penalise drivers for a lack
of electric vehicle availability or
affordability.”
He said the Federal Government
should avoid outright bans on
specific automotive technologies,
especially amidst extraordinary
innovation in hybrid technology and
the development of biofuels.
“If a 2035 ban was introduced
in Australia, the trade-in value of
existing petrol and diesel models
could plummet and make it difficult
for motorists to upgrade to an
electric vehicle,” he said.
“This is why we need a national
strategy that incentivises EVs
and equally ensures we reduce
our emissions without punishing
motorists.
“For example, we know that even
if Australia could achieve greater
than 50 per cent of new car sales in
2030 being electric, there would still
be 17 million internal combustion
engine vehicles out of the 20 million
cars on our roads.
“Australia also requires a
comprehensive and fit-for-purpose
rapid charging network and a
reliable national energy grid to meet
this future demand.
“Government funding support will
be required to equip the existing
automotive workforce, enabling
them to understand how to safely
sell, service and repair EVs.”
“The European market is uniquely different to Australia’s and
our focus should be on reducing emissions through technology
agnostic principles.”
Tesla super charging station in California.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

34 FUTURE AUTO | AG
TWO PADDOCKS OF THOUGHT
The agriculture sector is not
immune to electrification – but
the jury is out on just how far it
can extend, at least in the short to
medium term.
Recently, Agriculture Victoria
conducted a trial that showed
an electric side-by-side vehicle
model charged from the grid cost
$19,339 to own for three years. By
comparison, diesel cost $28,570,
while petrol came in at $24,329.
Carbon dioxide emissions were
more than halved.
While not everyone accepts
this data at face value, it’s no
wonder that John Deere regards
electrification as one of three core
technologies shaping the future.
“Electrification isn’t just about using
batteries as the power source,” the
company’s website states.
“It’s about using electrical drives
to replace engines and hydraulics.
Electric motors have huge torque at
low speeds, they’re more efficient,
reliable and lighter.”
Diesel still needed to drive
farming
However, not everyone is convinced.
Malcolm Eglinton manages
Eglinton Bros in Maitland and
sells everything from mowers to
commercial farming equipment,
including tractors, seeding
equipment, harvesters and sprayers.
Over 53 years, he has watched
technology reshape his sector for
the better. The possibilities, he said,
are endless.
Nevertheless, he believes the future
of farming remains with diesel,
not electric vehicles, which he said
are being pushed by governments
who either don’t understand or are
ignoring the realities of the industry.
And he is sceptical about the
validity of one-off studies like the
Agriculture Victoria trial.
“As a diesel mechanic, I honestly
don’t believe the EV is going to be
the way of the future.
“The electrification is largely small
tractors, mowers and gators, not
large ag.
“The major companies have said
to me that large diesel engines are
here for the long term.
“Things like electricity supply have
to be dealt with. If everyone turned
over to EVs overnight, we haven’t
got enough supply.
“What about the dangers of fires
and the disposal of batteries? I’ve
asked these questions of politicians
and I just don’t see that they’ve been
answered sufficiently.”
Malcolm also points out that talk
of electric drives in ag relate to
components that use electricity
generated by the diesel engine to
drive a component. An electric
motor then replaces a hydraulic
motor, for example.
That’s not to say he doesn’t sell
any EVs.
“I sold an electric gator to a school.
It’s not noisy around the classrooms
so they love it.
“And electric mowers are in the
pipeline of production.
“Those things will come in for
convenience. If you’re out mowing
the lawn and the neighbours can’t
hear it, you’ll be very popular.”
But only, Malcolm says, at the
right price.
“If it’s the same money as an
internal combustion engine, you can
see the practicalities. If it’s twice the
price, people won’t buy it.”
Those same practicalities don’t
extend to EVs running bigger farm
machinery, according to Malcolm.
“As a mechanic, I understand there
is no way in the world they can do
EVs on a harvester or a tractor in
the sort of conditions we work in.
“For one thing, the battery power
that would be required to power a
motor of that capacity just won’t
have the lasting capability.”
Progress
Malcolm said technology
has already contributed to a
significant reduction in emissions
in agriculture.
“It has driven efficiencies in
machinery not because government
said so but because of competition.
“When you’re trying to sell your
product, you say, ‘my product will do
this better than that one’ and that’s
what drives it.”
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

35 FUTURE AUTO | AG
EMMETTS
COMMITTED
TO FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
John Deere 8R autonomous tractor.
John Deere agriculture equipment is often thought of
as big, heavy, and powerful. The thought that these
machines could run on anything but diesel fuel – and
still get the work done – might have seemed like a joke
just a few years ago.
However, as one of the leading technology companies
on the planet, John Deere continues to introduce
electric vehicles (EV) to its line-up: large earth-moving
equipment, small excavators, ride-on mowers, utility
vehicles, and yes, agriculture tractors.
To keep up with the coming EV machinery, there is a
need for service technicians to have a sound electrical
understanding and diagnostic ability.
During a recent tour of the MTA’s Cleve campus, the
Emmetts training team was introduced to its recent
acquisition of CAN bus electrical training tools for the
auto electrical sectors.
“The electrical knowledge and skills that our service
technicians will require are growing by the minute”, said
Tony Welch, Technical Training Manager at Emmetts.
“The investment into these resources will provide better
outcomes for our apprentices and our customers.”
CAN bus communication systems are vital for any
modern machine whether it be auto, agriculture,
transport or earth-moving. In agriculture, CAN bus is
integral to several applications such as weed control.
The electrical system detects a specific weed, targets
that weed for spraying, and transmits that data to the
cloud within milliseconds. Farmers rely on this precision
ag process not only for machine operation, but also
for data collection that allows them to make smart
business decisions that impact chemical usage –
impacting sustainability as well as production.
The future of autonomous tractors is also becoming a
reality, all controlled and monitored through electronic
and communication networks. As strange as it may
be to see a driverless tractor in the paddock, John
Deere has already launched prototypes that will allow
farmers to keep up with global needs regardless of staff
availability. As more of this technology is introduced,
electrical diagnosis and repair capability will be
paramount to keeping farmers operational.
It’s an exciting time for the MTA to be developing these
skills in its students while the technology continues to
leap ahead. By identifying these industry needs, it is
working to fill the demand for electrical and EV training
qualifications.
In partnership with Emmetts and John Deere, students
also receive model-specific training to complement
those qualifications.
Working together to build qualified service technicians,
we’ll be able to support a future of farmers and
producers who rely on EV technology for sustainable
and quality production.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

