My knowledge of technical matters is nil, but is the obsession...

My knowledge of technical matters is nil, but is the obsession of left wing governments to change vehicles (including trucks) from diesel or petrol to 'electric' presenting a long term threat, or opportunity, for SNL?

This extract from some USA 'Fleet Magazine' site states:

"...Kevin Otzenberger, product marketing senior analyst in the eMobility group at Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) said new EV technology must be supported by qualified technicians from day one. “While electric trucks have fewer moving parts and consequently reduced maintenance intervals, the electric powertrain and auxiliary componentry is all brand-new content for service centers,” he stated..."

There's also this from the same page:

"Electric trucks, with fewer moving parts and fluids, as well as the elimination of exhaust aftertreatment systems, are widely expected to reduce equipment service needs. Likewise, routine maintenance for things likes brakes are anticipated to drop as well. Still, with electric commercial vehicles increasingly being operated across North America, fleets are on an EV learning curve that includes the need to address maintenance needs and challenges.

Related Articles

Ineffective or ill-prepared service operations will prohibit the ability to optimize EV operations and make the most of electric vehicles, noted Rick Mihelic, director emerging technologies at the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE). Equipping shops for EVs requires training technicians and specialized tools, and some of those needs can be manufacturer specific.

“Diagnostic technologies used on diesel powered trucks will likely work with EVs along with special software,” Mihelic said. “For those vehicles, however, the process will be one that uses trouble codes to figure out which component is the issue and then work through a trouble tree to determine a root cause. Technician training and access to support from manufacturers will be critical.

“When it comes to replacing EV components, shops will need insulated tools designed to ensure safety when working on high voltage systems,” Mihelic continued. “Along with proper training, there is a need for separate bays for EVs with established safety protocols, such as lock out-tag out procedures, and personal protective equipment.”

SNL management and staff have huge technical knowledge about trucks (and buses). I'd be confident they'll (if needed) adapt over time, and nothing is set in concrete as governments can change, and even within the same government, priorities and policies can alter, as we've seen in Germany how it's again using brown coal. The threat of losing seats or being kicked out of government can be a motivator.