The automotive industry is witnessing a significant shift with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). These vehicles, powered by onboard stored electricity, include not only road and rail vehicles but also surface and underwater vessels, electric aircraft, and even electric spacecraft. However, in everyday conversations, EVs typically refer to automobiles.

The Rise and Fall of EVs

EVs have a long history, dating back to the 1830s. They initially outperformed internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) due to several advantages, such as lower noise, vibration, harshness, and smell (NVHS) levels. Early EVs required fewer moving parts, eliminating the need for a hand crank to start the vehicle or gear changes while driving. By the late 19th century, EVs were gaining popularity, with innovations leading to widespread adoption.

However, between 1910 and 1930, the growth of ICEVs overshadowed EVs. The availability of cheap oil, mass production of ICEVs, and the development of road networks contributed to the rapid decline of EVs. Henry Ford’s affordable Model T, coupled with technological advancements like the electric starter, made ICEVs more accessible and appealing to the masses. By the mid-1930s, EVs had virtually disappeared from the market.

Despite their decline, EVs never lost their appeal due to their superior environmental performance. Over the decades, various companies continued to develop alternative technologies, leading to the evolution of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

The Revival of EVs

The resurgence of EVs can be traced back to several key developments between the 1940s and 1980s, including the invention of the transistor (1947), MOSFET (1959), the Gulf Oil Crisis (1970), and the development of lithium-ion batteries (1980). These advancements in electronics and battery technology, along with falling prices, reignited interest in EVs among both existing ICEV manufacturers and new entrants like Tesla.

Tesla has played a pioneering role in the EV market, investing heavily in Giga Factories and developing cutting-edge battery technology. The company’s Model S, the world’s first premium all-electric sedan, set a new standard in safety, performance, and efficiency.

Impact on Automotive Service and Repair

The rise of EVs is transforming the automotive industry, particularly in service and repair. Traditional vehicle platforms, such as the ladder-type and monocoque chassis, are being adapted for EVs through retrofitting. However, new EVs built on skateboard chassis platforms, designed specifically for electric powertrains, are yet to become common on Indian roads.

The shift to EVs has created a demand for new skills and technologies in automotive service centers. Unlike ICEVs, which rely on internal combustion engines, EVs use electric motors and advanced electrical and electronic systems. This requires technicians to develop expertise in electrical and electronic fault diagnosis while retaining some mechanical skills for components like the body shell and other mechanical parts.

The service environment for EVs is more complex due to the high-voltage systems involved. Technicians must follow stringent safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialized tools. Service centers must also create dedicated bays for diagnosing and repairing high-voltage issues and establish containment areas for storing removed battery packs.

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Future Challenges in EV Service

As EVs become more prevalent, the challenges in servicing and repairing these vehicles will increase. The electrical systems in EVs are significantly more complex than those in ICEVs, with two DC networks—one for the starter, lighting, and ignition (SLI) and another for the propulsion system. High-voltage components present new safety risks, necessitating the development of new workshop procedures and technician training.

Global EV manufacturers have adopted a “safety by design” approach, integrating multiple safety mechanisms into high-voltage wiring and systems. For instance, the high-voltage interlock loop (HVIL) acts as a circuit breaker in case of loose or damaged connections, ensuring the safety of both drivers and service technicians.

The Future of Automotive Servicing

The future of automotive servicing will be shaped by the increasing electrification of vehicles. As EVs become more modular, service centers will adopt a modular approach to repairs, replacing entire battery packs or drive units rather than fixing individual components. This approach will reduce costs, increase vehicle uptime, and maintain repair quality.

With time, EVs will require fewer mechanical repairs due to the reduction in moving parts. Instead, service stations will resemble advanced electronic repair shops, equipped with oscilloscopes, laptops, and electronic tools. The role of technicians will shift from mechanical repairs to diagnosing and fixing electronic and software issues.

Conclusion

The rise of EVs marks a significant transition in the automotive industry, with profound implications for service and repair. As EVs become more integrated into society, the demand for specialized skills and equipment in service centers will grow. The future of automotive servicing will focus on advanced electrical, electronic, and software systems, with a greater emphasis on safety and efficiency.

Independent service stations that thrived in the ICEV era may struggle to adapt to the complexities of EVs. However, those that reinvent themselves and embrace the necessary changes will continue to play a vital role in the evolving automotive landscape. As the industry moves towards connected and autonomous electric vehicles (CAEVs), the challenges will only intensify, making it crucial for OEMs to equip service centers with the tools and expertise needed to meet the demands of the future