36 FUTURE AUTO | TRAINING
NATIONAL ACCLAIM
FOR SA EV TRAINING
Dr Gavin Lind,
CEO of AUSMASA
The MTA SA/NT has been
praised for its leading role in the
development of a national training
program for electric vehicles.
Dr Gavin Lind, CEO of the Mining
and Automotive Skills Alliance
(AUSMASA), said “the development
of the MTA SA/NT EV centre is
yet another positive step towards
nationally consistent training.”
And he said the MTA has set a
high benchmark.
“They’ve done very clever things in
SA around electric vehicles, so all
eyes are on MTA SA as they pioneer
one of the best EV centres in the
country.
“MTA SA certainly has a strong
voice.”
He said this would help ensure that
states and territories harmonise
to work towards a truly national
training system.
“That way, young Australians who
want to work in this sector can learn
how to work safely with EVs.
“Other states and territories might
be interested in seeing how they can
replicate some of that training.”
Closing the gap
“The demand for EVs has forced a
change within certain areas of the
trade, with industry now pivoting as
required,” Dr Gavin Lind said.
“Very often, the industry is ahead of
the curve and the training systems
have to catch up which can be quite
slow. Our job at AUSMASA is to
close that gap and bring it closer.
“That includes understanding and
articulating what a national EV
qualification looks like, working with
industry, unions and governments.
“It’s an absolute priority for us."
Responsive to industry
Until then, some of the South
Australian industry will rely on
the courses run by the MTA at
its Royal Park and Cleve training
centres, attracting apprentices and
established workers seeking higher
certifications.
In particular, he highlighted MTA
SA/NT’s ability to offer training in
a private capacity, while building
strong industry connections, so
industry drives the training.
He also noted the association’s
ability to respond quickly to the
needs of the industry.
Gavin said he believed the Holden
legacy lives on in South Australia
and may partly explain the
enormous success of the MTA in
this field.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

“... all eyes are on MTA SA as they pioneer one of the best EV
centres in the country.”
“I think they’ve got a niche market
and you think back to when SA
was a manufacturer of passenger
vehicles, the service and repair of
what is known as the light motor
vehicle, it’s one of the highest
uptakes that young apprentices and
people are looking to do.”
Although Australia no longer
manufactures vehicles, servicing
and repairing vehicles remains of
great interest to young people.
Gavin was encouraged by the fact
that the intake for light vehicle
mechanics is “one of the highest
we’ve seen in the last year.” He
noted that this interest now extends
to electric vehicles.
“Where the MTA SA is doing so
well is they recognise that there’s a
future for electric vehicles.
“They know they’re coming, so they
ask, ‘How do we position young
people today?’
“‘How do we give them the tools
they might need to work with
electric vehicles?’
“So they are very much ahead of the
curve in that regard and I think that’s
why they are positioned so strongly.”
Innovative approach
Gavin said the desire to create and
maintain a green future is a primary
motivator for both the industry and
aspiring tradespeople.
The automotive industry is assisting
Australia’s national ambitions for
net zero.
“So, it’s preparing young Australians
considering new careers in the
automotive sector, as well as those
already in the industry, such as
mechanics, for potential transitions
into new occupations.
“You often see South Australia at
the forefront of innovation, and I
would suggest that automotive is
one of those areas.
“There’s a desire from South
Australians to want to make a
change and I think that’s why the
MTA in SA is doing really well.”
sneak
PE
EK
Expansion of the MTA EV workshop is underway - watch this space.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

38 FUTURE AUTO | FES
CLEAR MESSAGE TO
CANBERRA
FES
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

39 FUTURE AUTO | FES
Four days after the Federal
Government announced further
consultation on a Fuel Efficiency
Standard, the MTA SA/NT joined a
high level delegation in Canberra
to speak with three key ministers,
as well as senior public servants.
The message was clear.
“Go too hard and you will create an
affordability crisis,” said MTA SA/NT
CEO, Darrell Jacobs.
“Go too soft and we will not
incentivise the entry of new zero
and low emission vehicles into
the country.”
The MTA SA/NT has welcomed
the Government’s announcement
it is seeking feedback from both
industry and the community on its
proposed fuel efficiency standard.
He said the standard would be
critical in balancing the growth
of more fuel efficient vehicles,
while maintaining affordable
vehicle choice for everyday South
Australian motorists.
MTAA CEO Matthew Hobbs urged
the government to partner with
industry to get the workforce in
place to support the EV transition.
“As stakeholders resolve EV supply
and range issues in Australia, the
next challenge is to implement the
required workforce. EVs are cuttingedge
technology and as such
need a highly trained Australian
workforce. A good first step is to
make more apprentices eligible
for the New Energy Apprentices
Program,” he said.
The MTAA is concerned not all car
companies will make the transition.
The huge technology shift brings
opportunities but also risks for
Australian small businesses and
automotive workers who can lose
their investment and livelihoods
at the whim of international
car companies in offshore
headquarters.
Australian automotive workers
and small businesses need the
Albanese government to have their
back in this period of change with
an Automotive Industry Code of
Conduct to protect workers who
are at the mercy of multinational
companies.
Warning
The top five cars sold in South
Australia are utes or 4WD.
This prompted a warning from
Mr Jacobs: “Whether for work or
lifestyle, South Australians love their
utes and 4X4s. We must adopt an
ambitious but realistic approach in
light of vehicle segments without
readily available or affordable
EV options.
A Fuel Efficiency Standard (FES)
would cap the carbon emissions per
kilometre on the average total sales
for each car brand.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY UNITES IN
CANBERRA
MTAA Chair and MTA SA/NT Chair Frank Agostino joined MTAA
Board members, MTAA CEO Matthew Hobbs, MTA SA/NT CEO Darrell
Jacobs, MTA Government Policy Managers and CEOs from each
state Association in Canberra.
They held a series of high-level meetings with senior Ministers,
Senators and politicians. These included:
• Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen
• Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Local Government, Catherine King
• Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins
• Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Ted O’Brien
• Senator Bridget McKenzie
From L-R:
MTAA and MTA SA/NT Chair Frank
Agostino, Minister for Climate Change
and Energy, Chris Bowen and MTAA
CEO, Matthew Hobbs.
“In balancing the interests of
industry, consumers and the
environment, the standard needs to
be ambitious, yet achievable,”
Mr Jacobs reiterated.
“The FES will impact affordability
and determine how quickly Australia
transitions to zero and low emission
vehicles.”
The delegation also met Chair of the House of Representatives
Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and
Water, Tony Zappia, alongside his committee colleagues who are
examining Australia’s transition to EVs.
The automotive industry’s transition to zero and low-emission vehicles
was high on the agenda, alongside automotive franchising reform and
skills and training.
It was important that the associations made a powerful and united
statement to national decision makers at what is undoubtedly one of
the most important moments in Australia’s automotive history.
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Technician ready for
the transition to Electric
Vehicles and advanced
electrical systems?
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41 FUTURE AUTO | ZERO AUTO
ZERO AUTOMOTIVE
PIONEERING ELECTRIC SOLUTIONS FOR UNDERGROUND MINING
Zero Automotive stands as a beacon of innovation in
the realm of sustainable transportation.
Privately owned by CEO Dave Mitchell, Zero
Automotive specialises in converting diesel Land
Cruisers into electric vehicles tailored specifically for
underground mining operations. With a commitment
to environmental stewardship and technological
advancement, the Adelaide-based company is
reshaping the future of mining, one Land Cruiser
conversion at a time.
The visionary behind the company
Dave is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for
sustainable transportation solutions.
With years of experience in the automotive industry
and a deep understanding of the mining sector, he
recognised the need for cleaner and more efficient
vehicles in underground mining operations.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

