Commentary: Charging Ahead

EV Expo shows the aftermarket is just getting started

The EV Vehicle and Charging Expo was nothing short of electrifying — literally and figuratively.

If you thought the electric vehicle revolution was slowing down, think again. The pace of innovation in this space is ongoing, with charging technology and aftermarket service models evolving faster than many can keep up. This was on full display during the two-day show held in Toronto from May 14-15.

While EV charging might seem like a commoditized offering, the expo highlighted just how much nuance and differentiation still exist in this growing market.

EV repair: Not the death of the aftermarket

One of the standout voices at the expo was Yves Racette of UAP/NAPA Canada. His presentation centred around NAPA’s NexDrive program — a bold initiative empowering independent shops to become EV service leaders. With 60 NexDrive-certified shops already operating in Canada, NAPA is quickly carving out leadership in aftermarket EV support.

But what really caught my attention was how NAPA is tackling high-voltage (HV) component service head-on. They’re enabling remanufacturing and state-of-health diagnostics on used EV components through partnerships with specialized EV salvage operations. This is a game-changer — finally, a consistent way to benchmark quality for reused batteries and HV systems, all while staying profitable and sustainable. Contrast this to salvaged ICE engines: Often, you do not know if you bought a lemon, how that vehicle was maintained prior or treated.

Yves also brought an AutoPro shop owner to the stage, Andrew Ackers owner of Upper James AutoPro in Hamilton, Ontario. His candid remarks were refreshingly honest. Once skeptical — concerned like many that EVs would reduce service work by 80% — he now sees opportunity everywhere. Battery replacements, HV diagnostics, and even software-related service issues are yielding repair orders in the thousands.

And here’s the kicker: Many of his customers had quotes from OE dealers that were double what his shop charged, proving the aftermarket has not just a role in the market— but a competitive edge.

The charger wars: Differentiation in every plug

On the charging side of the expo, vendors like Swtch, Flo, Zerova, and Chargnex all brought their A-game, each pitching their unique blend of durability, software and affordability.

However, the standout for me was Jule. Their solution blends DC fast charging with built-in battery storage, allowing the unit to trickle charge during off-peak hours. When customers plug in during peak demand times, the unit draws from internal reserves — saving everyone money. Available in 220, 440, and even 660 kWh capacities, this feels like a smart step forward in energy efficiency and cost control.

Aftermarket takeaways

Here’s what I walked away with as someone focused on the evolving needs of the independent garage and parts distributor:

Distributors need to think like equipment dealers: Charging stations are the new alignment machines. Use partners like Wesco to drop-ship units directly to customers. No need to inventory—just connect the dots and offer solutions.

EV training is critical: Don’t go it alone. NAPA’s HV training isn’t just for their ‘NAPA’ customers — it’s available agnostically. If your shop wants to play in this space, this is the low-hanging fruit.

Retrofit charging is the next “top up” service: Think of charging like oil top-ups. If you’re servicing EVs, offering customers a partial charge before they leave your shop will soon become an expected convenience.

Meet Wesco: The sleeper giant

If you’re in the aftermarket and haven’t heard of Wesco, don’t feel bad — I hadn’t either. Despite racking up $20B in annual revenue and being a Fortune 200 player, they’ve flown under the radar for many of us entrenched in traditional parts and tools.

Historically rooted in the electrical and utilities sector, Wesco is now a major force in EV charging infrastructure. They distribute brands like Wallbox, Electric Avenue, Flo, and ChargePoint for both commercial and residential installs, making them a one-stop shop for anyone looking to future-proof their shop or fleet.

Fleets, AI & safety: Samsara raises the bar

The expo didn’t just focus on charging and repair — it also dove into fleet management. A company called Samsara demonstrated an AI-powered tracking system that monitors driver behaviour using facial recognition. Think distracted driving, no seatbelt, mobile phone usage, and even drowsiness—tracked in real-time. The result? Not just safer roads, but potentially lower insurance premiums and fewer liabilities for fleet operators.

The bottom line? The aftermarket isn’t being left behind by the EV movement — it’s being reinvented by it. From training and service to infrastructure and safety, the future is not only bright — it’s fully charged.

Derek Suen, MBA, is an automotive aftermarket professional with 15 years of experience, specializing in product research for high-demand parts. With a background in both manufacturing and distribution, he brings deep insight into customer needs across North American and European markets.