There’s no doubt that the increased market penetration of new EV sales will impact the service process once EVs begin to age. While there’s much to be said about the potential of reduced cost of ownership related to EVs, they will still need to be serviced regularly. To make sure your shop is prepared, here are two ways that EVs are poised to change the vehicle service landscape, and one very major way that paying attention to a tried-and-true service point is important.
What Changes?
Training
EVs employ high-voltage systems that can be dangerous if service personnel are not properly trained. It’s imperative that the systems are shut down and disconnected before the service process begins. A battery safety training course that delves into the details of Lithium-Ion batteries is also recommended, as is training on the OEM’s specific electrical architecture on both the high- and low-voltage systems. Technicians should also be trained on proper safety equipment and personal protective gear.
Equipment
Speaking of gear, the equipment that your maintenance facility will need will also change as more EVs roll into bays. Personal protective gear is so important that we’ll mention it again here. You’ll also want to check with OEMs to ensure you have the right tools to be able to access the EV’s service information and have access to the proper repair procedures.
Perhaps one of the biggest considerations when talking about EV service is if your location will need the ability to charge EVs. This goes well beyond choosing the right charger size, and looking at AC slow-charging or DC fast-charging units. The installation of charging infrastructure requires close collaboration with local utilities, as well as a sizable investment. And the decision of making your charger accessible to the public (to generate some extra revenue) or locked down in your shop (to ensure it’s available for your use).
It’s a lot to think about, but here’s one major thing that remains the same.
What Doesn’t Change?
Brake pad selection remains supremely important.
While some may think that brake pad maintenance is reduced due to regenerative braking systems, brake pads are still susceptible to corrosion that can deteriorate brake pad life and impact safe operation. When it comes to brake pad replacement, select a brake pad that features corrosion resistance and long service life such as NRS Galvanized Brake Pads.
NRS Galvanized Brake Pads prevent corrosion using zinc-plating technology, compared to many traditional brake pads that utilize painted parts. Furthermore, NRS-patented mechanical brake pad attachment ensures that the engineered layers of the brake pad do not separate over time. Unlike many other brake pads that use a simple adhesive, the innovative NRS-patented mechanical brake pad attachment ensures that the engineered layers of the brake pad do not separate over time or crumble from corrosion.
For more information on brake pad selection for EVs, visit: https://nrsbrakes.com/