42 FUTURE AUTO | ZERO AUTO
Thus, Zero Automotive was born, driven by a vision to
transform diesel Land Cruisers into high-performance
electric vehicles capable of withstanding the rigors of
mining environments.
Powerful electric drive train
At the heart of Zero Automotive’s conversions lies a
powerful 200 kW, 1200 Nm permanent magnet motor,
delivering exceptional torque and performance in the
challenging conditions of underground mines. Paired
with Toshiba LTO batteries – the safest batteries in the
world – each conversion boasts a remarkable 20,000
cycles to 70 per cent capacity, equating to a decade
of reliable operation. This formidable combination
ensures that the company’s electric Land Cruisers not
only meet but exceed the rigorous demands of the
mining industry.
Innovative protection systems
To further enhance the durability and longevity of
its conversions, Zero Automotive has developed the
Hazardous Environment Protection System (HEPS).
Specifically designed to shield the electric drivetrain and
Land Cruiser chassis from corrosion, HEPS represents
a significant advancement in vehicle protection
technology. By combining specialised coatings,
corrosion-resistant materials, and advanced sealing
techniques, HEPS ensures that Zero Automotive’s
conversions maintain peak performance even in the
harshest mining environments.
Proven performance in the field
With five converted Land Cruisers currently in operation
at mine sites run by industry giants Barminco and BHP
across Australia, the company has already proven the
reliability and effectiveness of its conversions.
Zero ZED70-Ti
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43 FUTURE AUTO | ZERO AUTO
Zero ZED70-Ti Chassis
“Thus, Zero Automotive
was born, driven by a vision
to transform diesel Land
Cruisers into high
performance electric vehicles
capable of withstanding
the rigors of mining
environments.”
Zero ZED70-Ti Dash
These vehicles have collectively covered over 100,000
kilometres with no battery deterioration, a testament to
the quality and durability of Zero Automotive’s solutions.
Scaling for the future
As demand for sustainable mining solutions continues
to grow, Zero is gearing up to meet the challenge. The
company aims to produce 200 converted vehicles by
the end of 2025, expanding its reach and impact within
the mining industry. To facilitate this ambitious goal,
it has partnered with CarBon, a leading provider of
leasing options, to offer flexible financing solutions to
its customers.
Shaping the future of mining
With its innovative technology, unwavering commitment
to quality, and dedication to sustainability, Zero
Automotive, under Dave Mitchell’s leadership and with
a dedicated team of engineers and technicians, is at the
forefront of driving positive change in the mining sector.
By providing reliable, efficient, and environmentally
friendly transportation solutions, the company is
not only reshaping the way mining operations are
conducted but also paving the way towards a cleaner,
greener future for generations to come.
With Mitchell’s vision and expertise guiding the way,
it is poised to play a pivotal role in accelerating the
transition towards electric vehicles in underground
mining operations, both in Australia and beyond, setting
a new standard for sustainable transportation in the
mining industry.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

44 FUTURE AUTO | NEW CARS
The Kia EV9 is the 2024 Drive Car of the Year
2024 NE
MAGIC AWAITS
2024 is revving up to be the most
exciting year on record for new
zero and low emission vehicles
in Australia.
All eyes are on the headline EV
arrivals, such as the Volkswagen
ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5, the Kia EV5 and
2024 EV9, as well as the Volvo
EX30. Then, there’s the upper end of
the market, with Porsche, Mercedes
and BMW adding to the excitement.
The mid-year arrival of the ID.4 and
ID.5 SUVs will mark the debut of
Volkswagen electric vehicles sold in
Australia. However, while images of
new-look VW ID3 hatchback have
been in the market for a year, VW
diehards will have to wait until late
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents
2024 for its Australian release. But
if quirky and fun is what you’re after,
then you’ll love the news that the
Kombi-style ID Buzz will land later
this year.
The KIA EV5 is an electric SUV
that is expected to be priced very
competitively, based on the prices in
the Chinese market. It will come in
three model grades - Air, Earth and
GT-Line, in line with the seven-seat
2024 EV9 SUV.
They say good things come in small
packages and Volvo is hitting the
market with its smallest ever SUV,
the entry level EX30, which has a
range of 480 km.
For those needing a ‘workhorse’,
BYD is expected to start deliveries
of its hybrid dual-cab ute in the
later part of 2024.
BYD is offering the hybrid powered
version first, and an EV model next
year. With range tipped to nudge up
to 1200 km in hybrid mode, it’s sure
to attract attention from regional
customers.
BYD says that significant Australian
input has gone into the design of
the ute. No name as yet (maybe
the ‘Roo’?) but we know the price
will sit under $100,000. It’s kitted
out with a dual-motor ‘DM-i’ hybrid
arrangement with a 1.5-litre turbopetrol
engine”.

