Embrace the Future – Master the art of Electric Vehicles

• by Craig Scragg, RMI Academy of Automotive Skills Technical Services Manager

As the automotive industry continues to transition towards a more sustainable future, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is skyrocketing. With their eco-friendly nature and technological advancements, it's no wonder that EVs are gaining traction worldwide. However, along with this rise comes the need for specialised knowledge in repairing and maintaining these innovative vehicles.

In this blog post, Craig Scragg, RMI Academy of Automotive Skills Technical Services Manager delves into the intricacies of EV repair and maintenance, shedding light on the skills and expertise required in this growing field.

"As the automotive industry evolves, technicians must stay updated on key issues and areas related to electric and hybrid-electric vehicles (EV/HEVs)s. With increasing consumer awareness and demand for EV/HEV repairs, garages across the UK are experiencing a surge in cases. Unfortunately, some are not equipped with the necessary component or safety knowledge, resulting in turning away potential work. Workshops need to stay ahead of the game and ensure their technicians are ready to serve the growing EV/HEV market." Craig explains.

1. Understanding EV Components:

Repairing and maintaining electric vehicles requires a solid understanding of their unique components. “Unlike conventional combustion-engine vehicles, EVs rely on complex systems such as batteries, electric motors, power inverters, and charging systems.” Craig clarifies.

Special attention must be given to diagnosing and troubleshooting related to these components. Mechanics and technicians must stay updated with the latest EV technology advancements and receive training to effectively handle EV’s.

2. Safety First: Dealing with High Voltage Systems:

One of the key considerations in electric vehicle maintenance is the presence of high-voltage systems. Technicians need training to gain the knowledge to ensure they can safely handle these high-voltage systems during repairs and maintenance procedures. Safety protocols, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and following the correct de-energisation procedures, are crucial to prevent accidents or electrical hazards.

3. Diagnostic Tools and Software:

The diagnostic process for EVs differs significantly from traditional vehicles, but is essential for safe diagnosis of system faults and monitoring of live data. With the integration of advanced onboard computers, specialised diagnostic tools and software are essential to identify and rectify faults accurately.

From identifying battery health to diagnosing motor issues, these tools provide valuable insights for efficient repairs. Technicians with expertise in using these diagnostic tools can troubleshoot and mitigate issues swiftly, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Craig expands, “Some diagnostic manufacturers also provide garages with diagnostic repair guidance, like Opus IVS for example, who provide garages with step-by-step guidance on EV repairs. Opus’ IVS 360TM who deliver the service recognise the risks associated with repairing and maintaining electric and hybrid electric vehicles, and so only provides technical support on these vehicles to technicians who have completed the appropriate training. With the industry leaders grouping together to rally on-behalf of safe working practices, it’s obviously important that technicians get ahead and undergo training.”

4. Battery Maintenance and Efficiency:

The battery is the heart of an electric vehicle, making battery maintenance a critical aspect of EV ownership, and in turn for a technician carrying out maintenance and repairs.

Technicians must possess the knowledge and skills to inspect battery health, check for thermal management system functionality, and identify any signs of degradation. Proper battery maintenance practices, including charging habits and temperature management, are crucial to optimise the battery's lifespan and maintain its efficiency.

“Technicians need to understand the principles of high voltage battery construction, management and monitoring systems as part of their knowledge competence.” Facts Craig.

5. Staying Ahead with Training and Certification:

As the EV landscape continues to evolve, it's vital for automotive professionals to keep up with changes. Ongoing training and certification programs specific to EV repair and maintenance equip technicians with the latest knowledge and skills required in the industry. By embracing continuous learning and staying up-to-date with EV advancements, Technicians can become trusted experts in the field.

“There are many areas that need to be covered to ensure a comprehensive understanding of these systems, such as those outlined below.” Explains Craig.

- The correct methods for isolating and reinstating high-voltage systems

- The correct measurement procedures and approved tools

- The layout and construction of hybrid and electric drive powertrain systems and the identification of key components

- The principles of high-voltage battery construction, management and monitoring systems

- The design, construction and operating principles of three-phase, brushless motor/generator systems

- The control systems required for efficient operation, and methods of electrical rectification and regulation

- The transmission system operating principles of current Toyota hybrids

- The diagnosis of system faults and monitoring of live data using suitable diagnostic equipment

Craig concludes “The rise of electric vehicles presents both challenges and opportunities in the automotive repair industry. Understanding the intricacies of EV maintenance and repair is the key to delivering exceptional service to EV owners. By investing in specialised training, acquiring the necessary diagnostic tools, and staying updated with the latest technological advancements, technicians can position themselves at the forefront of the EV revolution. Embrace the future, master the art of maintaining electric vehicles, and play a pivotal role in shaping the sustainable mobility landscape of tomorrow.”

