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SEPTEMBER 2020 AFTERMARKET 45 www.aftermarketonline.net DENSO’s e-compressor is driven by an internal motor. This not only makes it applicable to hybrid engines, but it also improves fuel efficiency as well. In the case of a hybrid powertrain, it is possible to run air conditioning functions, both when the engine is idling and switched off, thanks to the power provided by the internal motor of the e-compressor. This represents a significant advantage over traditionally fuelled vehicles, as it maintains a comfortable cabin environment while saving on fuel wastage.” Looking at sensors, Fatiha said: “In hybrid vehicles, the petrol engine part of the powertrain is monitored by standard engine management system (EMS) sensors. However, there is also the addition of several other sensors specific to high voltage (HV) electrified components. Development of these types of sensors are a direct result of the electrification trend and the rise of alternatively fuelled vehicles. EV/hybrid-specific sensors include the battery current sensor, the rotational angle sensor (Resolver) and the system main relay (SMR). “ Fatiha added: “As the move toward electrification continues, DENSO’s pioneering parts will evolve into new spheres of technology and sustainability.” Transformation Looking at the period prior to COVID- 19 in the UK, EV sales rose sharply in February according to SMMT figures, increasing from 731 in 2019 to 2,508 this year, a 243.1% increase That number translates to 3.2% of the new car market. Hybrid sales also climbed, despite the government’s choice to also include the vehicles on their 2035 banned list, with 17.5% of new cars sold being either fully electric or hybrid running on technology that includes both an engine and battery. This is a real opportunity, but you need to be prepared. Commenting on the challenge, Adam While, Workshop Solutions Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “The government has committed to a ban on the sale of new diesel, petrol and hybrid vehicles by 2035, in a move that is set to transform the make-up of the UK vehicle parc. In addition, to support this, many major towns and cities are looking to ban diesel cars from entering in 2021. While hybrids and EVs may seem new to the public at large, they actually have been around for more than 25 years. Despite this, less than 5% of technicians in the UK are qualified to service them, according to the IMI. And a large majority of these cars are not leaving the dealerships’ workshops due to lack of marketing in the aftermarket.” The aftermarket is largely set up for vehicles with internal combustion engines, meaning there is a massive opportunity to gain a whole new set of customers by entering into the hybrid and EV market. Adam observed: “The perception is that becoming a hybrid and EV specialist is difficult and not for everyone, but our Auto Education Academy is specifically tailored to overcome those concerns and help enhance technicians’ technical confidence, equipping them with the skills and systems they need to take advantage of the opportunity represented by hybrid and EVs. “Part of this is tackling the perception that becoming EV- and hybrid-ready is a big financial commitment, when actually the total cost of investment in training, tools and equipment for one technician totals around £2,000. With the average cost of an EV or hybrid service typically costing £300, garages can easily generate significant return on investment very quickly.” Training requirements Commenting on LKQ Euro Car Parts’ training offering, Adam said: “We offer awards in hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance through our AutoEducation Academy, at levels 2, 3 and 4. All of these courses cover safety management essentials, before going into various levels of technical detail. Level 2 is our most popular course and covers routine maintenance activities Level 3 builds on this to cover system repair and replacement, and Level 4 extends further into diagnostics, testing and advanced repairs. “Signing up for AutoEducation is free, and technicians can complete nine free skills assessments to help them identify which courses to take. Courses can be completed and paid for on a one-off basis, or unlimited access for 12 months costs £1,499.” When it comes to working with electric vehicles – and this applies to hybrids, too – health and safety is as important to consider as technical expertise. Adam commented: “Hazards associated with electric and hybrid vehicles include the presence of high- voltage components that could lead to electric shocks, the manual handling of battery replacements and the potentially-harmful liquids and gases that would be released in the event of any battery damage, and the magnetic forces that could interfere with medical devices like pacemakers. “To help tackle this, the IMI has developed a Professional Standard for Electric Vehicles, which helps technicians understand the minimum requirements for keeping safe when servicing EVs and hybrids. Garage owners have a legal obligation to ensure that their employees are properly- trained and protected when working on or around high- voltage systems, and they can certify their competence with the IMI TechSafe banner – something we actively promote to garages.” Tools Then there’s the tooling side: “Before they can start to sell specialist services for hybrid and electric vehicles,” said Adam, “garages will need to invest in technical and safety equipment. We’ve created a specialist hybrid safety pack which includes essentials like high voltage floor matting, an insulated rescue pole and safety clamp, safety signage, an insulated face shield and gloves, extra-long hex keys and a 22-piece insulated toolkit.” Looking outside the specifics of the workshop, Adam said: “Beyond physical tools, businesses should leverage free-to-access marketing tools, such as social media, to help build their reputation as a professional hybrid and EV-certified garage. This service is a set to be a key differentiator for many independent garages, so it’s important that they’ve easy for drivers to find online and through social media. As well as creating an opportunity to share regular updates on opening times, available services, and even tips and advice on common queries, effective online marketing can encourage conversations and recommendations, helping to build trust and reputation.” Before they can start to sell specialist services for hybrid and EVs, garages will need to invest... ”

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