45 FUTURE AUTO | NEW CARS
Volkswagen ID.5 interior. Overseas model shown.
Volkswagen ID.5. Overseas model shown.
W CAR
Hot on the heels of last year’s
arrival of the Ford Mustang Mach-E,
Cadillac will return to Australian
shores after a multi-decade
absence. It’s the Cadillac Lyriq, a
large electric SUV made in the US.
It will be “the first fully-electric
vehicle sold in Australia by a General
Motors brand”, the Drive website
reports. While there’s no news on
price and range as this magazine
went to print, apparently the sound
of a didgeridoo is ‘layered into the
Lyriq’s exterior sound’.
Australians love their bigger cars, so
the advent of the Audi Q8 E-Tron as
a large SUV in the luxury category
with a ranging over 400 km is
sparking interest.
Keeping to the SUV theme,
Australia’s top selling brand –
Toyota – will finally have an EV
offering in the form of the bZ4X SUV
in 2024. It’s guaranteed to generate
considerable interest, given the
brand’s local status.
Mercedes-Benz will enter the
market with its entry-level EQA and
EQB electric SUVs, both of which
have received facelifts - along with
improved range - ahead of their
release.
The BMW iX1 recorded solid sales
in 2023 but it’s the new iX2 compact
SUV that could be a hit with its
‘coupe’ styling.
In the sports car segment, keep an
eye out for the MG Cyberster, as well
as the much anticipated Hyundai
Ioniq 5N. The latest in Hyundai’s
N-car performance brand, which
won the 2023 Top Gear car of the
year award.
For luxury car brands, Porsche will
be launching hybrid models of the
Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne
Coupe SUV. Carsales.com reports
that the “second generation 2024
Porsche Macan has turned to
electricity for a high-tech EV power
play set to shake up the mid-size
luxury SUV segment, but it will
come at a cost” – around $40,000
more than the previous petrol
model.
For something different, the
Polestar 4 is another vehicle that will
turn heads. It’s a mid-size SUV with
no rear window!
Tesla Model 3 is set to receive
updates, Jeep’s Avenger is slated
for a second-half introduction, and
the list goes on. It’s going to be a
big year for zero and low emission
vehicles in Oz.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

46 FUTURE AUTO | SAFETY
EV SAFETY
IN AUTO WORKSHOPS
Automotive workshops need to adapt to the changing
environment to ensure the safe and effective servicing
of electric vehicles.
Training and competency
Businesses must ensure that their workers undergo
comprehensive training in electric vehicle systems,
including battery technology, high-voltage components,
and safety protocols. Having workers upskilled in this
area will enable them to handle EVs confidently.
As SA’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle Training Centre,
the MTA offers a range of training options to cover the
above requirements and much more. Below are the
courses currently on offer:
• Hybrid & Battery Electric Vehicle – Operations
& Servicing
Hybrid & Battery Electric Vehicle - Operations &
Servicing - Motor Trade Association SA/NT
(mtasant.com.au)
• Hybrid & Battery Electric Vehicle – Depower &
Reinitialise
Hybrid & Battery Electric Vehicle - Depower &
Reinitialise - Motor Trade Association SA/NT
(mtasant.com.au)
• Qualified Technician to Automotive Electrician
Program
MTA Qualified Technician to Electric Vehicle
Technician Program - Motor Trade Association
SA/NT (mtasant.com.au)
Safety equipment
In addition to training, workers need to be provided
with the necessary personal protective equipment
(PPE), including insulated gloves, safety glasses, and
appropriate clothing. Furthermore, workshops should
invest in insulated tools designed for electric vehicle
repairs to minimise the risk of electrical shocks.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

47 FUTURE AUTO | SAFETY
As stated in the Australian Standard 5732:2022, it is
also recommended to have an Automated External
Defibrillator (AED) within 200 m of the designated
working area.
Businesses should purchase an Insulated Rescue Hook
which is an essential piece of safety equipment used
to grasp an electrocuted person by the waist and bring
them back to a safe area without putting other workers
at risk. Whilst the hooks are designed for electrical
shocks occurring at substations, they are equally
applicable to shocks that may occur from EVs.
Safe work procedures
Businesses must develop safe work procedures that
describe the tasks involved, identify the hazards and
document how the task is to be performed to minimise
the risks.
Relevant procedures will depend on the type of work
being undertaken; examples include:
• Defining the type of work that may be undertaken
within the repair facility and the designated person/s
responsible for undertaking or supervising this work
• How to isolate, depower and test the electrical system
prior to undertaking work
• Limiting unauthorised access by displaying signage
and/or creating exclusion zones when undertaking
work on the electrical system
• How to manually move a vehicle within the workshop,
such as with the aid of a trolley jack or wheel jacks to
prevent rotation of the drive wheels
• Emergency procedures in the event of electric shock,
arc flash, fire or contact with battery electrolyte
Workshop setup
Automotive workshops will also need to be modified
to accommodate electric vehicles. The recommended
accommodations are as follows:
• Designate specific work areas for electric vehicle
maintenance
• Install clearly marked high-voltage signage
• Ensure the availability of electric vehicle-specific tools
and equipment
• Install barriers to prevent untrained/unauthorised
people from accessing these areas
Emergency response planning
Develop and regularly review emergency response
plans for electric vehicle incidents. Ensure that all staff
members are familiar with emergency disconnect
procedures and evacuation routes in case of a highvoltage
system malfunction or fire.
Businesses are encouraged to collaborate with their
local emergency services to ensure they are adequately
trained and equipped to handle electric vehicle
incidents.
Vehicle inspection procedures
Implement thorough inspection protocols for electric
vehicles, including:
• Checking the condition of the battery and high-voltage
components
• Identifying and addressing potential safety hazards
before initiating any repairs
• Verifying that all safety systems are functioning
correctly after service
Charging station safety
If your workshop offers EV charging station installations
or maintenance, adhere to safety guidelines:
• Verify the integrity of charging cables and connectors
regularly
• Provide clear instructions for customers on safe
charging practices
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for installing and
servicing charging infrastructure
Regular safety audits
Conduct regular safety audits to identify and address
potential hazards in the workshop. This includes
checking the condition of safety equipment, reviewing
policies/procedures, and ensuring compliance with
industry standards.
The MTA encourages members to be proactive in
their approach to electric vehicles. By investing in
staff training, infrastructure and emergency response
planning, members can confidently navigate the influx
of electric vehicles into Australia.
If MTA SA/NT members are looking for
assistance with any of the above, including
organising a WHS Audit of their premises, please
contact our Workplace Relations Team on
8291 2000. For EV training
inquiries, please contact our
helpful customer service team
on 8241 0522.
www.members.mtasant.com.au/
workplace-services
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

