What Does An Electric Vehicle Mechanic Do? Learn The Details Of The Job

Electric vehicle mechanics maintain, diagnose, and repair cars and other vehicles that run on electricity. They may know all about gas-powered engines, but they specialize in EVs, hybrids, and the systems that help them run. They understand the lithium-ion batteries the vehicles use and how to troubleshoot the issues that could arise with them. If you're thinking of specializing in EVs as an automotive mechanic, check out some of the responsibilities you might have:

What Does an Electric Vehicle Mechanic Do?

EV Mechanics Maintain and Repair Batteries

Traditional vehicles run on internal combustion engines, but electric cars are powered by lithium-ion batteries which are much bigger versions of the batteries that power your cell phone and laptop. The batteries are designed to last the car's lifetime or 10-20 years. And proper maintenance can make sure you get the most out of your battery. Some battery maintenance you might perform as an EV vehicle mechanic include:

• Diagnostics: Identify battery issues such as thermal imbalances, voltage drops, or connectivity problems.
• Cooling System Maintenance: Check and service the battery's cooling system.
• Battery Cell Balancing: Ensure that all battery cells are charged and evenly performing.
• High-Voltage System Inspection: Check and maintain the high-voltage battery components.

Eventually, a battery system may need to be replaced. As an EV mechanic, it's up to you to safely remove and replace battery packs when they reach the end of their lifecycles.

Service the EV Brake System

Electric vehicles use regenerative braking systems, where the electric motor acts as a generator when braking and then converts the kinetic energy back into electrical energy for storage in the battery. As an EV mechanic, you need to ensure the system always functions properly. You perform diagnostics, inspect the brakes, examine and adjust calibration, and regularly look for wear and tear in braking components such as the motor, sensors, and pads. Although EV brake pads tend to last longer than traditional vehicle pads, they are still a critical part of the vehicle and need to be well-maintained.

EV Technicians Update Systems Software

Electric vehicles rely heavily on software to power the various systems that make it go. You need to understand how to navigate and update this software using manufacturer diagnostic tools.

• As an EV technician, you might update any and all of these systems:
• Battery Management: Enhance the efficiency, safety, and lifespan of the battery.
• Regenerative Braking: Improve energy recovery and braking performance.
• Firmware: Ensure compatibility with new features or components for the vehicle's control units.
• User Interface: Enhance in-car infotainment systems and driver assist features.
• Security Updates: Patch software vulnerabilities to prevent cyber threats.

EV Mechanics Perform Regular Maintenance

Although an electric vehicle operates differently, it is still a car. And cars will always need regular maintenance. As a tech specializing in EVs, you frequently perform vehicle inspections, which can include looking at major systems like braking and battery but can also be as simple as topping off wiper fluid. Other fluids that you need to check regularly might include hydraulics, depending on the model of vehicle. You might also change cabin air filters and perform tire rotations and alignments.

The Demand for Electric Vehicle Mechanics

The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) estimates that 67% of households will own an electric vehicle within the next decade. That means that mechanics who specialize in electric vehicles will be needed to service and repair them. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of automotive mechanics is expected to grow over the next 10 years¹. States like Texas, Pennsylvania and New York are currently among the top employers for this profession while New Jersey, Illinois and Connecticut are among the top-paying states². The Newark-New York-Jersey City metropolitan area has the highest concentration of automotive mechanic jobs of any metropolitan area in the U.S. ²

Where Can Electric Vehicle Mechanics Work?

As an electric vehicle mechanic, you can work in a variety of settings. A common place to look for work is at a local garage or large manufacturer repair shop. You could also work at auto body shops, car dealerships, car manufacturers, and car rental companies. Your duties will vary, depending on where you work. For example, if you work for an electric vehicle manufacturer, you might assemble and test parts of the vehicle. You could diagnose failures and take the lead in troubleshooting potential solutions. If you work at a garage, you can expect to interact with customers on a regular basis. You let them know what's wrong with their vehicle and make recommendations for future repairs that can help improve performance. You also create their service order and bill, and file both for reference when they return.

References:

¹ BLS: Automotive Service Technicians https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm#tab-6 Retrieved August 6, 2024.

² BLS: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm#st Retrieved August 6, 2024.

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