As the shift from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electric motors and hybrid powertrains grows, many people are wondering what this will mean for repair facilities and mechanics everywhere. Mechanics & shops alike will need to adapt and acquire new skills to stay relevant in the evolving automotive industry but what exactly will change with the insurgence of Electric Vehicles (EVs)?
Today we will be covering the following questions: What are some key skills that auto mechanics should consider developing in the context of electric/hybrid vehicles? What will change for repair facilities in the future?
Many of my mechanic buddies have been talking about taking specialized classes to prepare themselves for the EV insurgence. Some of the specialized classes they are undergoing deal with the following:
1. Powertrain: The new electric powertrain has batteries that store an electrical charge, inverters to convert kinetic energy to electrical energy, and electric motors that create movement in the wheels instead of a transmission.
2. Battery Knowledge: EV batteries are different in almost every way. Mechanics must learn about assessing battery health, checking for cell imbalances, and how to replace or repair damaged battery modules. Where conventional batteries are low voltage (12 volts) and have low storage capacity, EV batteries are high voltage (200-800 volts) & have a high storage capacity. This is new to most mechanics who have been in the game for a while. They also need safety training so that they can properly handle the high-voltage components.
3. Diagnostic Software & Charging Infrastructure: Diagnostic software and tools specific to electric and hybrid vehicles are vital to pinpoint issues accurately with some being manufacturer-specific. This can include understanding the various charging technologies, connectors, & protocols so that they can troubleshoot charging-related issues properly.
4. Regenerative Braking System: Conventional braking systems use friction of brake pads on rotors to stop the vehicle. This friction generates heat, converting kinetic energy into thermal energy that then dissipates and is wasted. EV braking systems use electrical motors to stop the vehicle. The regenerative brake system uses electrical motors that turn into generators to recover the kinetic energy into electricity and store it in the batteries.
As for repair facilities, the insurgence of EVs is expected to have several significant impacts from additional certification and safety training for our mechanics to training in new safety regulations for the handling and disposal of high-voltage batteries.
With the decline in maintenance frequency due to the fewer moving parts, repair facilities will have to expand their services to include new opportunities that EVs will introduce such as retrofitting & charging infrastructure installation. The cost of new equipment, diagnostics, & training will be a tremendous amount upfront which means that shops should start allocating resources aside for this now.
In summary, the emergence of electric vehicles will reshape the automotive repair industry. While it may reduce the need for certain traditional maintenance services, it also opens new opportunities in EV-specific repairs. Repair facilities & mechanics that adapt to these changes, invest in training and equipment, and provide high-quality service will be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving automotive landscape.
Until Next Month, Stay Safe Yall!
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