48 FUTURE AUTO | MTA EV READY
MTA EV READY
DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND
South Australia’s vehicle fleet
is changing.
Electric vehicles made up 5.7 per
cent of all new cars sold in SA in
2023.
Throw in hybrids and plug-in hybrids
and all together, 16.3 per cent of all
new cars sold in 2023 were zero and
low emission vehicles.
There are 87 models of electric
vehicles available in Australia today,
with a further 32 slated for launch
in 2024.
We are now at a critical tipping point
where electric vehicles are leaving
the early adopter phase and entering
the mainstream. The opportunity to
provide service, maintenance, repair
and products to owners of zero and
low emission vehicles is emerging
as pivotal in your long term business
sustainability.
The collision repair industry has
witnessed this change firsthand
and businesses are seizing the
opportunities before them.
Customers will not always rely on
manufacturer service and repair
arrangements.
Used electric vehicles are beginning
to take off and hybrid vehicles have
well and truly cemented their place
in the second-hand market.
Customers are already looking
for repairers who are skilled,
knowledgeable and trusted to work
on their car.
Don’t be left behind in the transition
to zero and low emission vehicles.
So, what is going to happen when
your next customer brings in their
EV or plug-in hybrid?
Let your customers know you are
ready for their business.
Let them know you are MTA EV
Ready.
Ultra Tune Golden Grove and Modbury owner David Banning alongside MTA SA/NT CEO,
Darrell Jacobs as the MTA’s first EV Ready member.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

Your customers are
getting EV ready,
are you?
The MTA is here to help your business prepare for the future.
Join the MTA EV Ready Program, designed to assist your business in attracting new customers
by signaling your readiness to service and repair hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
Scan the QR code, or visit qrco.de/bekwC8, for more information and eligibility criteria
www.mtasant.com.au | mta@mtasant.com.au | 8241 0522
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au
MTA289.1FEB24

50 FUTURE AUTO | MOTORBIKES
ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
READY TO ROAR (QUIETLY)
2024 will be a pivotal year when
it comes to battery-electric
motorbikes – but traditional
riders are not expected to lead the
EV switch.
Instead, the rise of electric-only
bikes is likely to usher in a new type
of motorcyclist.
This is the prediction of leading
Adelaide motorcycle dealer Mark
Flynn, owner of Coast Powersports
at Morphett Vale since 2001.
“The EV side of things is still pretty
new to motorcycling,” he said.
“It’s really only minibikes and kids
bikes now, whereas the next 12
months you’ll see the landscape
change semi-dramatically with a lot
of mainstream motorcycles.”
New entrants
As with the car industry, new players
are entering the game.
“The mainstream manufacturers
have been the slowest to adapt
to the market and the wants of
the customers.
“You’ll see brands like Zero,
Savic, Super Soco, Energica and
Stark VARG.
“It will create opportunities in
our industry for people who are
potentially not customers at
the moment.”
Mark predicted the commuting
market might take off first, leading
to rapid growth in electric scooters.
“People may want to buy a scooter
to ride to an office job in town and
feel like they’re doing the right thing
by the environment,” he said.
“I think you’ll see the big companies
bring out electric scooters in the
next 12 months.”
Purists welded on
Mark doesn’t expect the traditional
motorcyclist to embrace the
change.
The “purists” are not yet asking
about the emerging technology.
“For example, guys who want to ride
to the Flinders Ranges are going
to have range issues, so they are
not interested in electric bikes at
this point.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

“It will create
opportunities in our
industry for people who
are potentially
not customers at the
moment.”
ARE YOU
LOOKING FOR
AN AUTOMOTIVE
APPRENTICE?
The MTA has apprentices
across metro and regional
SA available right now.
Why hire an apprentice
through the MTA?
Our apprentices are put
through a pre-employment
job-ready program
We handle all the paperwork
including payroll, claims
and WorkCover
Commuters are expected to embrace the electric motorbike market in 2024.
Uniform, tools and all PPE
is supplied
“They want the whole experience -
the acceleration, engine noise and
to hear the tyres.”
He said high performance bikes
would cost $40,000-$60,000,
making them prohibitive for a lot
of people.
Personal fan
Mark is already a fan of the
electric bike.
He described the torque as
“phenomenal” and noted that they
are heavy due to the battery, with
weight sitting low on the bike.
That meant people needed to ride
them differently to a traditional bike.
“It’s a little bit scary when you ride
one because of the lack of noise.”
“It’s like floating on a cloud, listening
to your tyres on the ground.”
However, changing the battery after
7-10 years may present a challenge,
with the possibility of needing
to dismantle much of the bike to
remove the battery.
“If the bike’s value is $10,000 in
five years and a $9000 battery
replacement is required, walking
away becomes an option.”
All eyes are on 2024 to see what’s in
store for two-wheelers.
Training programs will be
designed to assist with
planning your workforce
Apprentices receive a
dedicated Employment Officer
plus ongoing mentorship from
trainers and the MTA's mentor
No strings attached, you have
the option to release your
apprentice at any time
and much more...
For more information, contact
us on (08) 8241 0522 or email:
grouptrainingadmin@mtasant.com.au
Mark also highlighted other
challenges.
Back to Contents
MTA293.1FEB24

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mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents
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53 FUTURE AUTO | PRICES
MODELS
AVAILABLE
NEW MODELS
FOR 2024
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WHERE DO OUR EVS COME FROM?
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Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

54 FUTURE AUTO | RECYCLING
GOVERNMENT’S NEED
TO HEED RECYCLING WARNINGS
Australian governments continue to be “short-sighted”
and are “burying their heads in the sand” about vehicle
recycling, at the expense of the environment.
That is the warning from Darran van der Woude,
Chairman of the SA Dismantlers Division of MTA SA,
and an enthusiastic onlooker of EVs.
As Chairman, he is sending the concerns of his peers in
a unified voice to Canberra.
He concedes the challenge of recycling EVs is
significant. But he warns that well before then, Australia
is ill-prepared to cope with the number of ICE (internal
combustion engine) vehicles that will need to be
recycled as consumers transition to EVs.
The big issue, he said, is a worrying lack of government
policy for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).
“We’re the only first-world country not to have an
end-of-life vehicle policy,” Darran said.
“They’ve taken their eye off the ball.
“Pushing the EV factor while ignoring an ELV policy is
really short-sighted.
“We told them it was going to be a problem 10 years
ago and the problem’s getting worse and they are
burying their heads in the sand.
“There are a lot of components to our industry and they
aren’t doing the right thing environmentally.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

