The hot topic in training? Getting ready for BEVs and hybrids

Yves Racette, owner of Y. Racette Consulting, was in Toronto on Saturday to give an introductory class on working on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids.

The class, held at Bento’s Auto and Tire Centre on Dundas Street West, focused mainly on basic electrical theory and the need for a brand new approach to safety.

Other groups have already offered similar training, including the Automotive Retailers Association of B.C. (ARA), the Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO), and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA).

With an anticipated boom in BEV sales in the years to come, many forward-looking shops are getting ready.

Dealing with high-voltage systems requires extra diligence, Racette told the class of 25 students on the weekend.

“Some technicians are intimidated by electric vehicles and hybrids,” he said. “But if they understand the basics of electricity, and how to stay safe while working on these systems, they will quickly become more comfortable.”

Shop owner Bento De Sao Jose said he invited Yves Racette to train seven of his own technicians and about 15 others from area shops because the electrification of vehicles is something the aftermarket needs to become more familiar with.

“This is a very important topic,” he said. “If we don’t learn this now, we will have great trouble servicing vehicles in the future.”