Legacy EV Wins Inaugural MEMA Aftermarket Startup Challenge

Legacy EV was declared the winner of the 2023 MEMA Aftermarket Startup Challenge winner during the Aftermarket Technology Conference on Oct. 10.

Offering EV educational programs as well as EV parts and powertrains, Legacy EV has trained nearly 500 technicians, partnered with several schools to utilize its curriculum for EV programming and built a network of 43 authorized installers across the globe.

Legacy EV has identified that 660,000 automotive technicians in the U.S. alone will need training in EV and has deployed immersive programs that include virtual training programs, in-person EV fundamentals bootcamp, collegiate EV automotive programs and HV safety programs.

“The Challenge’s objective is to identify new technology and innovations that will change the future of the aftermarket industry, and the impact that Legacy EV has already had and will continue to have does just that,” said Chris Gardner, senior vice president, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “They are solving two problems at once: upskilling our current workforce and expanding opportunities for burgeoning technicians. Legacy EV is a very deserving winner of the inaugural Challenge, and we look forward to seeing the impact of their growing influence in the industry,” Gardner added.

Legacy EV was selected from a list of seven finalist companies, all of whom are creating leading-edge technologies in the aftermarket: 3DK, Accufacture, Bringoz, Cochl, My Battery Health and Work Truck Solutions.

“It’s an honor that MEMA has recognized our trailblazing efforts with their prestigious award,” said Rob Ward, co-founder and CEO of Legacy EV. “Our team is committed to helping shape the future by giving individuals and companies the skills they need to keep electric vehicles operating. We will continue providing the topflight training so desperately needed worldwide and prove every day that we deserve these accolades,” Ward concluded.

Three leading venture-capital and mobility-startup accelerators supported the Challenge: Automotive Ventures, Capstone Financial Group and Sparker.

SEMA member companies and automotive enthusiasts have come out in strong opposition to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) “Advanced Clean Cars II” (ACC II) regulation that would ban the sale of new internal combustion engine motor vehicles by 2035. Specialty aftermarket businesses and industry supporters sent over 5,000 letters to the U.S. EPA expressing opposition to the agency providing California a Clean Air Act waiver, which is required for ACC II to take effect. Industry and enthusiasts alike have united in opposition to California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate that they said would adversely impact automotive businesses, their employees and millions of automotive enthusiasts.