Al-Futtaim Automotive Launches the Middle East’s First Certified Electric Mobility Training Centre in Dubai
Team TCI gets invited to take a tour of this facility, equipped with simulation modules to educate technicians about EVs and hybrids
While carmakers are churning out a new EV almost every subsequent month, the knowledge of EV repairs remains scarce within the auto industry. To tackle this challenge and build a comprehensive EV ecosystem in the UAE, Al-Futtaim Automotive has set up the region’s first IMI-accredited Electric Mobility Training Centre at its dedicated Learning and Development facility in Dubai, UAE.
This Electric Mobility Training Centre represents Al-Futtaim’s multi-million Dirham investment to bridge the gap in electric mobility expertise within the region and bolster customer confidence in the transition to electric mobility.
The centre was built in partnership with the internationally recognised EV qualification body, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), and state-of-the-art learning solutions provider, Lucas-Nulle. Under this program, IMI-certified trainers conduct immersive training sessions with automotive technicians to explain the intricacies of electric drivetrains, battery management systems, and software diagnostics.
The facility further boasts a state-of-the-art laboratory featuring the most advanced art simulation equipment as well as a cut-away electric vehicle that showcases various components of the high-voltage systems to promote technical literacy among Al-Futtaim’s automotive technicians and create a skilled workforce for the EV ecosystem.
Al-Futtaim invited The Cornea Impression to the facility and showcased the numerous world-class simulation equipment installed within the premises. Representatives took us through the charging solutions being offered by the Al-Futtaim group to all EV owners, regardless of the car brand being positioned within the Al-Futtaim umbrella. A separate section of the facility was reserved to educate and train technicians on various advanced driver assistance systems such as LiDAR sensors and radars.
While hybrid and EV powertrains have distinguished methods of operation, skilled trainers took us through the differences between the two as well as the separate procedures followed to repair respective vehicle types. Most of the simulation equipment was installed to educate and nurture amateur technicians by training them on low-voltage mechanisms primarily. Upon acing the same, technicians get promoted to work on full-blown high-voltage all-electric vehicle repairs.
The facility further boasts separate stations to conduct repair work on accidental EV repairs that are considered more life-threatening in nature and involve the servicemen being mandated to be entirely clothed in non-conductive gear primarily finished in rubber. Various safety checks were also installed to ensure the workers were rescued in case of an electrical mishap.
Speaking about the new facility, Antoine Barthes, Vice-President at Al-Futtaim Automotive, said, “The Electric Mobility Centre is the final piece of our EV value chain. We have made this substantial investment to clearly reinforce our commitment to the UAE’s sustainable ecosystem and the future of mobility. By providing our technicians with cutting-edge training, we are empowering our technicians with all the necessary skills and tools to meet the demands of the evolving automotive market as well as learn the importance of safer procedures.”
Courtesy of these extensive training programs, Al-Futtaim Automotive aims to have 100% of its technicians IMI-certified, ensuring top-quality after-sales service and maintenance and subsequently providing customers with trust and peace of mind for their electric vehicles.
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