It seems simple to switch from fuel-powered vehicles to electric ones, but things can be much more complicated than that. An immediate problem often highlighted is the cost of EVs versus standard internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Also pointed to are a lack of charging stations, or difficulty using home electrical supply to charge vehicles. But thinking more long term, other issues arise, particularly for maintenance and repair. For traditional ICEs, the block exception regulations (BER) from 2003 ensure that replacing automotive parts has no detrimental effect on a vehicle's warranty, provided that the replacement parts are authentic and fitted by a trained mechanic. However, the increase in sales of electric and hybrid vehicles has come quickly, and so many independent, non-dealer garages and service centres are unprepared for the requirements of servicing them. This will give consumers less choice, as they will be forced to turn to garages affiliated with certain dealers, and could potentially lead to them being charged higher prices. If this situation is not resolved, it looks likely to get worse as we move towards the UK Government's target of prohibiting the sale of ICE vehicles by 2030.
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