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Discover revolutionary EV workshop training

The RMI Academy of Automotive Skills offers a range of EV-related courses that deliver the knowledge and practical skills required for those technicians just venturing into the world of maintaining and repairing electric vehicles:

EV Practical Fault-finding Course, in association with HEVRA

Who should attend

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Technicians who currently hold Hybrid Level 3 and work on Hybrid and Electric vehicles.

Course overview

This 1-day RMISC certified course has been designed in conjunction with the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repairers’ Alliance (HEVRA). The course is designed to improve technicians’ knowledge when working with electric vehicles and will focus on real-world faults that have been identified as frequently affecting EVs.

Participants will build their knowledge and experience in:

• Inverter functions

• Interlock circuits

• DC-DC converters

• Charging circuits

• Contactor functionality

• Hands-on component testing

Prices

• HEVRA Gold members - included in membership

• RMI/HEVRA Silver members - £245 + VAT

• Non-members/HEVRA Standard members - £295 + VAT

Course Calendars

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This course is currently available at our Southam site only.

Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Awareness and Safety

Please note: This course is available to RMI members only and is taught on-site at your garage premises. ​ Who should attend ​ Technicians and apprentices with limited experience or understanding of hybrid vehicles. No prior knowledge or experience is required. ​ Course overview ​ This RMISC-certified course gives technicians awareness of procedures to follow when working on or around a Hybrid Vehicle. It covers identifying of the construction/configuration type of the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (and if any manufacturer information may be needed during the repair and maintenance of Hybrid Electric Vehicles, and the main dangers and hazards associated with the high Voltage System when working on and around Hybrid Electric Vehicles. It also provides the knowledge to enable technicians to isolate the High Voltage system on a Hybrid Electric Vehicle to be able to work on them safely. ​ Participants will learn:

• How to correctly identify suitable sources of information before working on a Hybrid Vehicle, for example manufacturers guidelines

• How to correctly identify High Voltage cabling and components

• How to correctly identify AC and DC voltage systems

• How to correctly identify Vehicle High Voltage status pre/during/post service and repair activities

• The procedures followed before removing/disarming HV safety device

Price From £95 + VAT ​ To book this course, contact us here or call us on 01788 538 399

Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Routine Maintenance Level 2

Who should attend

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Technicians who maintain and repair hybrid/electric vehicles, possessing appropriate vehicle maintenance and repair knowledge and skills at Level 2.

Course overview

This 2 day Level 2 vocational qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to work safely around a vehicle’s high and low voltage electrical system and electric drive train system, whilst carrying out repairs or maintenance. On completing this qualification, technicians will have gained knowledge of both low and high voltage technologies and an understanding of their dangers.

Participants will learn:

• The hybrid/electric vehicle system components and operation, including the construction and function of battery cells, electronic motors and associated high energy electrical components

• The hazards surrounding hybrid/electric vehicles

• How to reduce the risks to yourself and others when working on electric/hybrid vehicles

• How to safely prepare the vehicle when carrying out routine maintenance on hybrid/electric vehicles (NOT high voltage components or systems)

• How to work safely on an hybrid/electric vehicle (NOT high voltage components or systems)

Price

RMI Members: £420 + VAT

Non-Members: £685 + VAT

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Course Calendars

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If you cannot find a suitable course date at your nearest academy, please call us and we will try to accommodate your requirements.

Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3

This course is heavily subsidised at a rate of £250 for members of the Independent Garage Association. ​ Who should attend Experienced technicians who diagnose faults and carry out repair and replacements on Electric Hybrid and Electrically propelled vehicles, possessing appropriate vehicle maintenance and repair knowledge and skills at Level 3. ​ Course overview ​ This is a 3 day course, covering the technology associated with the present generation of hybrid and electrically propelled vehicles. The focus is on gaining a thorough understanding of how the electric vehicle functions and the variation of electric vehicle types currently available, and there is a strong emphasis on safe working practices. ​ Participants will learn: ​

• The correct methods for shutting down and isolating high voltage systems

• The correct measurement procedures and approved tools

• The layout and construction of hybrid and electric drive powertrain systems and the identification of key components

• The principles of high voltage battery construction, management and monitoring systems

• The design, construction and operating principles of three phase, brushless motor/generator systems

