An expert qualified to diagnose, maintain, and repair electric automobiles and other hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is known as an electric car mechanic or an electric vehicle (EV) technician.
Mechanics for electric vehicles are at the vanguard of a sector with a promising future. Regardless of prior experience in auto repair, anyone who is motivated and persistent can become a mechanic for electric vehicles.
A combination of formal education and practical experience will be required in 2023 to become an electric car mechanic. How to become an electric car technician will be covered in full in this post.
Who Is An Electric Car Mechanic?
An electric car mechanic specialist that specializes in the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles (EVs), which are powered by batteries and electric motors rather than internal combustion engines.
Electric vehicle mechanics are often familiar with the specific components and systems found in EVs, such as high-voltage batteries, inverters, and electric motors.
They are qualified to detect and repair problems with these components, as well as perform routine maintenance to ensure the vehicle runs smoothly and safely.
Electric car mechanics may also be educated in charging systems and infrastructure, as electric automobiles must be set up, and charging station maintenance is crucial.
Electric car mechanics are often known as “EV mechanics” or “EV technicians.” They must comprehend electrical systems and have prior experience with car repair.
What Are The Duties Of An Electric Car Mechanic?
It’s crucial to note that the tasks of an electric car mechanic and those of a typical automotive mechanic are very similar. However, here are some of the responsibilities of an electric car repair.
1. Diagnosis and repair of vehicle systems
Electric vehicle technicians diagnose and repair issues with the vehicle’s high-voltage battery, inverter, electric motor, and other components. They may employ computerized diagnostic tools to identify and diagnose problems, as well as repair or replace defective components.
2. Regular maintenance
An electric car mechanic is also responsible for performing routine vehicle maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotation, and brake inspections. They also inspect and replace battery coolant and other fluids as needed, as well as execute other duties to ensure the car works safely and effectively.
3. Charging mechanisms
Electric car mechanics may be in charge of maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing charging stations and home charging systems, as well as understanding the many types of chargers, how to install them, and how to properly maintain them.
4. Work documentation
Electric vehicle technicians must keep detailed records of all work done on vehicles and charging systems, including repairs and maintenance, parts used, and costs incurred. This is critical for warranty and maintenance records.
5. Safety
When working with high-voltage electrical systems, electric car mechanics must be aware of and adhere to all safety standards. They must be trained to work properly with these devices and be aware of potential hazards such as electrical shock.
6. Keep up with the current trends
Electric vehicle technology is always growing, thus electric vehicle technicians must stay current on industry changes and technological improvements in order to diagnose and fix the most recent types of electric vehicles.
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How To Become An Electric Car Mechanic
Generally, becoming an electric car mechanic entails multiple steps, including completing the requisite education and training, earning field experience, and obtaining certifications.
The following is an overview of the stages you can take to become an electric car mechanic:
1. Complete a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Because most training programs and employers require a high school certificate or equivalent, this is typically the initial step toward becoming an electric car mechanic.
2. Earn a certificate in EV technology.
Many vocational institutions, community colleges, and universities offer automotive technician training programs with a concentration on electric vehicles. These programs can provide you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to work as an electric car repair.
If you want to become an EV technician, you should attend a local community college that provides a degree in electric vehicle technology. You can become an EV technician after completing one of these one- to two-year programs.
3. Acquire experience
After completing your schooling, you must obtain experience working on electric vehicles. You can achieve this by interning or apprenticing with an experienced electric car mechanic or working at an electric vehicle dealership or repair business.
4. Get your ASE certification.
ASE, or the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, provides automotive mechanic credentials for electric and hybrid vehicles.
After two years of professional experience as a technician, you can become ASE certified. You must pass the A6 (automotive electrical systems) and A8 (engine performance) tests to become certified in EV systems.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a charity that grants specialized certificates for auto mechanics, offers the qualification.
Manufacturers, such as Tesla Motors and BMW, also issue certificates.
5. Concentrate on Electric Vehicles
Look for jobs that involve electric vehicles, such as working for an electric car dealership or a company that specializes in electric vehicle repair and maintenance.
Many manufacturers of gasoline-powered vehicles also sell electric vehicles. As the industry shifts from gas to electric vehicles, these businesses will need to train new technicians.
Finally, because electric vehicles are still a new technology that is rapidly evolving, it is critical to stay up to date on the newest improvements and innovations in the sector.
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How Much Does An Electric Car Mechanic Make?
According to PayScale, mechanics who can deal with plug-in hybrid and electronic automobiles make a median hourly wage of $24.42, or around $66,258 per year.
The BLS does not have pay data for electric vehicles, but it does reveal that most automobile mechanics earn $44,050 per year and that many expert mechanics are paid a commission based on the cost of the customer.
