Top 5 Reasons to Get Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified
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4 pages
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Imagine scrolling through endless articles, videos, and advertisements, all promising the latest and greatest in electric vehicle (EV) knowledge and training. Of course, you want to ensure your shop is ready to handle EVs safely and efficiently, but with so many training and certification options, it's hard to know where to start. In fact, it can be overwhelming.
Now for the easy part. The OEC Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified (EVHQ) training program is designed to provide technicians and shop owners with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to work on EVs safely and effectively. Here are five reasons why EVHQ should be at the top of your list:
The EV market is growing
EVs have been steadily gaining popularity since around 2008, and there are more EVs on the road now than ever. According to Cox Automotive, EV sales in the U.S. saw an impressive increase of 60% year-over-year from 1 million in 2022 to 1.6 million in 2023. According to industry analyst IHS Markit, by 2035 45% of new car sales could be electric.
At that rate, about half of the cars on the road would be electric by 2050. Your shop can't afford to sit on the EV sidelines, and you need to be prepared to handle these vehicles. As EV technology continues to evolve, so do the challenges associated with repairing and maintaining these vehicles. Understanding the risks involved in working with high-voltage components is vital to the safety of both your customers and shop employees.
Whether you're a collision, mechanical, glass, ADAS, or paintless dent repairer, you need to know how to safely handle EVs. Since there's an increased likelihood of unseen damage with EVs, even bringing them into your shop can pose safety concerns. This includes not only repairing them, but also just physically moving them into the building.
Mishandling or accidental contact with high-voltage components can lead to serious injuries to your employees and damaged EV or hybrid batteries are a fire or explosion risk, putting your facility in harm's way.
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Enhanced safety practices
With the presence of high-voltage components, working on EVs requires heightened awareness of safety protocols. Anyone working on EVs should be able to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks effectively. The biggest dangers include:
Higher risk of being crushed due to increased vehicle weight
Noise & vibration risks causing hearing loss or other problems
Sound intense?
It is, but by identifying potential risks, using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), and implementing effective safety measures, technicians can create a safer working environment for themselves and their colleagues.
Specialized knowledge required
You likely know that working on EVs requires knowledge that goes beyond conventional automotive repair practices. This means knowing where high-voltage components are located, the dangers of regenerative braking systems, what PPE is required, the one-hand rule, and much more. Plus, knowledge of the various types of batteries used in EVs and hybrids, as well as their charging systems, vehicle control systems, diagnostic tools, and built-in safety systems are all important for your team to understand.
EV repair professionals must comply with various safety standards and regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This includes guidelines for PPE, like insulated lineman's gloves & hand tools, dry chemical fire extinguishers, and more. Guidelines for PPE are provided in the EVHQ program and can help you equip your team with adequate protection.
Additionally, proper disposal of EV components, especially batteries, is critical to minimizing the environmental impact of EV repair. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, EV batteries that are improperly disposed of can cause fires or contaminate lands and waters with toxic chemical substances. By completing EVHQ training, technicians demonstrate a commitment to safety and compliance, which can reduce risk and liability issues.
Competitive advantage
Completing an EV safety training program demonstrates to customers and insurers that your team has the knowledge and expertise needed to handle these vehicles safely and effectively. It can also instill confidence in your technicians. With EV market adoption expected to reach (or surpass) 50% by 2030, getting qualified prepares you for the increased business likely to result from this rapidly growing market.
The reality is, unless you're qualified to handle these vehicles, each percentage increase in the EV market is a percentage of business you may not be prepared to handle. By investing in OEC EVHQ training now, you can position your business to not only capture a share of this expanding market, but also prioritize the safety and satisfaction of your customers, enhancing your reputation.
As a bonus, the OEC EVHQ training program covers your entire shop, not just individual technicians. While each team member will need to complete the training, you won't incur additional costs per team member.
Be prepared for the future
EV market is growing
Enhanced safety practices
Specialized knowledge required
Compliance & risk management
Competitive advantage
EV purchases are expected to continue to increase year-over-year for the foreseeable future, so unless you're ready to handle these vehicles, you're missing out on business opportunities or risking the safety of your employees and facilities. Getting qualified to handle EVs enhances your current customer prospects and prepares your technicians for future opportunities in the growing field of EV repair and maintenance.
EVHQ is more than just a training program, it's a strategic investment. By prioritizing safety and staying informed, EV repair professionals can confidently navigate the challenges of working with EVs and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future of transportation.
Any questions about how EVHQ can help your business?