Electric Vehicle technician
Electric Vehicle (EV) Technicians have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to perform service and maintenance tasks related to electric vehicles EVs, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), and who also have the ability to install, repair and maintain charging stations.
Scope of Work
EV technicians specialize in electro-mechanical repairs, power electronic systems, advanced communication and sensors, high voltage safety equipment, electrical and electronics theory and practice. They are able to identify problems, test devices and systems to ensure the vehicle is functioning properly and replace worn or damaged parts. EV technicians must also be familiar with a number of electrical, mechanical and electronic systems that control different sections of the vehicle like regenerative braking, drive by wire steering and collision avoidance systems. In addition, they must know how to work safely and effectively with high voltage equipment including batteries, power inverters, and AC traction motors. Like other automotive technicians, EV technicians inspect, maintain and repair vehicles. [1] The difference is that EV technicians need to be comfortable with both high power systems and complex electronic circuitry as the integrated circuits and control equipment that operate these vehicles are critical to their function. A typical EV has over 100 microprocessors, 2,000 integrated circuits (ICs), and 100 million lines of computer code [2][3]. To be competent in this role, an EV technician must not only have a thorough knowledge of electro-mechanical devices and systems but must also be familiar with digital and analog equipment including both communication and power electronics. In addition to servicing and repairing vehicles, a fully qualified EV technician must also be able to repair, maintain, and troubleshoot commercial charging stations using skills and tools that range from computer diagnostics to basic test equipment including digital multimeters (DMMs)[4]. Charging station troubleshooting includes insulation testing using a megger, thermal imaging, torque tests and performance evaluations. Other charging station troubleshooting techniques include locating and isolating ground faults and performing repairs on equipment as required.
Education, training and skills
EV technician educational courses and programs integrate theory with laboratory experiments. Typical courses include basic electricity, DC and AC circuits, power electronics, batteries and fuel cells, battery charging systems, powertrains, sensors and actuators, communication and control systems, EV safety, maintenance and repair. Keeping up-to-date with advances in technology in the EV industry is important. Key attributes for EV technicians are critical thinking skills, manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, communication skills, and mathematical aptitude. Entry-level EV technicians may find employment with EV manufacturers, dealerships, or repair shops. New technicians may be assigned to more experienced technicians in order to gain experience with complex tasks. Employers generally prefer applicants who have completed an EV technician certificate or related associate degree. Some Colleges, such as George Brown College, offer an online EV Technician program that uses simulation software, CircuitLogix, to complete EV lab projects and assignments.[5]. EV manufacturers such as Tesla Inc., offer their own in-house training programs [6]. Certification by accredited schools and third-party organizations can enhance employment opportunities and keep EV technicians current and up-to-date. Many of these EV courses and programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and training to achieve certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The ASE Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist (L3) Test is the first advanced level test offered by ASE for light duty hybrid/electric vehicle technicians. It is designed to measure a technician’s knowledge of the skills needed to diagnose both high- and low-voltage electrical/electronic problems, as well as other supporting system problems, on hybrid/electric vehicles. [7] Earning this certification can demonstrate aptitude with EVs and HEVs and increase employment opportunities.
Career Opportunities
EV technicians install, repair and maintain electric vehicles and the charging stations used by these vehicles.[8] The main role of EV technicians is to perform corrective and preventative maintenance on EVs and their components. EV technicians may be employed in EV dealerships where vehicles are brought to be serviced by the manufacturer, or they may work in independent vehicle service facilities where they may be required to work on a variety of EVs from different manufacturers. EV technicians are often graduates of auto mechanic apprenticeships and training programs who have received additional training and education in order to be qualified to service and repair electric vehicles. [9]
EV technicians also find employment as field technicians installing, servicing and repairing EV charging stations. These stations may be situated in commercial facilities such as parking garages or may be located on the roadside of major roads, as well as interstate highways. EV technicians who work on commercial chargers are responsible for the onsite repair and maintenance of EV charging stations in a specific geographic region, including but not limited to site safety, electrical system maintenance/repair, site field reports, and other duties as required to maintain and operate the site as specified by the employer. EV technicians who find employment installing, maintaining and repair charging stations are often electricians who have received additional training and education in order to successfully install and service charging stations. Other career opportunities for EV technicians include sales positions at EV dealerships where their knowledge of EV functionality is of value when advising prospective EV customers. Other EV technicians find employment in engineering companies who are designing EV components and charging station equipment. Further opportunities can be found with EV manufacturers where EV technicians are employed in the design and assembly of electric vehicles.
See also
Electric Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle
References
- ↑ "Alternative Fuels Data Center: Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles". afdc.energy.gov.
- ↑ Ferris, David. "Chip Shortage Threatens Biden's Electric Vehicle Plans, Commerce Secretary Says". Scientific American.
- ↑ Dignan, Larry. "Lines of Code in an EV". CBSNews.com.
- ↑ Groff, Christopher. "EV Repair tools". www.vehicleservicepros.com.
- ↑ "Use of simulation software to learn about EVs". EVTechnician.com.
- ↑ Lambert, Fred (March 26, 2018). "Tesla launches a new education program to train a new generation of electric car technicians".
- ↑ "L3 Certification".
- ↑ "Careers in Electric Vehicles : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics". www.bls.gov.
- ↑ "Learn.org -". learn.org.
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