55 FUTURE AUTO | RECYCLING
“We’re the only first-world country not to have an
end-of-life vehicle policy.”
“There are too many people who are doing the wrong
thing and contaminants from vehicles are polluting
the environment.
“You’re going to have these ICE vehicles coming off
the road as you’re trying to get EVs on the road and
these ICE vehicles are going to be going into whatever
sector rather than into a committed decommision
and recycle facility that is processing the vehicles with
environmental best practices.”
Inroads are being made he said, but not quickly enough.
Attitudes
Darran has run River Murray Auto Wreckers since
buying the business from his parents in 2008.
He is an active supporter of the EV drive.
“Because they go like a cut snake!” he enthused. “I like
my V8s. I like how fast they go. But the progress that’s
been made on EVs in the last five years is crazy and
if you extrapolate that over the next five years, they’re
going to be unstoppable.”
The EV puzzle
The process of recycling EVs, Darran said, is improving.
It primarily involves safely removing and recycling their
lithium-ion batteries.
“It’s an issue although it’s becoming less and less of an
issue and there are several recycling facilities that can
break them down into some base stuff and then send
the (lithium) sludge overseas.”
But he concedes it’s just one piece of the whole EV
puzzle which in Australia is exacerbated by our tyranny
of distance.
“It is a complicated and costly exercise and with
Australia’s geography, it’s expensive.
“We don’t have the capacity and the flow to make it
efficient or financially viable long term at the moment.
“It’s going to take a lot of government incentives and
a lot of R and D (research and development) from the
private sector to get to that point.”
Ultimately, the consumer bears the expense of
battery recycling.
“Whoever recycles it, pays for it. It would be on the end
user, the dismantler or the recycler.
He said while the dismantler paid to recycle the battery,
the charge to the consumer could actually be worth
more than the vehicle was worth.
Training critical
Training remains a key focus for the industry going
forward so people aren’t dying when the vehicles are
being dismantled pulling these things apart.”
“The voltage is so high that if you’re doing it wrong,
you’re just going to zap yourself straight up.”
Global comparison
Darran fears Australia will never be able to compete
with the recycling goals already demanded in the
European Union.
“Countries like Germany, Netherlands and Japan have
some really strict requirements on how much of a
vehicle must be recycled.
“I think it’s 92 or 93 per cent by weight.
“If you’ve got a vehicle that’s one tonne, the engine is
200 kg, the gearbox is 100 kg and you’ve re-sold that,
that’s 300 kg recycled.
“If you crush the vehicle and the body shell is 400 kg,
then you’re still more than 200 kg short of hitting that
final number of 93 per cent.
“The issue with copying (the EU model) here is
the geography.
“How do you get all these cars from all over the
country into an area the size of Victoria for them to
be processed?”
Darran doesn’t own an EV – yet.
But as a racing enthusiast, he wants one.
Right now, there are three public charging points
in Barmera for the town’s population of around
3000 people.
He believes a national rollout of enough recharge
grids to satisfy a country of nearly eight million square
kilometres makes the NBN deployment look like
building a sandcastle.
“Having the power network to get to each place and
not needing a diesel generator on top of the solar to be
able to charge these vehicles is going to be a massive
logistical issue,” he said.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

56 FUTURE AUTO | U-PULL IT
WRECKERS AND RECYCLERS
FACING UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Change brings both opportunity
and uncertainty, and this is true for
the wrecking industry as it charts
a future that will – eventually – be
hit by an oncoming wave of EVs
and hybrids.
U-Pull-It General Manager, Chris
Goode, sees the coming years
as “probably the greatest period
of uncertainty car wreckers have
ever faced”.
There is an obvious need for a
clear plan to help the industry
– worldwide - be part of the
electrification transition. At this
stage, the questions outweigh the
answers.
U-Pull-It stocks around 3000
vehicles at its three self-serve
wrecker and recycler sites at
Elizabeth, Lonsdale and Gillman.
Of that number, there are usually
only 10 hybrids and not a single EV.
Much of the business’ turnover is
generated by the sale of spare parts.
What remains is dismantled and
recycled.
U-Pull-It’s reputation as a vehicle
recycler is one of the best in
the country. Its state-of-theart
machinery strips the plastic
from valuable copper wiring
and separates ferrous and nonferrous
bumpers and wheels from
unsalvageable vehicles.
But as older petrol cars are retired
and more EVs begin to populate
Australian roads, Chris envisions the
traditional Aussie wreckers gearing
their businesses almost entirely
towards recycling.
“It will be very interesting to see
what the end-of-life business looks
like for cars,” he said.
“I can see there will be a lot less
part reuse and a lot more recycling
and that a yard is not a yard but a
workshop recycling centre where
you are literally recovering the
value of a vehicle in scrap, copper
and aluminium.
“It may follow smaller footprint
recycling centres rather than
allocating a lot of space to
dismantling spare parts.”
Trying to plan for the future is a
theme repeated across sectors
and around the world. John Kett,
a former chief executive of IAA,
a publicly listed online auction
platform for salvaged vehicles
worldwide, told The Financial Times:
“What the process is going to be, it’s
not defined yet. It’s a lot of people
trying a lot of different things.”
Major players in the industry are
aiming to find the solutions to these
issues so they can retain their
dominance and reap the rewards.
However, it’s not a short-term play.
For example, LKQ has operations in
North America, Europe and Taiwan.
Its commitment to finding the
answers to battery recycling spans
10 to 15 years.
Industry and policy makers alike are
closely watching countries that were
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

