Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Proper storage of EV batteries is crucial. Be sure to label them appropriately and store them in a designated area like a storage building outside your facility or have (50) feet of separation between a stored battery and a building or another vehicle. The facility should be
temperature controlled and have a ventilation system.

Yes. Stronger batteries in EVs are high-voltage energy systems and can be dangerous and even deadly if not handled correctly. Always use extra care and consideration when working with these systems. Every aspect of the EV runs on electricity and potentially hold a dangerous charge even with the vehicle turned off.

Yes. Electric vehicle and battery technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Groundbreaking research and technological improvements are greatly reducing battery prices, improving driving range and reducing the overall price for EVs.

Yes. You must commit a designated space within your shop for EVs and access must be limited to those authorized to work in the space. Barricades and other off-limits designations are important elements to reinforce the importance of this dedicated space.

Yes. As EV sales continue to increase, the demand for repair and maintenance services will inevitably increase. Repair shop owners can diversify their services and invest in EV training and equipment, positioning them as leaders in the expanding EV repair market.

Yes. You will need a service area barricade kit to prevent or limit access to work areas with live electrical components and repairs. JDI’s Service Area Barricade Kit includes (6) red and white posts, (1) 82-foot plastic chain, and (2) plastic warning signs.

Yes. It is critical to utilize OE service information and procedures for every EV or Hybrid. While there are standard service procedures, exact procedures of different vehicle makes will vary, and technicians need to follow these by the letter. OEM Manuals provide precise model-specific information straight from the manufacturer. Opting to use OEM guidelines and manuals ensures accuracy, reliability, reducing the risk of incorrect repairs or further damage to the vehicle.

EV training requires certification, showing a technician’s expertise and competence. It indicates completion of a rigorous program and the ability to service EVs safely and effectively.

Yes. The investment in training by the shop owner and the technician is a necessary investment in the future. EV-focused repair courses prepare technicians on how to safely repair these vehicles. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has been increasing its EV Skills
Training offerings regularly. ASE has launched its EV Safety Testing & Certification Program. In addition, several EV manufacturers offer specialized training programs for their own EVs.

Thermal runaway is one of the primary risks related to lithium-ion batteries. It occurs in an EV when its battery’s internal reactions cause a self-reinforcing cycle of increased heat production. This means the battery continues to get hotter by itself until the battery reaches its
limits or experiences a catastrophic failure like a fire.

EV lithium-ion battery fires are very difficult to extinguish and traditional fire repellents do not work. An EV battery’s internal reactions can cause a self-reinforcing cycle of increased heat
production meaning the battery continues to get hotter by itself until the battery reaches its limits or experiences a catastrophic failure like a fire (a process known as thermal runaway). The Vehicle Fire Blanket is the most efficient way to isolate an EV fire. It immediately isolates the fire/fumes and prevents spreading. While it will slowly smother/contain the fire, it will not put out the EV fire. It will control the fire until the Fire Department arrives.

A Vehicle Fire Blanket enables you to suppress EV, Hybrid, and ICE vehicle fires, flames and fumes. While preventing the fire from spreading and damaging vehicles and shop property.

Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) is a safety procedure ensuring an EV is properly disconnected to complete repair work. Appropriate car signage is required and a Locking Steering Wheel Cover
prevent technicians from accidental vehicle re-energizing. The Cover includes a strap closure at the back with metal eyelets designed for a Nylon Safety Padlock securing the Cover to the steering wheel. This device is an integral part of a LOTO procedure designed to meet the OSHA standard for the Control of Hazardous Energy.

Yes. However your bay must include specific items different than a standard bay. While renovations are always an option, if you are working with an existing space, you must commit a designated area for BEV/HEV repairs ONLY with clear indication of limited access to those authorized to work within the space.

Here are a few things you need to include in your EV/Hybrid bay:
– Yellow and black tape and caution/danger signage
– Service area barricade equipment including high voltage warnings
– A Shepard’s rescue hook
– Lock out/Tag out procedures and signage
– PPE for your technicians
– Insulated repair tools

Be mindful of the capital investment you will need to make when repairing EVs and Hybrids. These investments can include EV lifts, EV battery lifts, charging stations, electric test tools, equipment for programming onboard software and EV-compatible diagnostic equipment.

In the world of EV repair, having the right safety equipment is non-negotiable. You must equip your shop with PPE items including (but not limited to) EV gloves, specialized clothing, appropriate footwear, rubber mats, a shepherd’s rescue hook, a fire blanket in case of a fire,
and a device for verifying the vehicle’s safe for repairs. For a full catalog of EV safety equipment, click here.

Using certified insulated tools is essential in preventing the high risk of electrocution. The most needed tools are pliers, ratchets, screwdrivers, sockets, spanners, multimeters, high voltage probes, and insulated resistance testers. Equipment needs include EV lifts, EV battery lifts, charging stations, electric test tools, equipment for reprogramming onboard software, and EV-compatible diagnostic equipment.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) refers to clothing, equipment or tools designed to protect individuals from potential hazards while servicing an EV, significantly reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and exposure to electrical issues.

EV batteries, tires, brakes, coolant replacement, fluid checks, wiper blades, and cabin air filters

Yes, however it varies by class. For example Class 0 gloves, a common glove used with repairing EVs, must be tested by a blow test (either by manually blowing into the glove to identify any holes or leaks, or by using a Pneumatic Glove Tester. They should be tested before each use with a blow test and every (6) months thereafter and upon indications the insulating value is suspect. The OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.137 states all insulating equipment must be inspected for any damage before each day’s use and immediately following any incident that can reasonably be suspected.

Yes. Any repair product used with electric vehicles must comply with OSHA and IEC standards.

No. You must follow all OSHA safety regulations regarding working on electric vehicles, which requires qualified technicians working on or near energized electric vehicles wear insulating rubber gloves (with the correct class for the voltage) with leather protector gloves.

We recommend also wearing cotton under gloves for better comfort. Layer your gloves in this order: Hand>Cotton Under Gloves>Insulating Rubber Gloves>Leather Over Gloves.

First you need to determine what voltage you are working with. All EV repair gloves are rated – and color coded – by the maximum voltage the gloves can withstand. It is generally accepted by EV manufacturers Class 0 gloves are the proper choice when working on EVs, as they are rated at 1,500 volts DC maximum use voltage. You must identify what class gloves you need before ever working on a potentially charged electric or hybrid vehicle.

Insulated rubber gloves are not one-size-fits-all. Purchase gloves based on the hand size of the technician using them. Some glove manufacturers only offer small, medium, and large. Others offer half sizes, in inches.

Always choose the same size gloves. For example, if you wear size 10 insulating Rubber Gloves, choose size 10 in the over and under gloves. For complete comfort and safety, the three types of gloves are to be layered as follows: cotton under gloves/insulating rubber gloves/leather over gloves.

EV repair gloves are personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects you from electrical shock when working near live voltage on an EV. Electric and hybrid vehicles are not like internal combustion vehicles, where they can put off a significant amount of voltage. Repairers need to protect themselves from these potentially deadly electric shocks when repairing an EV or Hybrid.