As EVs Become More Common, Where Can They Be Serviced? Busan Faces Challenge of Building a Repair Safety Network

Repair Industry: "Insufficient Support for Training and Equipment"; Calls for High-Voltage Safety Training and Development of Young Workers

Busan Metropolitan Council Members Kim Dongha, Lee Yongun and Lee Yeol Discuss Inclusion in 2027 Support Programs

As electric and hybrid vehicles become more common, auto repair shops are also facing pressure to adapt.

There are many challenges to address, from safety training for handling high-voltage batteries to securing specialized equipment and training skilled workers. At a meeting of the Busan Metropolitan Council, participants called for repair infrastructure to keep pace with the growing number of vehicles on the road.

The Busan Metropolitan Council said on October 14 that Assembly Members Kim Dongha, Lee Yongun and Lee Yeol had held a policy meeting on building a safety network for eco-friendly vehicle maintenance with the Busan Metropolitan City Automobile Specialized Maintenance Business Association in the council's second-floor conference hall on October 13. They discussed difficulties faced by the repair industry and ways to support it.

The main issue raised was that training and safety management infrastructure at repair shops had not kept pace with the growing adoption of eco-friendly vehicles. Industry representatives cited the burden of training in new repair techniques, difficulties securing specialized equipment and a shortage of skilled workers. They called for an ongoing support system that goes beyond one-off training sessions.

The possibility that electric vehicle repairs could become concentrated at a small number of company-operated service centers and large repair networks was also discussed. There were concerns that if local specialist repair shops lack the capabilities to service eco-friendly vehicles, residents may have to wait longer for repairs or face higher costs. Participants also proposed strengthening local repair networks so residents can get their vehicles serviced close to home.

Improving safety training and practical training facilities was also identified as a key task. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, eco-friendly vehicles have high-voltage electrical systems, so workers need training to prepare for the risk of electric shock and fire. Participants said support should include not only training for repair workers but also hands-on training equipment that can be used in real-world settings.

The assembly members said they would draw on support policies in other regions to develop measures suited to Busan. Assembly Member Kim Dongha cited other cities' and provinces' support for training costs and equipment, as well as examples of programs to train specialists in future-generation automobiles. He stressed the need for a systematic policy that encompasses repair training, workforce development and equipment support.

Assembly Member Lee Yongun said he would explore ways to expand the repair training program under consideration for 2027 in stages, analyzing industry demand and program outcomes to ensure it does not remain a one-off initiative. Assembly Member Lee Yeol also stressed the need to strengthen both high-voltage safety training and hands-on training facilities.

For the issues raised at the meeting to lead to actual policy, the process must go beyond increasing the number of training sessions: the equipment and workforce needed must be identified and incorporated into the budget. The three assembly members plan to continue discussions with relevant Busan city departments and work to ensure that industry feedback is reflected in the 2027 budget and programs supporting eco-friendly vehicle repair training, safety management and hands-on training equipment.

Busan City Council

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