Car dealerships and auto techs must start preparing for an EV transition

To be carbon neutral by 2050, all drivers need to switch from gasoline vehicles to EVs. As we’ve seen lately, there’s been a big push to make this happen. President Biden signed an executive order pushing for 100% zero-emissions vehicle acquisitions by 2035. The U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy worked together to get $5 billion for national EV charging networks.

This news has put some dealerships in a scramble to figure out what the future holds. After all, it only makes sense to get prepared now, even if the results are slower than anticipated. Here are a few ways dealerships and mechanics can start preparing for the EV transition.

Install Chargers

The first step and probably the least expensive to deal with is to add new EV chargers. Even if you have to do this a couple at a time, they will be used. In some cases, you might need to install new electrical equipment and transformers to handle the extra load. It’s important to speak with a qualified electrician before making any upgrades.

Even if you only get one or two chargers installed first, think of how they will be used. Your current customers can charge when they are in the area, allowing you to provide more services for EV customers. You can work on EVs, knowing you have somewhere to charge them back up. 

Upgrade Equipment

For mechanics to work on EVs, there must be compatible equipment in the shop. The tools and machinery all need to be upgraded, which can become quite expensive. In fact, this is one of the top reasons that dealerships haven’t been working on EVs or hybrids. 

Dealerships also need to find a place to store EV batteries. This might require adding another room or facility. To make things more manageable, it might make more sense to upgrade one thing at a time in preparation. Try to make a list with your team about what’s needed and work through it at a reasonable pace. 

Provide More Training

Before salespeople can promote EVs, there has to be in-depth training. The same is true for any technicians planning to work on electric vehicles. Training is a must, and the right certifications have to be achieved. 

In the future, customers will want to visit technicians that are EV certified. If your team isn’t, you will lose valuable business. It’s best to get a jump on the training now because there aren’t many shops doing it. By servicing EVs, you can add another stream of income immediately and start earning customer trust before the big push.

Remember, there are smaller EV tasks that your team can start doing. The EV still has brakes, tires, and other vital components and fluids that need to be checked or replaced. As your group gets good at these simple tasks, you can start moving them up until the dealership provides battery replacement and EV motor work.  

Preparation is Key

Don’t procrastinate, or you might find yourself behind your competition. Whether you are working in the showroom or you are a service advisor, the need to progress to EVs is upon us. It might take longer than you think, but it’s better to be ready now than to wait and be behind the curve.Whether you are working in the showroom or you are a service advisor, the need to progress to EVs is upon us.

Did you enjoy this article from Brian Jones? Read other articles on CBT News here. Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this topic by submitting a letter to the editor here, or connect with us at newsroom@cbtnews.com.