EV Upskilling: A Guide for Fleet Managers and Technicians

With that growth, the need to upskill technicians to handle EV repairs and maintenance has become a major priority, and one that can be difficult to actualize if you don’t have solid strategies for EV upskilling in place.

For fleet managers, effective EV fleet management means equipping your team with necessary EV expertise, which not only ensures operational efficiency but also guarantees safety and reliability in maintaining these advanced vehicles. But there’s even more potential value for technicians. Consumer Affairs estimates that nearly 1 million mechanics will be needed by the end of 2024 to meet the increasing demands of overall automotive growth, and mechanics with EV expertise can expect to make more than their untrained counterparts as EV usage expands – which means a lot of opportunity and mobility for EV-trained technicians.

Let’s take a look at a few actionable strategies tailored for both fleet managers providing training and technicians seeking to enhance their skills for the electric future.

Tips For Fleet Managers

1. Analyze the gap

Start by assessing the current skill level of your technicians as it pertains to EV technology. You might be pleasantly surprised by existing interest or even some training that your team already has.

You’ll want to identify the gaps in knowledge and competencies specific to EV systems so you can tailor an upskilling program to address these gaps effectively. There are three primary areas you’ll want to ensure your technicians are up to date on as it relates to EVs:

• Electric propulsion systems: The biggest difference between internal combustion engine assets and EVs is, simply, the engine. EV work requires a working knowledge of electric motors, inverters and high-voltage battery systems, as well the necessary tools for EV fleet maintenance.
• Diagnostic ability: Understanding how EV propulsion systems work is one thing; because EV repairs are less commonly occurring and require more specialized repairs when they do come up, technicians also need to be able to effectively diagnose and repair issues when they arise.
• Safety: High voltage systems, reasonably, can be incredibly dangerous if they’re not handled with proficiency. Technicians need ample training to handle EV systems safely and deactivate high-voltage systems for work. ⠀

2. Invest in the right training

Finding the right training provider can dictate the success of your endeavor. You’ll want to collaborate with reputable training providers who specialize in EVs to develop experiential training modules that cover the fundamental principles of EV operation, diagnostics, repairs, charging infrastructure and safety.

It’s important that the training you provide goes beyond the simple theoretical knowledge of an online course – education means nothing if it can’t be applied practically to reinforce that learning. Make sure that training can be a hands-on effort.

3. Hold team-wide workshops

The next step is to organize workshops where your technicians can begin to familiarize themselves with EV components and systems. You’ll want to provide simulation environments to replicate real world scenarios that allow technicians to practice diagnostics and repairs in a controlled setting.

It’s worth letting technicians get under the hood of a real EV, which is easy if you already have them in your fleet, but if you don’t, consider partnering with a third party training program so your technicians have access to hands-on learning. Encourage active participation and have a system to provide constructive feedback so technicians get the best learning outcomes.

4. Bring in experts

If you have the ability to do so, invite industry experts and EV manufacturers to conduct specialized training sessions so you can leverage their expertise and delve into advanced topics such as battery management, charging infrastructure and software diagnostics. Encourage open dialogue and Q&A sessions to address specific challenges and concerns in the shop.

5. Offer continuous learning and development opportunities

It’s important to establish a culture of continuous learning by offering ongoing training opportunities for technicians who want to stay ahead of the curve in EV technology. Be sure to update training programs accordingly and encourage technicians to pursue certifications and professional development courses to stay ahead in their field.

Tips for Technicians

1. Be proactive

Regardless of the existence of an EV fleet training program at your company, you should always try to take initiative in seeking out EV-specific opportunities for yourself if you want to upskill. Express your interest and willingness to invest in electric vehicle technology to your managers, and stay updated with industry trends and advancements through online resources, forums and workshops.

2. Create your own opportunities where you can

Create experiences for yourself by volunteering for EV-related tasks and projects within your fleet organization. Request mentorship from other well-versed technicians or even shadow others to gain practical insights.

Online simulators and virtual labs for practicing troubleshooting and repair techniques can go a long way if you don’t currently have access to get "under the hood" of an EV.

3. Get certified and credentialed

Pursue relevant certifications, like ASE's Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Advanced Diagnostics certification, so you have tangible validation of your knowledgeability. Many EV manufacturers like Tesla and other reputable institutions offer their own training programs to enhance your credentials as well.

Crafting your own education journey can showcase your commitment to professional development, and many companies offer education benefits you can tap into to go after those certifications.

4. Tap into your network (or build one!)

Networking is everything in industries with advancing technologies – your peers can offer up even more learning opportunities you might not have known about, and you can build up a backlog of best practices based on their own lived experiences on the job. You can also collaborate on projects in your training programs or join a study group for certification exams.

5. Stay flexible and be willing to adapt

A growth mindset is key to the upskilling process. Stay open to learning new skills and techniques, and be adaptable in the face of evolving technology so you can stay current on things like industry standards and incentives. You’ll also want to continuously seek feedback and strive for improvement in your craft as an EV technician.