THE RIGHT E-EQUIPMENT FOR THE WORKSHOP
The number of electric cars on the roads is increasing. Given the e-mobility initiatives of various car manufacturers, it can be assumed that the number will grow steadily in the coming years. As early as 2030, about 1/3 of all vehicles will be e-cars - and the trend is rising. This presents workshops with the task of integrating the servicing of electric vehicles into their portfolio.
The sooner garages start converting to an electric vehicle workshop, the better and smoother the transition will be.
Will the use of electric vehicles bring less work for the workshop?
Yes, oil changes and other work of the traditional garage are no longer necessary in a modern electric car workshop.
However, the maintenance effort for hybrid vehicles remains about the same. Even fully electric vehicles need functioning battery and thermal management systems, complex sensor technology for assistance systems, brakes, chassis and comfort systems that need to be maintained, checked and repaired if necessary. The right investments in training and equipment play a crucial role for the future of the workshop.
The vehicle electronics and the necessary work on high-voltage systems require a well thought-out safety concept, tools specially designed for electric vehicles and workshop equipment that meets the requirements for these vehicles. For this work, reliable diagnostic equipment, calibration systems and air conditioning service equipment are of great importance for the workshop.
At WOW! we are convinced that with the right partners, training and tools, a workshop can cope with the trend of electric mobility and open up profit-generating business areas.
Maintenance and repair of the battery and thermal management system
Especially expensive in high-voltage/electric vehicles are the battery systems. The performance of the vehicles' battery systems depends on each individual cell of the battery. This means that the individual "cell voltages" must be properly assessed by the workshop and the entire battery management system must be reliably and safely tested and repaired. To put it briefly: the proper and reliable diagnosis and repair of the vehicle must be guaranteed.
The diagnostic system DIALOOQ currently covers 231 different vehicle models from 32 manufacturers* in the field of high-voltage – tendency with increasing with every LOOQIT software update.
Among other things, mechanics can read out service data, program new batteries, check the battery status and use the OBFCM interface. The WOW! Diagnosis provides a "High Voltage / Hybrid" button in the software. This combines several functions. First and foremost, it serves to indicate that this vehicle may contain high-voltage systems.
There are currently two functions* behind the button.
* Software version 5.36.00 (November 2022)
The significance of the A/C system for the vehicle's full functionality is increasing
The air conditioning system in the e-vehicle is changing from a comfort system to an essential component for the e-drive. The thermal management system not only cools the vehicle interior, the drive, the battery and the control units, but also acts as a heat pump and heats all relevant systems if required.
If the thermal management system fails or has defects, the vehicle may come to a complete standstill.
Air-conditioning service is developing from a seasonal to a year-round business and service field for workshops. For workshops, it is important to inform themselves early on about new technologies such as heat pumps in e-vehicles and to position themselves as service providers. Offering a reliable air-conditioning service is therefore crucial for the success of the workshop in the e-sector.
The WOW! COOLIUS A/C service units offer exactly that.
They represent fully automatic, time-saving air-conditioning service for all vehicle types. Including thermal management systems of e-vehicles.
Complex systems only remain complex if you don't know the right people to contact. Würth and WOW! offer you flexible tools and the right working materials in the field of battery and thermal management so that you can become an electric vehicle expert.
In the field of e-mobility, we offer you a fully comprehensive "e-mobility concept" that includes everything important for working on and with electric vehicles:
* Availability of products and services may vary per country. Get into contact with your Würth national subsidiary for information about the scope of services.