Forecasts point to a figure of 250,000 electric vehicles and the installation of 100,000 charging points next year
Despite the general crisis and in particular the supply problems at the main car manufacturers, sales have slowed this year. Still, it is expected to reach a fleet of 250,000 electric vehicles and the installation of 100,000 charging stations next year.
On the doubts about its autonomy and with a clear lack of charging infrastructure in Spain, the potential buyers of this type of vehicle, accustomed to proven petrol and diesel engines, also doubt the reliability of this type of new mechanics. Their biggest doubts relate to whether the workshops are prepared for the overhaul and repair of these vehicles, whether they are more unlucky than petrol or diesel cars, whether they require special maintenance or which breakdown is the most expensive.
Víctor Pardo, Market Manager and Taller de Norauto Projects, solves the main doubts many drivers have about the overhaul and repair of this type of electric vehicle:
1-Should Electric Cars Carry Out More Revisions?
No, the same as a thermal vehicle, although its frequency depends on the brand. Of course, different points are checked, depending on the type of vehicle. Ideally, carry out a thorough evaluation every year for greater safety and check certain elements such as the battery and those that wear out the most, such as tires, brakes… before long journeys.
2-Do they break more than diesel or petrol cars?
In reality, there is no reason for them to be more unlucky than a petrol or diesel car, on the contrary. You might think of the greater suffering of the tires as they support the greater weight and torque of these vehicles, but there are several studies showing that this is not the case.
In fact, pure electric cars or the electric part of hybrids have fewer failures compared to a combustion engine.
3-Which malfunctions are most common in this type of vehicle?
Among the most common specific failures in electric vehicles we find the battery and the charging connectors.
Of course, we have to take into account that, like petrol or diesel vehicles, they usually require changes to the lights, replacement of brakes and tires, replacement of the cabin filter…
4-Are the workshops prepared for the overhaul and maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles?
Norauto professionals have received the necessary training to perform maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles. Likewise, our workshops are adapted and have the necessary technology. For example, our technicians have insulating gloves, signal elements, 1000 volt insulated hand tools…
5-What differences are there with regard to the revision related to petrol or diesel vehicles?
We have set up 9 specific checks. On the one hand, we check the coolant of the electric motor and the battery. On the other hand, we check the condition of the charging cable, as well as the cables and sheaths of the high-voltage cables. We also look at the battery pack (if accessible), the condition of the charging connector and perform an electronic diagnosis of the battery pack. Finally, we perform three technical checks to find out the health status of the high voltage battery.
6- Can high and low temperatures affect electric vehicles? How?
Naturally. In the same way that extreme temperatures negatively affect any type of battery. But don’t worry, these vehicles are tested in both conditions to improve on these aspects.
7-Does it cost more to go through the workshop with an electric vehicle?
The truth is that no. The workshops have many adjusted prices. In addition, we have to take into account that they generally spend less time in the workshop because they are less unlucky.
8-Which breakdown can be the most expensive in this type of vehicle?
The change of battery, although with the passage of time and the popularization of prices should decrease.
9-Are the workshops also prepared for the pre-ITV assessment of hybrid and electric vehicles?
First of all, it must be taken into account that electric vehicles must indeed pass the Technical Vehicle Inspection, just like petrol or diesel cars. To date, they are subject to the same inspection regulations and there are no specific control points for them. Of course, the electric ones do not undergo the emissions test, although the hybrids will have to do the stationary test.
Taking all this into account, yes, workshops are generally willing to carry out a pre-ITV vehicle assessment.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
