Electric Vehicle Technicians Gain Access to Refrigerant Handling Licenses

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has updated regulations to enable qualified electric vehicle (EV) technicians to obtain refrigerant handling licenses.

It addresses the growing need for skilled professionals capable of servicing and maintaining the complex thermal management systems in electric vehicles. These vehicles use refrigerant-based systems for battery and drivetrain temperature regulation, and heat pumps are being increasingly adopted for battery conditioning and cabin comfort in colder weather.

The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management (Refrigerant Handling Licences – Qualifications and Standards) Amendment Determination 2025 expands the qualifications eligible for Australian Refrigeration Council licensing with immediate effect. 

It specifically adds the AUR32721 Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology to the qualifying certifications for a refrigerant handling license, provided the elective unit of competency AURETU104 (Diagnose and repair air conditioning and HVAC components) has also been completed.

This will help ensure technicians working with refrigerants in EV thermal management systems are properly trained and certified, minimising the risk of environmental harm and ensuring safe handling practices.

Effective thermal management has environmental flow-on effects during an EV’s lifecycle in terms of performance, battery longevity, and overall energy efficiency.

It is a promising development that acknowledges the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles on Australian roads and the specialised skills required for their upkeep, particularly in managing the thermal demands of batteries and drivetrains.

Streamlining the licensing process for qualified EV technicians will support the growth of the electric vehicle repair sector while maintaining stringent environmental and safety standards.