Hot take: the push for electric vehicles is changing what tools we need in the shop

Three years ago, my shop in Spokane had maybe one hybrid come through a month. Last month, we had seven full electric cars for service. The big shift is the special gear we need now, like insulated socket sets and high voltage gloves that cost over $500. Last week, a regular customer brought in their new electric truck, and we had to turn down a brake job because we didn't have the right scan tool to put it in service mode. It's not just about fixing engines anymore. Has your shop started investing in this new equipment yet?

2 comments

2 Comments

morgan_ramirez1d ago

What about the cost for smaller shops? That gear adds up fast, and not everyone can afford it. It feels like the industry is leaving some of us behind.

robinp721d ago

Actually, you can do brake jobs on EVs without special scan tools. The service mode is mostly for safety, but you can still work on them with proper high voltage training and gloves.