Electric vehicles have seen a dramatic rise in popularity over the past few years, and with that comes the need for rigorous inspections to ensure they are running optimally. With advancements in technology, electric vehicles require regular maintenance checks to ensure all mechanical components are working as intended and that batteries remain charged to prevent any premature or sudden breakdowns. Inspection of electric cars includes analyzing the condition of the vehicle’s powertrain, suspension, brakes, windows, electronic systems, and safety features. It is important to ensure that technicians use specialized tools and techniques when inspecting an electric car to guarantee its roadworthiness. Regular inspections help owners keep their vehicles running smoothly while maximizing performance.
The Rising Importance of Electric Vehicle Inspections
It is important to inspect electric vehicles regularly because they contain a powerful combination of electrical systems, batteries, charging components, and other advanced vehicle technologies. Regular inspections help to ensure your safety as well as the safe operation of your vehicle. Additionally, inspecting electric vehicles allows you to assess any issues with the battery and other components before they become major problems. This helps reduce downtime and keeps repair costs low in the long run.
There is definitely an emerging opportunity in servicing electric cars or vehicles. The demand for electric car and vehicle services has been growing steadily in recent years as more people switch to green transportation solutions. DENSO, a leading vehicle parts manufacturer in the EU, reports that there has been a two-thirds increase in purchases of electric vehicles within Europe in the last two and a half years.
According to AutomotiveResearch.com, 96% of independent auto service providers in the US report a steady increase of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles(HEVs) coming in to be serviced, over the past two years.
It is evident that there is an increasing need for electric vehicle service providers due to the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the demand for better maintenance services. This need has prompted many auto shops, dealerships, and mobile mechanics to start providing EV-related repair and maintenance services. As more people switch over to electric cars and their numbers increase on the roadways, there will be greater demand for reliable EV service providers to ensure safe travel.
As the technology continues to advance, so too will the need for experienced technicians who are qualified to properly service these vehicles. Additionally, advancements in technology such as connected car services may create new opportunities for service providers. With the right training and resources, working with electric cars can be a lucrative and sustainable business.
Potential Hazards in Servicing Electric Vehicles
There are a few potential hazards that auto service providers may encounter when servicing electric vehicles:
High-voltage electrical shock: Electric vehicles have high-voltage electrical systems, which can be dangerous if not handled properly. Service providers must follow proper safety procedures when working on these systems to avoid electrical shock.
Explosion and fire risk: Electric vehicles have lithium-ion batteries, which can pose an explosion and fire risk if damaged or handled improperly. Service providers must be aware of this risk and take precautions to prevent accidents.
Inhaling toxic fumes: Some electric vehicle components, such as lead-acid batteries, can release toxic fumes if damaged or mishandled. Service providers must take proper precautions to avoid inhaling these fumes.
Repetitive strain injuries: Working on electric vehicles may require service providers to perform repetitive tasks, such as turning bolts or lifting heavy components. This can lead to the development of repetitive strain injuries if proper ergonomic techniques are not followed.
Overall, it is important for service providers to be aware of these potential hazards and to follow proper safety procedures when servicing electric vehicles.
Making Environments Safe for Electric Vehicle Inspections
When conducting electric vehicle inspections, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure that the environment and those in it are kept as safe as possible.
Service technicians definitely need proper training and certification to work on electric vehicles. This is because the components of an electric vehicle are more complex than those of a traditional gas-powered car. Service technicians must be knowledgeable in areas such as high voltage safety techniques, electricity basics, electronics systems, battery charging protocols, and more in order to properly inspect and diagnose these types of cars. Proper training will also help protect both the technician and the customer from any potential danger associated with improperly servicing electric vehicles.
Insulated environments are essential in servicing electric vehicles. These pits provide a safe and secure environment for technicians to perform inspections, repairs, and maintenance on an electric vehicle without the risk of direct electrical contact or accidental contact with exposed electrical components. Insulated inspection pits also help protect the technician from shocks due to accidental contact with live parts, as well as from any emissions from motor and battery terminals. Although electric vehicles definitively have lower emissions, insulated inspection pits can provide added protection against electrical shocks that may be present in confined spaces where electric vehicles are serviced.
Keeping the technician’s space clutter-free. It is important for service technicians to have a clutter-free space when working on electric vehicles in order to minimize the risk of accidental contact with live parts or electrical components. A cluttered work area can also make it difficult for technicians to locate and access components that need to be serviced, which can lead to delays and wasted time. Additionally, a clean and organized workspace helps ensure any hazardous gasses from motor and battery terminals are properly contained and ventilated. Finally, having a clutter-free space will help technicians maintain focus and be better able to identify any potential problems with electric vehicles so they can be addressed more quickly.
The increasing demand for electric vehicles is driving innovation in the automotive industry and creating new opportunities for service technicians. In order to ensure the safety of technicians, it is important that they have a clutter-free workspace when working on electric vehicles.
Pit Systems offer an innovative solution to the challenges of servicing electric vehicles. QuickPit™️ can be a customized EV inspection pit to ensure that hazards are drastically minimized. This prevents any accidents due to contact with live electrical components and helps technicians keep their workspace clutter-free for improved efficiency and focus. QuickPit™️ also offers unparalleled safety protection and easy access to components, which allows technicians to complete their work quickly and accurately.
Call us at (888) 889-9592 to know your options or get a quote here.
References:
Five key considerations for successful EV servicing
How U.S. shops are taking on EVs
Impact Of Battery Electric Vehicle And Hybrid Electric Vehicle Repair And Service At Independent Repair Shops (Update 2022)
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https://eintac.com/risks-working-electric-hybrid-vehicles/
https://www.energy.gov/eere/femp/electric-vehicle-training
https://insights.tuv.com/blog/electric-vehicles-pose-high-voltage-risks-for-technicians-and-mechanics