• The control systems required for efficient operation, and methods of electrical rectification and regulation

• The transmission system operating principles of current Toyota hybrids

• The diagnosis of system faults and monitoring of live data using suitable diagnostic equipment

E-Learning Option An e-learning option is also available for Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 is available, allowing technicians to conveniently carry out training remotely then take a practical assessment at your nearest academy or your premises depending on facilities, minimising your time away from the workshop. Click here to find out more. ​ Price ​ Subsidised rate for IGA Members: £250 + VAT RMI Members: £630 + VAT Non-Members: £785 + VAT ​ Course Calendars ​ If you cannot find a suitable course date at your nearest academy, please call us and we will try to accommodate your requirements.

Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 E-Learning

This course is heavily subsidised at a rate of £250 for members of the Independent Garage Association. ​ Who should attend Experienced technicians who diagnose faults and carry out repair and replacements on Electric Hybrid and Electrically propelled vehicles, possessing appropriate vehicle maintenance and repair knowledge and skills at Level 3. ​ Course overview ​ This e-learning course allows technicians to conveniently carry out training remotely. Access to the online platform is available for 12 months, then the practical assessment can be taken at your nearest RMI academy or your premises depending on facilities and location, minimising time away from the workshop. ​ Module Details: ​ Introduction: Electric drive, Efficiency, Loss of driving form, Energy density, Energy flow in hybrid vehicles Safety Systems: Short circuit protection, Interlock, Enabling HV system, Permanent insulation monitoring Working with EVs: working with voltage, working on hybrid vehicles, Voltage free switching HV system, Switching HV system to voltage free – software, Towing a hybrid vehicle with planetary gear set Hybrid Systems: Hybrid vehicle with planetary gear system, Hybrid vehicle with planetary gear set – energy flows Forms of Drive: Forms of drive, Semi-hybrid, Full hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, Electric vehicle with range extender, fully electric car, Driving forms – recognise Electric Motors: Rotating magnetic field, Permanent magnet synchronous motor, Synchronous motor with permanent magnet – operation, Squirrel cage induction motor, Squirrel cage induction motor – operation HV Components: HV cables, HV battery, Resolver, DC/DC converter, DC/DC converter – efficiency, DC/DC converter – operation, Inverter, Inverter – operation Charging Systems: Charging, Charging connector, Charging modes, Charging cable, Charger, Charging station, Charging system, Charging protocol Battery Management Systems: Battery Management Systems, State of Charge, Battery balancing, Passive balancing, State of Health ​ Price ​ Subsidised rate for IGA Members: £250 + VAT RMI Members: £630 + VAT Non-Members: £785 + VAT ​ To book this course, contact us here or call us on 01788 538 399

Diagnosis, Testing & Repair of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles and Components Level 4

Who should attend

Experienced senior technicians, master technicians and engineers who diagnose faults and carry out repair and replacements on Electric Hybrid and Electrically propelled vehicles, with an IMI Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 qualification.

Course overview

This 2-day IMI accredited course contains the knowledge of the dangers surrounding repairs carried out to live high voltage vehicle electrical components and systems. The purpose of this qualification is to provide technicians working on electric/hybrid vehicles with the required level of skills and knowledge to carry out repairs on live high voltage vehicle electrical components and systems safely.

This qualification has been developed by IMI in conjunction with electric vehicle manufacturers, the Health and Safety executive, training providers and the IMI Sector Skills Council. It is the first qualification to address live electric vehicle (high voltage) technology. The qualification is essential to ensure the health and safety of individuals working with live high voltage vehicle electrical components and systems.

This course includes 3 e-learning modules that must be completed prior to attending the course. Upon attendance of the course the candidate will be expected to submit a knowledge essay within 20 working days of the course.

Participants will learn:

• Electrical principles relating to low and high voltage vehicle systems

• The hazards and first aid associated with working on live high voltage vehicle systems

• How to reduce the risks to yourself and others when working on live high voltage vehicle systems

• High voltage vehicle systems and components

• How to carry out repairs on live high voltage vehicle systems safely

Eligibility

Candidates must have the IMI Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 qualification, and provide their certificate along with their application before the course.

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Price

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RMI Members: £545 + VAT

Non-Members: £595 + VAT

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Course Calendars

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If you cannot find a suitable course date at your nearest academy, please call us and we will try to accommodate your requirements.

Want to discuss EV training with our experts?

Get in touch to find out how we can support your workshop with essential ADAS training.

Request Information

Book a course or enquire by phone: 01788 538 399