Building visibility, engagement for EV services

Ontario auto shops are stepping up with new services as electric vehicle adoption grows, according to a recent industry panel.

Shop owners highlighted how visible investments and proactive customer engagement are positioning them for the next wave of automotive needs during the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario 2025 Symposium.

Scott Eccles of Eccles Automotive described how their business has installed public charging stations. He said the move is “as a service for the area,” giving EV drivers a local option to power up and drawing attention to the shop’s expertise. Plus, it helps with word-of-mouth and community engagement as key strategies in building trust.

“We have charging stations and show people that we’re working on them and typically EV owners tell other EV owners that you’re working on them,” he said.

Dilraj Sekhon of R & S Auto noted that adding public access chargers to his shop served as a marketing tool while creating opportunities for technicians to engage with EV drivers.

“If you’ve got the opportunity to come out and talk to the owner of the vehicle, maybe offer them a coffee, take a look at their tires … that’s the intention,” Sekhon said of creating opportunities for engagement.

Andrew Ackers of Upper James Autopro stressed the importance of education, explaining that there is “a lot of requirement to educate clients that, yeah, we actually have to perform some maintenance on this vehicle, and we have to do some services and work on it on a routine basis.”

He also highlighted shops’ involvement in customers’ buying journeys, making sure drivers are informed from the outset that non-dealer experts can provide ongoing support.

Branding efforts were also noted. Eccles said his company created a distinct electric vehicle service department, complete with a separate logo on the building and put on shop vehicles to help customers easily recognize their EV capabilities.

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