The shift to EVs is far from bad news for garages according to Bob Wiffen, Workshop Solutions Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts: “The great thing about EVs is that they require relatively little maintenance.” He continued: “The main thing to be aware of is battery health, along with ensuring proper functionality of the charging point and maintaining the oil level in the reduction gearbox. Without a more complex mechanical system, EVs are primarily operated through software. In contrast, hybrid vehicles require more complex maintenance as they feature a combustion engine alongside a high voltage system. The usual filters, lubricants and consumables are required, and can only be replaced when the system is discharged, to prevent unexpected – and unsafe – starts.” On training, Bob noted: “Hybrid Electric Vehicle IMI Level 2 is the most popular hybrid and EV course we offer through the LKQ Academy and covers routine maintenance activities and terminology. Level 3 builds on this to cover system repair and replacement, as well as more advanced electrical regeneration, rectification and regulation skills – and Level 4 extends further into diagnostics, testing and advanced repairs.” Bob added: “While EVs continue to dominate the headlines, hybrids are a more immediate concern for independent garages – because high numbers of EVs are still under warranty and being returned to the dealer for servicing and repair. The skills needed to work on the two are similar though. Upskill to work on hybrids, and you can also work on EVs. In fact, EVs are simpler as there isn’t the combustion element to worry about.” Transformation Rob Neale, Workshop and Operations Manager at Repairify, said: "When we're talking about the rise of EVs and hybrids, it's not just about the transformation in the driving experience. It's about a shift in the entire ecosystem of automotive servicing. However, if you think you can approach EVs with the same mindset as traditional vehicles, you're in for a shock.” He noted that one of the major changes for garages is a revamp of safety measures: “Insulated tools coated in plastic aren't a fancy optional extra, they're imperative. In addition, your staff can't be walking around in the standard gear. PPE is critical. We're talking about insulated gloves, leather or non-synthetic soled shoes with carbon toecaps rather than steel, and a vital insulated rescue pole. An EV is a high voltage machine, typically between 400v and 800v from the battery. That’s up to three times the voltage of your domestic power supply, so there is the risk of serious or even deadly injuries for a technician. The pole's purpose 48 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2023 ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES www.aftermarketonline.net is to discharge the current away from a technician – even then, life-threatening injuries are likely to have occurred. Grim, yes, but it's a reality we need to face. "You'll need high-visibility signage to alert others in the workshop that someone is working on an EV. Plastic railings around the workspace are essential, but ideally, you'll have a separate EV bay to stop anyone from coming anywhere close. An earthed ramp is non-negotiable. Red insulated socket sets are going to be part of your new toolkit. PROSOL, a supplier of EV-insulated safety tools, is an example of a business that already has these products in the market. "The vehicle’s electric system has to be powered down from the computer for diagnostics, so it's safe and not sending voltage around the car. An earthed ramp is needed for this, and a secondary ramp is necessary to remove the battery. Insulated nylon padlocks must be put on the vehicle’s isolation port to prevent anyone else from working on it or powering up the vehicle, and they’re very inexpensive at about £15.” Step-by-step Not all EVs are alike though. With this in mind, earlier this year, Delphi kicked off a new series of brand-specific online training courses with a Tesla e-learning module on Delphi Academy. Phil Mitchell, European Workshop Solutions Manager at Delphi, observed: “The course includes step-by-step video guidance, walking technicians through what can otherwise be a frustrating and time-consuming diagnostic process. Knowing if it’s a Model S or Model X isn’t enough because Above: EVs from Tesla represent a growing opportunity SEVEN AND SEVEN IS: WORKING WITH EVS AND HYBRIDS With the 2030 ICE deadline just under seven years away, the spotlight is now firmly put on EVs
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