How to Become an Electric Vehicle Mechanic
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular all around the world as more people look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. As a result, there is a growing demand for qualified electric vehicle mechanics. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency, EV sales are expected to hit an all-time high in 2022!
If you’re interested in a career as an electric vehicle mechanic, read on to learn how you can start off.
What Does an Electric Vehicle Mechanic Do?
Let’s begin by discussing what you’ll be responsible for if you choose to become an EV mechanic.
An electric vehicle mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing EVs. They may work in a car dealership, repair shop, or in partnership with car insurance providers (find out more about car insurance).
Electric vehicle mechanics typically do the following:
- Inspect EVs to identify any problems
- Test batteries, motors, and other electrical components
- Repair or replace worn parts
- Provide regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations
- Advise EV owners on how to extend the life of their vehicle
Now let’s discuss what you need to do to become an EV mechanic.
How to Become an EV Mechanic?
Get the Necessary Qualifications
The first step to becoming an electric vehicle mechanic is to get the necessary qualifications. You will need a high school diploma or equivalent, and it is recommended that you complete a post-secondary training program in automotive mechanics.
There are many different electric vehicle training programs available. Some focus on hybrid technology, while others focus specifically on electric vehicles.
Whichever program you choose, make sure it is accredited by a reputable organization such as the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
Look Out for Programs Like Tesla’s START
In order to become a Tesla-certified electric vehicle mechanic, you will need to complete the company’s START program. The START program is an intensive training program that lasts for sixteen weeks.
During the program, you will receive both classroom and hands-on training. You will also have the opportunity to take the ASE certification exam. Upon successful completion of the START program, you will be eligible to apply for a position as a Tesla-certified electric vehicle mechanic.
The START program is just one example of the type of training programs that are available. There are many other similar programs offered by different companies and organizations. Do some research to find a program that is a good fit for you.
Find an Entry Level Job to Get Experience
Once you have the necessary qualifications, the next step is to get some experience. Many electric vehicle mechanics start out as automotive technicians or mechanics and then transition into specializing in electric vehicles.
If you already have experience working on cars, that’s a great start. However, if you don’t have any experience, you may want to consider getting an entry-level job at a garage or an internship at a dealership that specializes in electric vehicles.
This will give you the opportunity to learn about electric vehicles and gain the necessary hands-on experience.
Networking is also a great way to get started in this career. Attend electric vehicle trade shows and events, and connect with people who are already working as electric vehicle mechanics. They may be able to provide you with useful information and advice, and they may even know of job openings that you can apply for.
Don’t Forget to Get ASE Certified
Once you get two years of experience in the EV industry, you will become eligible to get the ASE certification. The ASE certification is a nationally recognized certification that shows that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work as an automotive technician.
There are many different areas of the ASE certification, but the most relevant for electric vehicle mechanics is the A5 and A6 certification, which covers electrical and electronic systems.
To get the A5 and A6 certification, you will need to pass a multiple-choice written exam. You can register for the test by visiting the ASE’s website.
Once you pass multiple ASE tests, you will become certified as an Advanced Level Technician. This is the highest level of certification that the ASE offers, and it shows that you have a high level of skills and knowledge.
Keep Up With the Latest Technology
Electric vehicles are constantly evolving, and new technologies are being developed all the time. In order to keep up with the latest advancements, it is important to stay up to date with the latest news and developments in the industry.
One way to do this is to read trade publications. These publications will keep you informed about the latest news, products, and technologies. They will also provide you with information about upcoming events and conferences that you can attend.
Another way to stay up to date is to participate in online forums and discussion groups. These forums are a great way to connect with other electric vehicle mechanics and learn from their experiences.
Is Becoming an EV Mechanic Worth It?
If you are passionate about cars and want to work in an exciting and rapidly growing industry, then becoming an electric vehicle mechanic is definitely worth it. This career offers a lot of opportunities for growth and advancement, and the pay is quite good. On average, electric vehicle mechanics earn a salary of $66,007 per year.
However, it is important to keep in mind that this career does require a significant amount of training and education. It is not something that you can just jump into without any prior experience or knowledge.
But if you are willing to put in the time and effort, then becoming an electric vehicle mechanic can be a very rewarding career.
Remember, the EV industry is only in its very early stages of development, so there is a lot of room for growth and advancement.
If you want to be at the forefront of this exciting industry, then becoming an electric vehicle mechanic is definitely the right choice for you!
