systems. Industry standards like the Professional Standard for Electric Vehicles, are key – as is the IMI TechSafe banner – something we actively promote to our customers.” Key considerations Straightset Sales Director Andrew Bates said: “Existing garages need to ensure they have a clear route to adapt to the requirements of both hybrids and EVs if their customer base is not to diminish over time. The shortage of EV skills and suitable facilities could be a golden ticket to the adventurous workshop willing to set-up ahead of the curve.” On equipment options for garages looking to invest, Andrew said: “One of the key considerations required for a vehicle lift suitable for BEVs is pick-up point and lift arm configuration. Arms can get in the way of battery removal, so a lift that can avoid that is a distinct plus. Clear floor lift design to roll the battery out and back is also a must-have. Workshops with poor or known weak floors need to consider how to accommodate lifts that apply more force into the concrete. 12v charging points on the lift can be very useful too, so that the 12v system is not depleted during servicing. There are vehicle lifts which are specifically design for electric vehicles, such as the Space SDX35 EV 2-Post lift with special articulated pad ends for EV vehicles.” A key addition to a workshop with an EV bay will be a lifting table. Andrew observed: “With battery maintenance being a key part of the service of an electric vehicle, a robust lift table for battery management will be required.” Then there is tyre and wheel equipment: “Whilst the requirements for tyre and wheel equipment on electric vehicles are no different than petrol and diesel vehicles, it is important to consider that due to the fact that electric cars weight 20-30% more and usually deliver significantly more torque, this has an impact on tyre wear. A wide range of wheel alignment systems is available, from computerised systems from Supertracker, to advanced 3D systems from Beissbarth.” Andrew added: “There are also a range of other considerations to ensure you are ready for servicing electric vehicles, including power supply, barriers, defibrillators, signage, workbench solutions, insulated tools and accessories.” Unique opportunity With EV and hybrid sales on the climb, Matt Cleevely, Founder and CEO of Cleevely Group, is encouraging fellow independent garage owners to step up “The demand for reliable EV servicing and repairs is still on the rise, so there’s a unique opportunity for independents to match and even exceed the service levels offered by the franchise dealer network.” For Cleevely Group workshops, 40% of all jobs are EV servicing and repairs. According to data analysis, EVs yield higher average invoice values, offer better profit margins and lead to improved customer retention. Matt noted: “We’re soaking up a lot of work from all over the country. The dealerships are slow-moving when it comes to EV so there’s an open goal for independents to offer an attractive alternative.” However, while the opportunity is significant, Matt think the challenge of staking a claim on EV work is generally overstated: “The transition over to EV needn’t be as big as some make out. Our technicians are IMI Level Four 46 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2024 ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES www.aftermarketonline.net qualified and capable of advanced high voltage repairs. However, much of the EV work coming in is for regular servicing and maintenance of steering and suspension, brakes and tyres – jobs independent workshops are already routinely undertaking on internal combustion engine vehicles.” Training is still vital though. Matt added: “We'll be hosting a number of EV/hybrid training courses for the trade this year covering everything from how to run an EV workshop to the technician skills needed to effectively service, maintain, and diagnose EV and hybrid charging systems.” Cleevely Group training courses are being announced soon. To keep up to date, follow Cleevely EV on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cleevelyev Increasingly common Martin Brown, Director at Repairify Innovations said: “Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly common on workshop floors. However, it is important to remember that these vehicles require specific equipment to ensure that the jobs can be completed safely. In addition, businesses will also need to allocate a specific area for an EV workstation. Although this investment may cause some short-term financial strain, what we have been seeing is that over time, the space will pay for itself and benefit the technicians working in it, due to the high throughput of jobs. “It is crucial that technicians receive the necessary training from recognised bodies such as the IMI, no matter their age. This is because the technology within the vehicle is constantly evolving, which means that job requirements are also constantly changing. By upskilling the workforce, technicians become an asset to the business.” Martin added: “Once a workshop is certified as EVfriendly, it becomes eligible for new jobs such as calibrations and diagnostics that can be carried out alongside the EV work. Repairify offers effective products and services to assist in this regard. One such example is the Digital ADAS Calibration unit which can be easily moved in and out of the EV workspace. This allows most ADAS calibrations to be completed on-site without any further interventions. Thus, EV work can be carried out alongside the calibration or diagnostic work.” Data Repair data on EVs is as crucial as with ICE vehicles, and with this in mind, ALLDATA Repair subscribers can now access original OEM repair information from Tesla. ALLDATA President Satwinder Mangat said: “ALLDATA Europe is excited to offer technicians expanded vehicle coverage with Above: Cleevely EV HQ in Cheltenham
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