Gas prices and environmental concerns have led to the rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry across North America. Although EVs have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine vehicles,they still require preventative maintenance to remain functional and safe. If you're an EV technician, you'll need to know how to inspect and troubleshoot vehicles.

EV maintenance differs from traditional vehicle maintenance in many ways. Brakes wear slowly on these vehicles, and often, they require fewer mechanical repairs. Knowing what to look for is important. If you're familiar with traditional vehicle maintenance, you'll need to adjust your expectations accordingly.

Key takeaways:

• Electric vehicles require very different preventative maintenance compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
• Preventive maintenance for EVs typically focuses on charging components and battery maintenance, software changes, and electrical diagnostics.
• EV technicians must know how the various parts of electric vehicles work together and where problems commonly arise.
• Proper EV technician training can help prepare you to perform EV preventative maintenance.

How EV Maintenance Differs from Gas Vehicle Maintenance

People with knowledge of gas vehicle maintenance must develop a whole new set of skills when they learn electric vehicle maintenance. EVs have fewer mechanical components and are less likely to require routine service for the mechanical parts they do have. There are no oil changes to keep up with or timing belts to replace.

Performing EV maintenance means testing battery performance and performing software updates for electrical systems. Their electrical components are central to their functionality, so EV technicians must use electronic monitoring systems to identify and diagnose problems.

EV Preventive Maintenance Checklist

High-Voltage Battery

Battery health directly affects EV range and performance. Inspect the battery for overall health and capacity. Electric vehicle batteries last between 8 and 15 years, depending on the conditions where they are used and how often they are serviced. Watch warning indicators and fault codes that could indicate serious problems.

Charging System Components

Every electric vehicle relies on charging components for vehicle operation. Damaged components may impact on the vehicle's ability to charge efficiently or safely. Inspect the condition of the charging port, cables, and connections. Look for signs of wear or damage.

Battery Cooling System

Electric vehicles operate best within a specific temperature range. If the battery is exposed to high temperatures, this can impact the battery life and overall performance. Overheating can cause the electric vehicle's battery to degrade faster. To inspect the cooling system, check the coolant levels, cooling pumps, and circulation systems that keep the battery cool. Test the thermal management system for fault codes that could indicate a problem.

Braking System

Regenerative braking improves EV efficiency while relieving pressure on traditional braking systems, so EVs wear through traditional brakes much more slowly than gas-powered vehicles. When checking the braking system, it's important to test the regenerative braking performance, brake pads, rotor condition, brake fluid, and electronic brake system.

Tires and Wheel Assemblies

Like gas-powered vehicles, EVs need tires with sufficient tread to drive on roads safely. One way that EVs are different from gas-powered vehicles is their weight: they tend to be heavier than gas-powered vehicles. This affects their tire wear and tear. EVs wear through tires as much as 20% faster than gas-powered vehicles. When checking EV tires, measure the tire tread depth, check the wear patterns, and test the tire pressure. Check the wheel alignment as well as the tires' overall condition.

Suspension and Steering Components

The additional weight on EVs affects more than the tires. EV suspension systems, including shock absorbers and struts, can wear out quickly. Proper suspension performance affects the ride quality, so it's important to check the vehicle's suspension components for signs of wear and damage.

Diagnostic System Scan

Performing a full system scan can help you diagnose a problem before the driver notices something is wrong. Look for battery system alerts, as well as sensor problems. Once you've correctly diagnosed a problem, you can address it before it creates significant damage or has a seriously debilitating effect on performance.

Software and Firmware Updates

Electric vehicles should take advantage of regular software updates to operate as  efficiently and safely as possible. When going through your EV maintenance checklist, check for manufacturer software updates and install them if necessary.

Electrical Connections

Damaged electrical connections can create a range of problems during electric vehicle operation. Check electrical connections, including the high-voltage cables, for signs of wear and tear.

High-Voltage Safety Procedures Every Technician Should Follow

Every EV technician needs to wear proper protective equipment and follow electrical safety measures when inspecting electric vehicles. Getting EV technician training from a reputable polytechnic school can help prepare you for performing safe and effective EV inspections.

Technical Skills Needed for EV Preventive Maintenance

As an EV technician, you'll need knowledge of battery and electrical systems, diagnostic and troubleshooting skills, an understanding of the electronic control systems, and a clear understanding of how to handle a high-voltage battery safely. You'll also need to know how to perform system diagnostics and software updates to ensure optimal vehicle operation.

Develop Your Expertise In EV Preventive Maintenance

The demand for technicians with EV maintenance expertise is expected to grow as electric vehicles grow in popularity. This means there will be a growing number of job opportunities for technicians in dealerships, repair facilities, and EV manufacturer facilities.

If you're seeking an interesting and exciting career with growth potential, you may enjoy becoming an EV technician. To switch technical careers or to get your start as a technician, contact George Brown Polytechnic for EV Technician Training. Call one of our Program Coordinators today at 1-888-553-5333, or email us at [email protected].