Earthling Automotive, an independent EV service and repair shop in San Francisco, has expanded its EV knowledge program in response to the urgent need to train automotive technicians in the aftermarket. As EV adoption accelerates, “aftermarket repair shops need to be prepared to service EVs safely and at competitive prices, as consumers look for service alternatives to the dealerships,” the company says.

“Today’s electric vehicles are much more than nuts and bolts,” said Jack Rosebro, Earthling Automotive Head of Training, “they are nuts, bolts, physics and code. A deep understanding of diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of electric vehicles is critical to the aftermarket sector’s success. The rate at which EV technology matures requires that we combine our own internal, hands-on, real-world training—today as well as what we’ve learned over the past twenty years, working with electrified vehicles—and make it available to the industry at large.”

Earthling Automotive provides hands-on courses in small groups (no more than four students), where students work on vehicles, and examine actual case studies.

EV and hybrid training programs include:

• Tesla classes: This two-day Tesla 1 course provides technicians and shop owners with essential knowledge of Tesla vehicles, and serves as a prerequisite for advanced Tesla service courses.
• Hybrid/EV classes: Service professionals receive instruction on general hybrid and EV platforms. Learning objectives are relevant to most makes and models, and laboratory exercises are focused on the 2004-2016 Toyota Prius. Students gain hands-on experience diagnosing, testing and replacing high-voltage components.
• Electrical 1: A solid electrical foundation is invaluable when working on any EV or hybrid in any shop. This three-day course assumes no prior diagnostic experience with automotive electrical systems.
• Community college partnerships: Earthling Automotive is collaborating with community colleges to update instructors on the newest EV technology, starting with Miracosta College in California.

Source: Earthling Automotive