An electric car mechanic or an electric vehicle (EV) technician is a skilled professional trained to diagnose, maintain, and repair electric cars and other hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
Electric vehicle mechanics are at the forefront of a business that has a bright future. Anyone with motivation and perseverance can become an electric vehicle mechanic, regardless of their background in auto repair.
Becoming an electric car mechanic in 2024 involves a combination of education and hands-on experience. This article will discuss, in detail, how to become an electric car mechanic.
Table of contents
Who Is An Electric Car Mechanic?
An electric car mechanic is a technician who specializes in the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles (EVs), which are powered by batteries and electric motors rather than internal combustion engines.
Electric car mechanics typically understand EVs’ unique components and systems, such as high-voltage batteries, inverters, and electric motors.
They are trained to diagnose and repair problems with these components and perform routine maintenance to ensure the vehicle operates efficiently and safely.
Electric car mechanics may also be knowledgeable about charging systems and infrastructure since electric cars need to be set, and maintenance of charging stations also plays an important role.
Electric car mechanics may also be referred to as “EV mechanics” or “EV technicians,” They have to have a good understanding of electrical systems and experience with automotive repair.
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What Are The Duties Of An Electric Car Mechanic?
It’s important to note that there is a great deal of overlap between the duties of an electric car mechanic and those of a traditional automotive mechanic. However, here are a few duties of an electric car mechanic.
1. Diagnosis and repair of vehicle systems
Electric car mechanics troubleshoot and repair problems with the vehicle’s high-voltage battery, inverter, electric motor, and other methods. They may use computerized diagnostic equipment to identify and diagnose issues and repair or replace faulty components.
2. Routine maintenance
It is also the duty of an electric car mechanic to perform regular maintenance on vehicles, such as oil changes, tire rotation, and brake inspections. They also check and replace battery coolant and other fluids as necessary and may perform other tasks to ensure that the vehicle runs safely and efficiently.
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3. Charging systems
Electric car mechanics may be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing charging stations and home charging systems, understanding the different types of chargers, how to install them, and how to maintain them properly.
4. Documenting work
Electric car mechanics must keep accurate records of work performed on vehicles and charging systems, including any repairs or maintenance done, parts used, and costs incurred. This is important for both warranty and maintenance records.
5. Safety
Electric car mechanics must know and follow all safety protocols when working with high-voltage electrical systems. They must be trained to work with these systems safely and understand the potential hazards, such as electrical shock.
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6. Stay updated with the latest trends
Electric car technology is constantly evolving, so electric car mechanics need to stay up to date on the latest industry developments and advances in technology to be able to diagnose and repair the newest models of electric vehicles.
How To Become An Electric Car Mechanic In 2024
Becoming an electric car mechanic generally involves several steps, including obtaining the necessary education and training, gaining experience in the field, and obtaining certifications.
Here’s a general outline of the steps you can take to become an electric car mechanic:
1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent
This is typically the first step in becoming an electric car mechanic, as most training programs and employers require a high school diploma or equivalent.
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2. Earn Associate Degree in EV technology
Many vocational schools, community colleges, and universities offer training programs in automotive mechanics, focusing on electric cars. These programs can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to become an electric car mechanic.
if you want a thorough education to become an EV technician, you need to enroll at a local community college that offers a degree in electric vehicle technology. You can become an EV technician by completing one of these programs, which lasts between one and two years.
3. Gain experience
After completing your education, gaining experience working on electric cars is essential. You can do this by interning or apprenticing with an experienced electric car mechanic or working at a dealership or repair shop specializing in electric vehicles.
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3. Obtain an ASE certification
ASE, or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, offers various automotive mechanics certifications, including electric and hybrid cars.
You can become ASE certified once you have at least two years of professional experience as a mechanic. To become certified in EV systems, you must pass the A6 (automobile electrical systems) and A8 (engine performance) exams.
The certification is offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellent, a nonprofit that issues specialized certifications for vehicle mechanics.
Manufacturers also provide their certifications, such as Tesla Motors or BMW.
4. Specialize in Electric Cars
Look for job opportunities that specifically involve electric cars, such as working for an electric car dealership or a company specializing in electric car repair and maintenance.
Many companies that make gas-powered cars also sell EVs. As the market evolves from gas to electric vehicles, these companies must train new technicians.
Lastly, electric vehicles are still a new technology that is rapidly evolving, So it’s essential to keep updated with the latest advancements and developments in the field.
How Much Does An Electric Car Mechanic Make?
PayScale reports that mechanics who can work with plug-in hybrid and electronic vehicles earn a median of $24.42 an hour, or about $66,258 annually.
The BLS does not have wage-specific data for electric vehicles but reports that most automotive mechanics earn $44,050 annually and that many experienced mechanics receive a commission based on the customer’s cost.
According to Zippia, the average salary for an electric engine mechanic in the US is $85,487 per year or $41.1 per hour. On the lower end of the scale, the bottom 10% of electric engine mechanics make about $62,000 a year, while the top 10% make $116,000 annually.
