Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular for both business and personal usage as society places a greater emphasis on sustainability. The transformation is underway thanks to government subsidies, low energy costs, and the adoption of EVs by top automakers. There is a rising need for EV car mechanics as more and more companies expand their fleets to include electric vehicles.
Although they need less upkeep and repair than gas-powered cars, EVs still need maintenance on their windows, braking systems, tires, and other parts. They will also need technical upkeep and internal system repairs. Auto technicians must have the technical expertise to repair EVs in order to prepare for the anticipated increase in EV sales. To do this, they must invest in training, acquire the necessary tools and safety gear, and embrace the EV revolution.
Growth of EVs
To promote EV sales, several nations that support the expansion of EVs want to phase out the sales of gas-powered cars. Aleksandra O’Donovan, an analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), comments on trends in worldwide EV sales: “We predict more over 10 million to be sold globally, with the vast majority being fully electric. EV sales in the United States are projected to almost treble in 2022, but once again, China will take the lead, followed by Europe.
States and communities in the United States are acting on the issue. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, said in 2020 that all new passenger vehicles and trucks sold in his state must be zero-emission by 2035. Washington DC has joined Orlando, FL, Pittsburgh, PA, and other cities in requiring EV charging stations in all new commercial and multi-unit buildings that include parking spaces.
General Motors wants 30 electrified cars to be sold all over the world. Making accessible and fashionable models for the general people is one of their objectives. Due to their price and usefulness, the general public is often reluctant to purchase EVs, but GM and other manufacturers are working to bridge the gap. In order to encourage the construction of charging stations in driveways, workplaces, and public spaces. One of the well-known companies supporting EVs is GM.
Challenges that Auto Mechanics Should Expect
Less upkeep equals less business
EVs may need less maintenance than their gas-powered equivalents, but they still have components like brakes, tires, suspensions, windshields, and windows that need to be maintained. Additionally, there is a growing demand for qualified technicians since EVs include so many technological components. The high-voltage cables in EVs cannot be handled by untrained vehicle technicians in a safe manner.
Reluctance to Change
The reluctance to accept the EV revolution is one issue that auto technicians foresee facing. However, the automobile business has always benefited from technical improvements. Vehicle technology has advanced ever since the first car was created. Remote starting, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, cutting-edge entertainment, GPS systems, and many other technological advancements have been made in only the previous 20 years. Electric cars are no different from other new technologies in that auto mechanics have to adapt.
Training and Education
Not all education and training programs teach electric vehicle maintenance since the EV industry is still so young. Many of the training programs that do exist are available only via dealerships and are offered by manufacturers. For small and independent dealerships, this makes finding training more difficult and often more costly.
Little/Private Stores Holding On
Mom and pop stores must compete with large corporations in any market. The auto industry is similar. Smaller businesses find it difficult to compete with major brand vehicle dealerships that could provide a one-stop shop. Some training is provided for free or at a reduced rate to dealerships, although it may not be supplied to private businesses at all.