57 FUTURE AUTO | U-PULL IT
“I think we’re going to see
a technology that’s more
adaptable and user friendly
than an EV, whether it’s
hydrogen or something else.”
early adopters, such as Norway, to
learn from their experience.
And just as incentives are being
pushed to encourage EV and low
emission purchases at the start of
the cycle, there may be a role for
subsidies for companies playing a
vital role at the end of the cycle.
For Chris, the challenge is that
recycling an EV isn’t achieved
without overcoming inherent
difficulties.
For example, decommissioning
a vehicle includes the dangers of
working with lithium-ion batteries.
“With the hybrids, we had to send all
our staff off to train with the MTA
SA so they were safe in undertaking
the work they had to do,” said Chris.
“They have a procedure they have to
follow strictly because the battery
stays live.
“We had to invest in specific
equipment for the removal and safe
storage of lithium-ion batteries.
“Obviously you have to take the
battery out which is one challenge
but there are other components that
need to be dealt with to manage the
vehicle safely.
“Hybrid vehicles like Toyotas
have technology incorporated in
the braking system that charges
the battery.
“It takes our decommissioning team
an hour and a half per car.
“With a petrol/diesel vehicle it
takes 25 minutes on average to
decommission a car.”
At this stage, the extra time needed
to decommission the vehicle is not
being met with equivalent financial
returns or incentives.
The batteries also have special
storage requirements and presently
have a “very low value”.
“We don’t retail batteries as we have
found it too difficult; at this stage
we dispose of the batteries through
various recycling streams.”
Currently batteries appear to have a
an operating life of around 10 years.
“At the time of replacement the
cost is unknown, with battery
replacement in the vicinity of
$20,000. This cost potentially
makes the vehicle close to the end
of its lifecycle,” said Chris.
“Another concern with hybrids and
EVs that are accident damaged is
the added cost of safe management
and storage whilst awaiting
recycling.
“Hybrid vehicles parts currently sell
well with their clever engine and
braking component technology,
however the EV spare part market is
in its infancy and has yet to be fully
tested.”
Chris said “hybrids do part out really
well with all their clever engines and
clever braking systems. With EVs,
a lot of places are tending to stay
away from them because there’s not
a huge market for anything specific
and the challenges of processing
the vehicle are very real.”
Looking again to the overseas
experience, UK and US based IMR
offers a good example.
As Recycling Today reports: “EMR
says recently sold EVs likely will not
reach the end of their working lives
for at least a decade or more. The
window provides an opportunity
for the recycling firm to work with
the automotive industry now, using
product recalls, warranty failures
and even the batteries used in
e-bikes and e-scooters to provide
the volume of material needed to
scale up a circular economy for
EV batteries.”
“’It took four decades to perfect
the processes for recycling an ICE
vehicle, but this time we will only
have a few years to get it right,”
says Helen Waters, head of electric
battery recycling at EMR.”
“Waters says its work on EV battery
recycling also represents a problemsolving
opportunity for the entire
auto industry.”
The race to be seen as green
even has Chris questioning if EVs
themselves will ultimately have a
lifespan as short as their batteries.
“I think we’re going to see a
technology that’s more adaptable
and user friendly than an
EV, whether it’s hydrogen or
something else.”
Until then, he warns the rise of EVs
will begin to impact the number of
cars on the road and the number of
people who can afford one.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

58 FUTURE AUTO | TRAINING
MTA’s Electric Vehicle Training Classroom, at Royal Park.
Empowering the
Next Generation
OF MTA APPRENTICES WITH
SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE
Lachlan Berry, MTA Apprentice.
In the ever-evolving automotive industry, MTA
apprentices like Lachlan Berry and seasoned
professionals like Chris McDermott are actively keeping
up with changes in the EV landscape.
Lachlan, a third-year MTA apprentice hosted at
Duttons in Murray Bridge, is not just a spectator
of industry changes; he’s an active participant. He
recently completed the ‘depower and reinitialise battery
electric and hybrid vehicles course’ units as part of his
qualification towards a Certificate III in Light Vehicle
Mechanical Technology (AUR30620).
“It’s been interesting and not as complex as one might
imagine, making it a fantastic chance to get a handle
on the basics, particularly understanding how inverters
and converters operate in hybrids and electric vehicles,”
he said.
A major highlight for Lachlan is the anticipation of EVs
arriving at his workplace later this year. Recognising
himself as one of the few trained individuals in his
workshop, he is prepared for the challenges and
opportunities that working on electric vehicles
will present.
“The EV training at the MTA not only broadened my
understanding but also expanded my skillset, which
is something I’ll value for the rest of my life. I enjoy
constantly learning and improving as a technician
each day.”
Lachlan strongly believes that having EV qualifications
will be a must in the future, keeping him relevant in a
world that’s rapidly adopting electric vehicles.
He commended Hiran Alwis, MTA Trainer and
Assessor, for his deep knowledge, teaching style, and
personalised understanding of each student’s learning
capabilities. This supportive learning environment
significantly added to Lachlan’s overall satisfaction with
his electric vehicle training, emphasising the crucial role
skilled trainers play at the MTA.
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

59 FUTURE AUTO | TRAINING
Chris McDermott, Skills Assessor at Trade Skills Australia.
EV Upskilling for
Qualified Technicians
In contrast, Chris McDermott, a seasoned professional
with 25 years in the automotive sector and 12 years in
engineering, recently finished the MTA’s five-day course
on Hybrid & Battery Electric Vehicle – Operations &
Servicing. He currently works as a Skills Assessor at
Trade Skills Australia.
Despite having driven hybrids for a decade, this course
has proven to be a valuable opportunity for him to
understand the EV side of the automotive industry.
Chris sees the knowledge gained as essential for skills
assessments, ensuring a solid understanding of new
technologies and industries for future readiness.
Guided by Steve Richardson, MTA’s Lead Electric
Vehicle Trainer and Assessor, Chris said, “He has
been exceptional, simplifying complex information for
individuals with different expertise levels. The facilities
and hands-on experience with various vehicles deepen
our understanding of the subject as well.”
The stories of Lachlan Berry and Chris McDermott
together underscore the importance of adapting,
preparing, and continually learning in a changing and
growing industry.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

60 FUTURE AUTO | BUSES
NEXT STOP
SA BUSES GOING GREEN
Scania’s first BEV bus.
“Globally Scania has been working on transitioning to a zero
tailpipe bus solution for many years and we have several
cities in Europe already well advanced in their integration of
Scania’s 100% battery power buses into their fleets.”
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

61 FUTURE AUTO | BUSES
Scania’s first BEV truck.
Adelaide Metro has introduced
its first fully electric, batterypowered
bus into South Australia’s
public network.
The bus was imported from Scania
in Sweden in component form and
assembled by BusTech in Adelaide.
BusTech then built a version of
its existing VST body, modified
for electric propulsion, onto the
chassis, before it was delivered to
the Department for Infrastructure
and Transport.
Nine more buses will go into body
building during 2024, taking the total
on the road to 10.
Manfred Streit, Managing Director
of Scania Australia, described
it as “a tangible first step on the
road to a transformational public
transport future”.
“Globally Scania has been working
on transitioning to a zero tailpipe
bus solution for many years and we
have several cities in Europe already
well advanced in their integration of
Scania’s 100 per cent battery power
buses into their fleets.”
Hydrogen
In collaboration with Foton Mobility,
BOC and H2H Energy, operator
Torrens Transit is trialling two Foton
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses represent
a rapidly emerging, green alternative
technology.
HFC trials and fleet
implementations are increasingly
occurring across public transport
networks globally from London to
Beijing and Cologne, which has a
similar population size to Adelaide.
The benefits of hydrogen-powered
vehicles over battery electric buses
include faster refuelling and greater
range, which may be critical to
delivering services to the outer
metro areas and into the regions.
“The State Government will
continue to work with partners
and stakeholders to adopt any
technology and develop solutions
that reduce emissions and provide
a superior passenger experience,”
said SA Minister for Infrastructure
and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis.
“We will leave no stone unturned in
the quest to employ cleaner, greener
and more efficient technologies
across the public transport system
that help achieve net zero emissions
by 2050 - or even earlier.”
MTA SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs
and General Manager of
Apprenticeships Jodi Ryan recently
had the opportunity to visit Torrens
Transit’s Morphettville depot for
an exclusive look at one of the first
two hydrogen buses being trialled in
South Australia.
“The MTA is watching the trial with
great interest” said Mr Jacobs
further adding that, “we are definitely
seeing some merit in the application
of hydrogen fuel cell technology in
heavy transport applications.”
Other developments
Scania is continuing to push into a
range of solutions, not all of them
fully electric.
Last year, it announced that trucks
using Scania’s 13-litre biogas
engines in Europe could achieve
5 per cent fuel savings, with a range
of up to 1,800 km.
“Biomethane fuels are definitely the
solution for those customers who
want to start a decarbonisation
journey without any delay,” said
Ola Henriksson, Senior Product
Manager for Renewable Fuels at
Scania Trucks.
In other news, it is now selling its
25P 100 per cent battery electric
truck in Australia.
It features a mid-mounted
permanent magnet electric
machine fed by nine large lithiumion
batteries with a total output of
300 kW/h in place of the traditional
diesel powertrain. Range is up
to 250 km.
Darrell Jacobs, MTA SA/NT CEO
and Jodi Ryan, MTA SA/NT General
Manager of Apprenticeships inspect
the Hydrogen Fuel Cell.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

