Garage charges up growth plans with six-figure electric vehicle investment

Dave Geldard

A Rotherham company has become one of the first independently owned garages in Yorkshire to provide specialist maintenance and repair services for electric vehicles, thanks to a six-figure investment in the business.

The investment at Treeton Auto Services, which has been self-funded by the business, has seen the firm relocate to new, larger premises which will double the size of its workshop space.

The expansion will see the creation of two dedicated electric vehicle repair bays, eight ramps and next month the business is planning to open an MOT testing facility.

One of the challenges facing garages working on electric vehicles is the need for additional physical space required to work on the vehicles safely.

Due to the high voltages involved, additional safety precautions are required, especially when diagnosing and repairing faulty batteries, which means repair bays for electric vehicles are much larger than those used to maintain their petrol and diesel counterparts.

The move will create four new jobs at Treeton Auto Services.

The garage has also secured help from the skills bank. Delivered by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), the match-funded grant has been used to train the company’s workforce of mechanics and vehicle technicians to develop their knowledge and expertise, particularly in relation to the charging and drivetrain systems – key components in powering electric vehicles.

In recent years, Treeton Auto Services says it has found its vehicle repair services to be in high demand.

When larger premises became available in Canklow Meadows Industrial Estate, business founder Dave Geldard recognised the site didn’t just provide a chance to grow the business, but also to diversify the services offered.

With new petrol and diesel cars set to be banned in 2030, he recognised the current high demand for his services could be short-lived if the business did not respond to meet changing driver needs.

Geldard said: “Expanding to larger premises is a major milestone for Treeton Auto Services, one that will result in new jobs being created. We have recognised that vehicles on Britain’s roads are changing and our business needs to respond to these changing demands.

“Adding an MOT testing facility to the business has been a long-held ambition of mine, and the relocation means we are finally able to put these plans into practice.

“Although electric vehicles experience the same wear and tear as petrol cars when it comes to brakes and tyres, a greater degree of specialist knowledge is required when diagnosing and repairing faults associated with the cables, battery and vehicle drive train and due to the high voltages involved, additional workshop space is needed to work safely on the vehicles.

“Taking this step now will help us to futureproof the business. At present, there are very few options for electric car owners when it comes to repairing and maintaining their vehicles beyond the main dealerships.

“I predict demand for electric vehicle repairs and maintenance is likely to be an area that will see significant growth in the years to come.”

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