How Can Auto Body Shops Adjust to the Increase in Electric Vehicles?

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How Can Auto Body Shops Adjust to the Increase in Electric Vehicles?

Jul 17, 2023

The eventual conversion from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids is a virtual certainty. According to Carsurance, the USA will have 18 million EVs on the road by 2030. In addition to working on truck engine repair, many service facilities will focus on EV engine repairs, which require different tools and technology. So will auto body shops, which will have to undertake the following changes to serve their customers.

Train Technicians in EV and Hybrid Systems

Although an auto body shop does not do engine repairs or work on other mechanical systems, it will have to learn how EVs and hybrids differ in order to work on them. Learning those differences will require new training. Auto body shops need to ensure their technicians are properly trained and have access to new tools that might be required to work on EVs and hybrids despite not working on their motors.

Create a Battery Storage Area

When doing current truck engine repair, a shop needs to simply disconnect the ground wire to the battery in order to protect the vehicle's electrical systems. The same isn't true for EVs -- even those that are in for auto body work. Instead of disconnecting a cable, auto body technicians will have to remove the up to 2,000-pound EV batteries. Those batteries will need to be stored in a secure battery storage area.

Make Shop Floors Level

When an EV is missing its battery, it cannot move readily from one location to another. For that to happen, auto body shops will need to ensure their floors are level by eliminating sloping surfaces that traditionally are used to channel water and other liquids into drains. A level floor and wheel dollies will help to move EVs to where they need to be without battling gravity due to sloping concrete floors and drains.

Install Charging Stations

Unlike doing truck engine repair that simply requires fuel to get the vehicle running again, an auto body shop that works on EVs will have to charge the batteries to produce power. Installing one or more charging stations will help to do that while also giving workers a way to charge their own EVs. The cost to upgrade an auto body shop with charging stations would be relatively modest.

You can learn more about auto body services for EVs and hybrids by calling or visiting The Auto Clinic Repair and Towing Inc.

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In the past decade, the average age of the U.S. automobile fleet has increased by 17%, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. When it comes to the upkeep of your work trucks, it is essential to find dependable and recognizable commercial truck repair shops that provide excellent service. With so many truck repair shops competing in the market, selecting the ideal service provider is not simple. You have to find one who has experience with trucks like yours. Here are different types of trucks that truck repair shops can help with. 1. Extra Duty Truck When a cargo load is exceptionally large, an extra duty truck is frequently used to transport the goods. These gigantic loads include stuff such as homes and other enormous objects. Legally operating an extra-heavy-duty truck requires a special license. 2. Flatbed Truck Flatbed trucks are distinguishable by their open beds and absence of sides. The design of the flatbed truck makes loading and transporting cargo simple and effective. When goods are inappropriately stacked on these flatbeds, the chance of a collision increases significantly. This truck's body consists just of a level, flat bed without sides or a roof, as its name indicates. It is a popular type of vehicle due to its adaptability. A truck with a flatbed is great for hauling big items. Additionally, you may utilize it to carry a fleet of automobiles to an exhibition or auto shop. Flatbed trucks have a loading capacity of 15 to 25 tons, and the bodywork permits loading from the rear, top, and sides. 3. Dump Truck Construction dump trucks are also known as production trucks and are used to deliver gravel, sand, mud, and other loose building materials. Furthermore, dump trucks can be utilized to transport trash and waste to landfills. These vehicles are equipped with an open box that is hydraulically actuated to empty its contents behind the vehicle. When attempting to back up, dump trucks frequently cause accidents that may necessitate repairs. 4. Cement Truck A cement truck is a vehicle that is equipped with a concrete mixer. It transports the mixing equipment to locations where it is required. The rotating machinery combines cement and water to produce concrete, which is then poured into the allotted areas. These can be placed on the ground, in specialized molds, etc. 5. Car Carrier Trailer This truck is a double-decker open vehicle carrier with various sections designed to secure automobiles during a lengthy journey. They may be opened or closed and are equipped with loading and unloading ramps. These are typically used to transport automobiles from manufacturers to dealerships. These vary from conventional flatbed trucks in that they lack loaders and winches, they use their own power instead. Call the Auto Clinic Repair and Towing Inc. today to discuss the specifics of your vehicle. We look forward to working with you!