62 FUTURE AUTO | PARTNERS
The MTA’s business partners provide exclusive discounts and benefits to our members.
Join as an MTA member today to access these discounts as well as a range of free
services, resources and advice.
Contact us on (08) 8291 2000 or email: mta@mtasant.com.au to enquire.
EFTPOS FACILITIES
MTA SA members are eligible for preferential rates on merchant fees, along with access to
other business products and services. To find out how CommBank can help your business move
forward, contact MTA SA/NT.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
Access Programs provides employee assistance and counselling services in person or over
the phone. Contact Access Programs to unlock discounted sessional rates for you and your
employees.
OFFICE SUPPLIES
As an MTA member, you can now unlock exclusive benefits and pricing when you sign up for an
Officeworks 30-Day Business Account.
PARTS BUYING
Capricorn Society Limited is the largest independent automotive parts buying co-operative in
Australia, providing the majority of parts and services to mechanical workshops, service stations
and crash repairers throughout the country. Call toll free to find out how you can save your
business both time and money.
Commonwealth Bank
13 22 21
Access Programs Employee
Assistance Program
8215 6799
accesssa.com.au
Officeworks
officeworks.com.au/
campaings /mtasa
Capricorn
1800 EASIER (1800 327 437)
capricorn.coop/
PRINTING
MTA has partnered with Lane Communications for a more streamlined print service. MTA Print is
your one-stop shop when it comes to taking care of all your industry-specific printing needs. MTA
members receive a 20% discount on all products (excluding offers).
MTA Print
8179 9900 or
orders.mta@laneprint.com.au
SUPERANNUATION
Spirit Super has been the national super fund for the motor trades for over 30 years. With over
321,000 members and $26 billion in funds under management, we’re still driving your super.
Issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 238 718, ABN 14 008 650 628).
Consider the PDS and TMD available at spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision
Spirit Super
1800 005 166
spiritsuper.com.au
ST JOHN AMBULANCE
St John Ambulance is a self-funded charity that cares for the well-being of Australians through
the provision of first aid at events, first aid training and products, youth development, and social
inclusion programs. MTA members receive discounted first aid training, 15% off first aid kits and
restocking and Defibrillator saver bundles.
ENERGY PRICE COMPARATOR
Zembl is an energy price comparator and MTA members can leave all the homework, legwork and
paperwork to them. Simply contact Zembl for a comparisons and enjoy better energy pricing.
St John’s Ambulance
1300 78 5646
stjohnsa.com.au
Zembl
1300 915 612
zembl.com.au/partner/
motor-trade-association
MYENERGI
MTA members receive exclusive discounts on myenergi chargers such as the popular zappi range.
Myenergi
1300 743 443
myenergi.com/au/
mtamembers
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS CHAMBER –
MIGRATION SERVICES
MTA has partnered with South Australian Business Chamber to provide MTA members with
exclusive rates for migration services. If you are considering employing overseas workers, start
your journey with South Australian Business Chamber.
South Australian
Business Chamber –
Migration Services
08 8300 0093
mtasant.com.au | Back to Contents

Compare your merchant
service today.
With Commonwealth Bank, MTA SA/NT members can can receive receive special special discounts discounts on EFTPOS on EFTPOS solution. solution.
We can also offer a customised comparison^ of of your your current current merchant merchant service service to Commonwealth to Bank’s Bank’s
merchant solutions, to to help help you you discover which which product product is right is right for for you. you. We We have have flexible flexible terminal terminal and and
pricing options to to suit suit your your needs needs today today and and that that can can change change with with you you in the in the future. future.
To
To
find
find out
out
how
how
much
much
you
you
could
could
save
save
with
with
Commonwealth
Commonwealth
Bank,
Bank,
contact
contact
MTA
MTA
SA/NT
SA/NT
on 08
on
8291
08 8291
2000
2000
or
or
email mta@mtasant.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager.
email mta@mtasant.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager.
Things you should know:
Things you should know:
^Commonwealth
Bank merchant cost comparison is available to compare all fee types & competitors.
^As Commonwealth this advice has Bank been merchant prepared without cost comparison considering is your available objectives, to compare financial all situation fee types or & needs, competitors. you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your
circumstances. Different assumptions and estimates could result in materially different results. On this basis, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the
As accuracy this advice of the has information been prepared or projections without contained considering in this your example. objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your
circumstances. Different assumptions and estimates could result in materially different results. On this basis, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the
accuracy Fees, charges, of the terms information and conditions or projections apply. Please contained view our in this Merchant example. Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at commbank.com.au/merchantsupport.
Fees, MTA SA/NT charges, may terms receive and a conditions referral fee from apply. Commonwealth Please view our Bank Merchant of Australia Agreement, for each Financial successful Services referral Guide (excludes and existing Operator customers) and User on Guides eligible at Business commbank.com.au/merchantsupport.
Banking products and
services.
MTA SA/NT may receive a referral fee from Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral (excludes existing customers) on eligible Business Banking products and
The target market for this product will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination, available at commbank.com.au/tmd.
services.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945.
The target market for this product will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination, available at commbank.com.au/tmd.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945.
Back to Contents | mtasant.com.au

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