Professional_Tool_And_Equipment_News_September_2020 - 38

Understanding
modern drivetrains

Hybrid and electric vehicles are the future of all progressive shops.
By Scott Brown,
Technical Editor

or those who have been in the service industry since the mid-'90s, most of us
have witnessed quite a remarkable evolution of alternative propulsion systems.
Twenty years ago, the Toyota Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle
to hit the North American market. Sales of the Prius continue today, and several
other hybrid and electric models have entered the mix.
At my shop in Southern California
key to gaining their trust and subsequent
we've been servicing hybrids for many
business. If you're thinking about workyears. For the most part, many of their
ing with electrified vehicles, consider getservice items aren't much different than
ting up to speed first with the essentials,
that of internal combustion engine (ICE)
such as gauging your market and learning more about what it takes to provide
vehicles. Tires, suspension, and axles all
competent services in this market.
wear the same and require maintenance
It's important to seek out and use the
and repair. Brakes don't typically wear
correct tooling, as well. The proper catout as fast due to regenerative braking.
However, these braking systems still
egory rated (CAT) equipment as defined
require periodic maintenance, which is
by the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) 61010 standard
often overlooked. Brake caliper sliders,
should be top of mind when choosing
for instance, can bind or seize up due
the proper tooling and equipment for
to minimal use, especially if the vehicle
work on hybrid and electric vehicles.
operates in a harsh environment where
there's a lot of moisture or snow.
The CAT ratings are in place to define
Hybrids, extended range, and battery
how much voltage the tool can tolerate
electric vehicles require a different protowithout causing any damage or harm.
col of service attention. Many have therThere are many places one can acquire
mal management systems tasked with
technical knowledge on this topic. One
maintaining optimal temperatures for
option is to join a hybrid franchise group
the batteries and power management sysor similar organizations focused exclutems. This means that the heating, vensively on electrified vehicles.
tilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC)
systems become critical components,
CERTIFICATION AND
and need to operate properly to enable
STANDARDS
proper vehicle operation. All these
In the United States, unfortunately, there
vehicles will likely continue to support
are little to no requirements or standards
a low voltage system backed by a sound,
for those working on electrified vehicles.
12V battery.
In other countries such as Germany,
you're required to become a high voltSERVICE AND TOOLING BASICS
age expert before you can provide any
When it comes to high voltage systems, a
service on an electrified vehicle.
working knowledge of how they operate
I am fortunate to be participating
can keep you safe and healthy. Not only
in a project focusing on a certification
that, but being able to intelligently comstandard for those working on high voltmunicate with hybrid/EV customers is
age vehicles. This is a four-year project

PTEN

SEPTEMBER 2020

www.VehicleServicePros.com

funded through the National Science
Foundation (NSF) and is in its final year.
The folks participating in these efforts
are some of the most intelligent individuals with real-world working experience
I have ever met. I am proud to be part of
this effort and love to learn from these
great colleagues. If you're interested in
learning more about this grant, you'll
find that information by searching
"NSF 1700708".

A LOOK AT TESLA

Tesla is an interesting company and one
that many traditional OEM's are watching closely. Accessing training and tooling for Tesla vehicles is nearly impossible,
but one can study up on these vehicles
through other means, as more entities
are pooling resources and knowledge to
develop service solutions for Tesla customers who are no longer interested in
visiting their closed network.
If you want to see what the future of
vehicle transportation looks and feels
like, drive a Tesla. If you own a Tesla,
be forewarned that one of the experiences you'll have difficulty witnessing is
how the vehicle's features and operation
improves through software updates.
As a Tesla owner myself, I've noticed
all the updates my vehicle has received
thus far never required a visit to a service
department. This is because Tesla takes
advantage of their connected vehicle
network and can deliver updates and
receive vehicle feedback over-the-air
(OTA). Many manufacturers are beginning to take advantage of OTA updates,
and I believe this shift will continue to
grow as manufacturers race towards the
autonomous drive vehicle.

http://www.VehicleServicePros.com

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