Electric car diagnostics - what does it look like and how does it work?
Ecology
4 January 2023
Electric car diagnostics require the mechanic to be focused and take all safety precautions. How long does a repair take and how does the car get ready for diagnostics? We present everything you need to know about electric car diagnostics!
Electric car diagnostics - where can they be carried out?
Car diagnostics enables the quality of multiple units in a car to be verified by hooking up just one machine to the car. A car diagnostics station should be adapted to the inspection of electric cars - this requires the right equipment and skills.
The first few years after buying a new car are covered by a warranty, so it is worth using the services offered by authorised repairers. However, this is not the only solution in the event of a car breakdown. As mentioned earlier, vehicles with an electric motor require significantly different servicing equipment, which is also available from independent garages.
As is well known, as the popularity of electric cars has increased, more stations have started to be set up to diagnose them. This is important because of the number of electric cars bought second-hand - many independent garages are investing in equipment to diagnose cars with electric motors. However, equipment alone is not enough - proper training and knowledge of electric car construction is also important.
What does electric car diagnostics involve?
The diagnosis of electric or hybrid cars, just like the periodic inspection of the car, should be carried out under appropriate conditions. Car electrics diagnostics, repair and inspection of the vehicle require compliance with certain rules due to the risk of electrocution.
Electric car diagnostics are carried out after the high-voltage system has been disconnected. This is the most important stage of car repair, as the unit can operate at up to 1 kV. Any abnormalities can be found by a computer connected to the car's system. An experienced and qualified mechanic will analyse the abnormalities and interpret them accordingly to then proceed to repair the parts in the car.
Elements of electric car diagnostics - battery reconditioning, current repairs
There are more than 40,000 drivers of hybrids and electric vehicles on Polish roads. Although they do not break down often, they do happen once in a while. What are the most common problems encountered by electric car owners?
The most common error is battery failure, which can be caused by a number of reasons. Admittedly, a lot of cars with electric motors can be used for many years and this fault will not occur. However, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance to check the quality of the parts in the vehicles. Tyre, chassis and brake failures are less common.
Battery degradation can occur not only in electric cars, but we will focus on this type at this point. The cells in the modules that make up the battery become damaged over time, which shortens their lifespan. They can then be remanufactured - this is much more often chosen by customers than a complete battery replacement. Every electric car station allows the battery to be fully charged while stationary - it is worth taking advantage of this.
Who can diagnose electric cars and where to find a professional workshop?
Car engine diagnostics require experience and skill. As mentioned earlier, not all mechanics can deal with the repair of electric cars. Exactly what qualifications should a mechanic have to be able to deal with electric car diagnostics?
You need to be certified to work with equipment that exceeds even 1 kV. Traction batteries found in electric cars are at high voltage, making it necessary to get a licence from the Association of Polish Electricians to work with them.
A mechanic who does not have the appropriate training to prepare to work with such a vehicle should also not proceed to repair it. Electrically powered cars are constructed differently to those popular over the past few decades. They are different in terms of how the engine works, as well as the structure itself - which is why the training should also include familiarisation with any parts structures.
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