The Transformation in Electrification and Engineering was Discussed at the Automotive Congress 2025.

Within the scope of Automotive Congress 2025, a dedicated session titled “Transformation in Electrification and Engineering: New-Generation Competencies” focused on the structural changes taking place across the automotive industry as electric vehicles become more widespread.

Industry representatives addressed key issues including technical competency, workforce development, regulations, certification processes and safety requirements related to electric and hybrid vehicles.

Need for Technical Competency and Education

Speakers emphasized that the number of qualified technical personnel capable of working on electric vehicles remains limited. It was stated that electrical engineers need more specialized training focused on automotive electrification, and that university curricula should be further developed in line with these requirements.

Participants highlighted that fault detection and diagnostic processes in electric vehicles represent a major paradigm shift compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. As a result, service infrastructures must adapt to increasingly digital and software-driven diagnostic systems.

Online Diagnostics as a Requirement

It was underlined that online diagnostic systems are essential in electric vehicle servicing, particularly when issues involve batteries or vehicle software. While independent service centers can perform certain mechanical and electrical repairs, software- and battery-related interventions require authorized service infrastructure with online access.

This requirement was described not as a preference, but as a necessity driven by safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Safety and Regulatory Framework

During the session, official data shared by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Trade indicated that 392 fatalities in Türkiye have been associated with improper interventions on electric vehicles. This data was cited as a strong reminder of the need for informed, cautious and standards-based servicing practices.

United Nations regulations R100 and R136 were highlighted as key safety standards governing electric vehicle systems. It was noted that these regulations have entered into force in Türkiye simultaneously with other countries and have now reached their fifth revision, with further updates scheduled to take effect in 2027.

Speakers stressed the importance of reviewing regulatory requirements and preparing testing infrastructure before new revisions officially enter into force, in order to avoid delays and unexpected costs.

Certification and Testing Processes

The session also addressed certification and testing procedures, which are carried out under the authority of ministries, regulatory bodies and the European Commission. It was noted that in Türkiye, certification is often treated as a secondary step after product development, which can result in unpreparedness during testing phases.

This approach may lead to higher testing costs, extended timelines and delivery delays in committed markets, ultimately affecting customer satisfaction. Early alignment with regulatory and certification requirements was identified as a critical success factor.

Changing Service Culture

Speakers pointed out that Türkiye’s traditional service culture has often relied on trial-and-error methods. However, with the rise of electrification, this approach is no longer viable. For both hybrid and fully electric vehicles, technicians must follow technical documentation, system logic and process-based diagnostics.

It was noted that modern vehicles are capable of digitally communicating fault data, allowing problems to be identified more clearly and rapidly when supported by proper tools and expertise.

Focus on Qualified Service Networks

Data shared during the session indicated that Türkiye has approximately 1,215 authorized service centers, around 900 service operators, and an estimated 80,000 independent technicians operating across the country. Speakers stressed the importance of assessing technical qualifications, equipment standards and compliance with manufacturer procedures within this broad ecosystem.

The consensus was that not every service provider should intervene in electric vehicles, and that certified and competent centers should play a central role in servicing next-generation vehicles.

Session Speakers

The session featured contributions from the following industry professionals:

• Cem Türkmen

• Fatih Doğan

• Mehmet Karakoç