ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE NO LONGER FRINGE. COLLISION REPAIR SHOPS MUST EVOLVE TRAINING, TOOLS AND SAFETY PRACTICES TO KEEP UP
Electric vehicles are no longer on the fringe. While their numbers are still nowhere near ice models, EVs are steadily increasing on Canadian roads—and that means they will increasingly appear in collision repair facilities.
Studies show that, despite the rise of automated driver-assistance systems, accident rates have not dropped significantly.
Too many drivers develop a false sense of security with these features and, all too often, turn their attention to their phones. The reality is simple: EVs will continue to find their way into repair shops, and we need to be ready.
That readiness begins with training. Without proper education and preparation, repairing an EV can be dangerous. High-voltage systems are not forgiving. Mistakes can be costly, and in the worst cases, deadly. This magazine exists to help build a culture of training, awareness and shared knowledge—so that every repair is done safely and correctly.
We are also seeing a fascinating shift in the shop dynamic. Traditionally, young technicians learned from their senior peers, who passed along decades of wisdom and mentorship. Today, the reverse is often true. Younger technicians are more familiar with EV technology, digital tools and cloud-based systems. They are sometimes the ones showing older colleagues the safest and most effective repair practices. That reversal is reshaping mentorship in collision repair.
Our goal at EV Repair is to reflect this moment in all its complexity—not just how to repair EVs safely, but also what the latest trends mean for our industry, and what new tools and products are emerging to support the work. In this issue, you will find excellent insights from Ryan Mandel and Greg Horn on the trends shaping EV adoption, and from Brittany Kearns on how to structure training in an EV environment.
Last year, while running the Collision Repair EV Tour across Canada, I had the chance to meet many of the people leading the charge in EV repair. Their dedication and perspective convinced me this is one of the most important conversations we can be having as an industry.
I hope you enjoy this issue and take something useful back to your shop. But more than that, I want your feedback. Tell us your challenges, your successes, and the lessons you’ve learned. Together, we can ensure this industry is ready for the EV era—and that every vehicle returned to the road is repaired with safety, precision and pride.
