Aftermarket March 2023

spirals. Compared to traditional belt-driven units, the design has fewer parts as there are no pistons, wobble plate mechanism or steering valves, in fact the only valve in the scroll system is a relatively simple metal valve to steer the refrigerant gas inlet and outlet within the compressor. Many compressor models have two connectors located on the assembly. The larger socket is for the HV connection to the vehicle's battery and for safety reasons, both the socket and the wiring to the battery are bright orange, which indicates HV. The second, smaller socket is for the compressor communication with the HVAC system's control unit. The control unit sends input signals to the PIM, which translates them and directly runs the compressor via voltage signals that control the commanded level of electrical current sent to the electrical motor. The level of the electrical current steers the compressor's output torque and the frequency of the signal controls the speed of the motor.” Commenting on the replacement offering from Nissens, Jan observed: “The Nissens Automotive's range of thermal system components for new energy vehicles (NEV) consists of more than 720 items and caters for in excess of 3,000 OE part numbers. The programme now extends to pressure and temperature sensors and electric high-voltage A/C compressors, which further supports the independent sector and provides it with access to the critical parts of the future, strengthening Nissens' NEV technical expertise in the process.” Jan concluded: “Remember, only qualified professionals with specialised training and certifications should replace an HV system and they must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, follow safety rules and use HV tools, as well as other consumables designed for the vehicle.” For more information, visit: www.nissens.com/experts Demand and opportunity With new tech comes the need for training, and according to Luke Garratt, UK and Nordics Technical Services Manager, Delphi Technologies Aftermarket, demand for training and advice in relation to hybrid and electric vehicles continues to be exceptionally strong: “The UK aftermarket has been talking about hybrid and EVs as a future opportunity for years, but over the last 12 to 18 months we’ve seen a shift with many more garages looking to get involved now. This urgency is due to the looming 2030 deadline, dire warnings from policymakers over unpreparedness for our EV future and the baseline business case rising numbers of EV vehicles presents. The UK EV parc is growing fast and ageing so it’s reached the tipping point where garages are starting to see it as an opportunity for tomorrow, or even today, rather than in the distant future. For Delphi, current demand and opportunity is much more around upskilling UK garage technicians to work on this technology than selling replacement components, though obviously that will grow too.” Delphi has invested heavily in its own training facility in Warwick which will once again host Aftermarket’s Top Technician semi-finals and final later this year, as well as the finals for Top Garage. Luke continued: “We’ve focused on future technology within the centre so it’s an ideal EV learning environment. We’ve got electric vehicles, service equipment and test battery pack rigs for technicians to work on - there’s no substitute for ‘hands on’ learning.” 50 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2023 ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES www.aftermarketonline.net There is also the option to study remotely. Delphi Academy was launched online in the latter part of 2021 to provide e-learning solutions and has since grown rapidly. Luke observed: “The pandemic accelerated trends that were already in process towards learning online. Our experience was that many garage owners and technicians looked to use any spare time during the lockdowns constructively so that sparked more interest. Hybrid and electric vehicle training are the perfect example of the benefits of delivering a true blended learning experience utilising both e-learning and conventional training. “We provide six hours of online pre-learning on electrical systems to try and get the foundation of knowledge to build upon. Much of the trade has avoided electrical work or not always understood the underlying electrical principles so that needs to be covered. Delphi’s combined e-learning offering comprises 16 courses on vehicle electrics, hybrid and EV. In all, there’s a total of over 100 modules varying in length from a couple of minutes to nearly and hour each. Training on this technology is absolutely vital for safety first and foremost, after that of course, garages need confidence and technical competence to start working profitably.” Delphi’s trainers are all time-served technicians too and Luke said the company regard this experience as essential: “In terms of what we offer, Delphi has a one-day Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Level 3 course to allow technicians to work safely on high voltage systems, as well as petrol and diesel hybrid systems. This would enable a technician to disable and power up high voltage system safely to change components. Beyond this there’s a two-day Level 4 course which covers diagnostics. With the power off fault finding can be difficult so this course goes much more deeply into