March 2021

E lectrified vehicles are on the increase, Whether they be fully electric, plug-in hybrid or mild hybrid. While millions of petrol and diesel vehicles will remain on the roads long after the sales of new versions are banned in the UK in 2030, the future looks electric. For independent garages, it means adapting your offering to cater for electrified vehicles too. Are you ready? Many working in the sector know they need training, as Carol Fairchild, Chief Customer Officer at CitNOW, observed: “Recent research by CitNOW shows that 20% of workshop and sales staff admitted they require additional training when it comes to servicing and selling electric cars. 62% felt they knew enough about EVs to effectively educate and sell to customers, highlighting how staff need to be trained in how to deal with each individual customer’s requirements.” She added: “Garages need to make sure they’re ready to profit from the electric revolution, with the right knowledge and tools to help educate and serve their customers.” Serious and significant According to Philip Mitchell, UK Technical Services Manager at Delphi Technologies, with its OE experience in H/EVs, Delphi Technologies is in a good position to help: “There’s no doubt there are serious and significant risks, including electrocution, burns from arc flash or blast and exposure to harmful battery chemicals, but the correct safety equipment and training is available to mitigate these risks. “For example, technicians must wear the right PPE, including CAT 0 1000V-rated insulated gloves and either insulated boots or matting to protect against electrocution. The vehicle should also be secured in a cordoned-off area with appropriate high voltage warning signage. And any keys should be kept away from the vehicle to prevent the accidental operation of electrical systems or movement of the vehicle.” He continued: “Also, before undertaking even the most routine of jobs, such as replacing the brakes, technicians must first ensure they have the correct equipment and knowledge. The braking system of a H/EV can be very different to that of a conventional combustion engine. “If the technician is working on, or very close to a high voltage component such as a motor, inverter, battery or even a 48v active anti roll bar system, then the high voltage battery should be disconnected by removing the service plug or isolator switch, and again, storing it in a secure location. “However, this is not an immediate fix as the high voltage may take some time to dissipate – this can be up to 10 minutes. And even then, the technician should test and prove that the high voltage cables and electrical components are dead prior to carrying out any work on the system.” No limit Philip added: “All this and more is covered in our H/EV training offering. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the rise in electrified vehicles and the impending ban of new petrol and diesel passenger vehicles, the most popular course in our entire library is Hybrid Level 3 IMI, which covers everything other than working on a live battery or active system. We have grown into H/EV training as the technology has been introduced and our courses provide a dedicated training path, being suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to master technician. There’s no limit on access either, anyone can benefit from our training, whether they’ve been in the business for 30 years or work at a motor factor. It’s there to ensure that everyone in the aftermarket can engage with, and benefit from, the transition from conventional ICE vehicles to those with electrified drivetrains. Basically, we’re here to teach anybody who wants to learn about H/EVs. 30 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2021 ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES www.aftermarketonline.net COUNTDOWN TO 2030: WORKING WITH EVS AND HYBRIDS With the ICE deadline now 2030, you can’t deny that EVs and hybrids are a growing segment. You’re in for a shock however, if you’re not prepared below: Delphi Technologies training in action