What does an EV workshop look like?

This article first appeared in the April 2021 edition of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Magazine. 

What does an electric vehicle workshop look like? 

Do you know how to safely service an electric vehicle?

EVs are changing the face of traditional automotive workshops and, as the e-transition gathers pace, all businesses need to consider the mix of skills, tools and equipment required for servicing.

We believe there are three steps to preparing yourself for an electric future; knowledge, equipment and PPE.

Electric vehicle servicing skills and training

What skills will the e-mechanics of the future need? We’ve helped create an online training course that provides this knowledge.

While traditionally taught skills will still be needed for many years yet, e-mechanics will need additional electrical knowledge and a range of other skills to confidently work with electric vehicle high voltage systems.

For example, as the mix of e-transport includes both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV), being able to identify that a vehicle has a high voltage traction battery is vital to the safety of mechanics, wreckers and tow truck drivers.

While EVs have fewer moving parts than an ICE, there are a range of common faults that require specialist knowledge to diagnose; such as brake components that wear out from lack of use due to regenerative braking.

How will you equip your e-workshop?

Did you know that an electric vehicle traction battery is primarily located underneath the vehicle, stretching along the floor between the wheels? Hoisting an EV without identifying where the battery sits can cause irreparable and expensive damage to the vehicle.

Specialist tools and equipment, such as hoisting pucks that fit Tesla models, OBD2 scan tool, multimeter and insulated tools to guard against shock, should be considered for any workshop preparing for electric vehicle servicing.

Importantly, EV charging also needs to be considered. A dedicated and mobile three phase charging unit in your workshop enables charging to come to the vehicle, rather than valuable space being allocated EV only.

How will e-mechanics protect themselves?

There are significant and different risks to your workshop team when working with electric vehicles versus internal combustion engine vehicles, including electrocution, gassing, burns and fire. Put simply, no one should attempt to work on an electric vehicle without proper training and skills development.

Insulated tools, specialist personal protective wear and additional high voltage signage around your workshop will form the basis of protection measures when working with electric vehicles.

Can we help prepare your e-mechanics?

EVUp supplies high-quality, mobile workshop charging units that are compatible with every EV on the market and can charge up to 22kW (three phase).

We’re also providing an online Electric Vehicle High Voltage Safety training course that has been written by leading EV workshops who specialise in servicing and EV conversions.

Contact us for information about workshop EV charging and training for your team by emailing me at emma@evup.com.au or on 0409 040 499.

Emma Sutcliffe, EVUp Director