What Are The Skills Required To Be An Electric Car Mechanic?
Here are a few soft skills you need to possess to succeed as an electric car mechanic:
1. Customer Service Skills
Automobile specialists need to be able to express automotive issues clearly and simply without using technical jargon. All clients will be able to answer knowledgeably in this fashion. To keep customers as clients, you must interact with them and respond to their inquiries politely and kindly.
The ability to provide excellent customer service is a requirement. People spend a lot of money on their cars, motorcycles, and RVs, so it only makes sense that they want to work with a technician they can trust and develop a lasting connection with. We are all aware that earning someone’s trust is not simple.
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2. Attention to Detail
Automotive technicians must be well-versed in every minute aspect while examining and fixing car systems. Mechanical and electrical faults can be prevented by avoiding simple-to-miss causes. Because of this, you require meticulous attention to detail.
People don’t want to wait to find out what’s wrong with their vehicles, so they immediately identify the problem and find an effective solution. After all, they depend on their cars to drop the kids off at school, get to work, and take care of their responsibilities.
Great mechanics can effectively and efficiently use diagnostic tools to determine what’s wrong as quickly as possible.
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3. Organizational Skills
Having the right auto mechanic skills isn’t going to cut it for you. You should also have organizational skills that help in running a business. You must adequately manage the workspace and your fellow workers, streamline the projects, and manage them effectively.
The ability to maintain organization while working is crucial for car technicians. Workspace organization and cleanliness contribute to maintaining safety and guaranteeing part accountability.
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4. Work Ethic
One of the essential ethics in every field is this one; the ability to roll up your sleeves and get under the hood prepared to repair practically anything at any time of the day should be required. It’s part of your job to get gritty, so don’t be afraid to do it.
There will be some emergencies where you have to work late, and you should be prepared to do that for customer satisfaction; in short, you should be ready to go the extra mile to provide good customer service.
5. Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to know how to handle issues in and out of the office. Great mechanics can find issues as they arise and suggest the best, most affordable fixes. They must then be able to explain the suggested fixes to customers, who are frequently unhappy with the news.
It is crucial to provide clients with accurate, trustworthy information in response to their perhaps uninformed opinions and inquiries. Don’t worry; with practice and time, you can become an expert in this skill.
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6. Proficient in diagnostic tools and equipment
Electric car mechanics should be able to use diagnostic tools and equipment to diagnose and repair problems in the electrical systems of electric vehicles.
The technology used to fix today’s automobiles is constantly improving as the vehicles become more sophisticated than ever. Great mechanics are distinguished from good ones by their proficiency with modern diagnostic tools and vehicle electronics.
7. Mechanical skills
Electric car mechanics should have strong mechanical skills and be able to work on electric vehicles’ electrical and mechanical systems.
How Long Does It Take To Become An Electric Car Mechanic?
In the United States, the time it takes to become an electric car mechanic can vary depending on the type of training and education you receive. Some mechanics enter the field after completing a traditional automotive repair program, which can take several months to two years.
Additionally, specialized programs and certifications for US electric vehicle (EV) mechanics may take longer than traditional automotive repair programs. For example, some community colleges and vocational schools in the US offer EV repair courses, which usually take a few months, and are part of automotive technology programs and focus on the specifics of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Enroll at a local community college that offers a degree in electric vehicle technology if you want a thorough education to become an EV technician. You can become an EV technician by completing one of these programs, which lasts between one and two years.
Is It Difficult To Secure A Job As An EV Mechanic?
Electronic vehicles are the way of the future because of global warming and the impending scarcity of fossil fuels. There will be a greater need for technicians and mechanics as EVs become more affordable and well-liked. Since dealers and EV manufacturers know this, they will likely assist you if you contact them and let them know you want to learn how to operate EVs.
FAQs On How To Become An Electric Car Mechanic
Depending on your area of specialization and the position you’re seeking, you’ll need a variety of abilities and credentials to work on electric vehicles. Electric car engineers need a minimum engineering degree. So, depending on your career path, you’ll have to attain electrical engineering, automotive engineering, or mechanical engineering.
No. It’s not compulsory, but the ASE certification will make you unique..
Yes, basic math is a requirement for auto technicians. For instance, mechanics frequently employ fractions to choose the best tools (such as wrenches).
According to Zippia, the average salary for an electric engine mechanic in the US is $85,487 per year or $41.1 per hour
Conclusion
The process of becoming an EV mechanic is relatively simple. It entails earning a certificate or associate’s degree in mechanical engineering or automotive technology, completing an internship, and landing a job at a car manufacturer, dealer, or repair facility.
References
- wikihow.com – How to Become an Electric Car Mechanic
- rxmechanic.com – How To Become An Electric Car Mechanic?
- zippia.com – ELECTRIC ENGINE MECHANIC SALARY
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