According to Zippia, the average annual compensation for an electric engine technician in the United States is $85,487, or $41.1 per hour. The worst 10% of electric engine mechanics earn around $62,000 per year, while the top 10% earn $116,000 per year.
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What Are The Skills Required To Be An Electric Car Mechanic?
Here are some soft skills you’ll need to have in other to succeed as an electric car mechanic:
1. Customer Service Abilities
Automobile specialists must be able to communicate automobile concerns clearly and succinctly, without resorting to technical jargon. In this manner, all clients will be able to provide knowledgeable responses. To maintain customers as customers, you must communicate with them and answer to their inquiries in a nice and courteous manner.
It is necessary to be able to deliver outstanding customer service. People spend a lot of money on their cars, motorbikes, and RVs, so it stands to reason that they want to work with someone they can trust and have a long-term relationship with. We are all aware that gaining someone’s trust is a difficult task.
2. Detail-Oriented
When evaluating and repairing car systems, automotive technicians must be well-versed in every detail. Mechanical and electrical problems can be avoided by eliminating easy-to-ignore causes. As a result, you must pay close attention to detail.
People don’t want to wait to find out what’s wrong with their vehicles, so they identify the issue and locate an effective solution right away. After all, parents rely on their automobiles to travel to work, drop the kids off at school, and take care of their duties.
Great mechanics can use diagnostic tools successfully and efficiently to detect what’s wrong as quickly as possible.
3. Organizational abilities
Having the necessary auto repair abilities will not suffice. You should also be organized, as this will assist you run a business. You must effectively manage the workspace and your coworkers, as well as streamline and manage tasks.
The ability to stay organized while working is essential for car mechanics. Workspace organization and cleanliness help to preserve safety and ensure part accountability.
4. work ethic
This is one of the most important ethics in any field; the capacity to roll up your sleeves and get under the hood prepared to repair nearly anything at any time of day should be expected.
Don’t be scared to get down and dirty; it’s part of your work.
There will be times when you must work late to ensure client pleasure; in other words, you must be willing to go the extra mile to deliver excellent customer service.
5. Problem-Solving Capabilities
You’ll need to know how to deal with problems both in and out of the office. Great mechanics can identify problems as they occur and recommend the best, most cost-effective solutions.
They must then be able to explain the proposed solutions to clients, who are frequently dissatisfied with the news.
In response to their possibly uninformed opinions and enquiries, it is critical to supply clients with reliable, trustworthy information.
Don’t worry; with practice and time, you’ll be able to master this skill.
6. Knowledge of diagnostic tools and equipment
As automobiles become more sophisticated than ever, the technology utilized to repair them is continually improving. The ability to use sophisticated diagnostic instruments and car electronics distinguishes great mechanics from good mechanics.
7. Mechanical abilities
Electric car mechanics should have high mechanical abilities and be able to operate on the electrical and mechanical systems of electric vehicles.
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How Long Does It Take To Become An Electric Car Mechanic?
The time it takes to become an electric car mechanic in the United States varies based on the type of training and education you acquire.
Some mechanics enter the sector after finishing a typical vehicle repair curriculum, which can take anything from a few months to two years.
Furthermore, specialist curricula and certifications for electric vehicle (EV) mechanics in the United States may take longer than standard automotive repair programs.
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Some community colleges and vocational schools in the United States, for example, offer EV maintenance classes that typically last a few months and are part of automotive technology programs that specialize on the particular of electric and hybrid vehicles.
If you want a full education to become an EV technician, enroll in a local community college that offers a degree in electric vehicle technology. You can become an EV technician after completing one of these one- to two-year programs.
Is It Difficult To Secure A Job As An EV Mechanic?
Because of global warming and the imminent scarcity of fossil fuels, electronic vehicles are the way of the future. As EVs become more accessible and popular, there will be a larger demand for technicians and mechanics.
Because dealers and EV manufacturers are aware of this, they will most likely assist you if you contact them and explain that you want to learn how to operate EVs.
FAQs On How To Become An Electric Car Mechanic
What credentials do I need to work on electric vehicles?
To work on electric vehicles, you’ll need a number of skills and qualifications, depending on your area of specialization and the position you’re looking for. Electric car engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. As a result, depending on your professional choice, you will need to obtain electrical engineering, automotive engineering, or mechanical engineering.
Is an ASE certification required to operate as an electric car mechanic?
No. Although it is not required, the ASE certification will set you apart.
Are math skills required to work as an automobile mechanic?
Yes, basic math is required for auto mechanics. For example, mechanics routinely use fractions to select the best tools (such as wrenches).
What does an electric car mechanic earn?
According to Zippia, the average annual compensation for an electric engine technician in the United States is $85,487, or $41.1 per hour.
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