Kaleidoscope, Summer 2014 volts DC, which means that a wrong step could result in severe injury or even death. Depending on the skills of the employee, the new qualification can take between two days and a week to complete: a worthwhile investment for every bodyshop with an eye to the future. A subtle change in repairs As for the actual repairs, electric and hybrid vehicles offer bodyshops much that is different ... and much that is the same. Obviously, without a combustion engine, a pure EV has no pistons or spark plugs to repair or replace. However, there are more electrical components, such as DC-to-DC converters. And, while a lot of the usual maintenance will disappear for pure electric vehicles, there is still the normal wear and tear on elements such as brakes, tyres, wheel bearings and paintwork. As for HEVs, of course, there is still a combustion engine inside to complement the electric battery. So with these vehicles, traditional oily repairs will continue, in addition to the testing and repair of electrical components. And what about the effects on paint shops? Can drying with heat damage the battery or other electrical components of EVs and HEVs? In general, it is perfectly acceptable for these vehicles to enter the spray booth, but paint shops need to be aware of the precise maximum temperatures allowed by each manufacturer. Get set for the future All in all, the rapid expansion of electric and hybrid vehicles across Europe means a subtle, but important shift in the skills required by bodyshops. Those who are agile and forward-thinking enough to invest in these skills will be ideally placed to set themselves apart in the marketplace. It is already happening. And when, 20 to 30 years from now, EVs and HEVs are normal parts of our streetscape, these are the bodyshops that will be forging ahead and making the most of the new order. In other words, to succeed in the future, you need to get plugged in today. Sikkens - Color and Technology 33 Pagina 32

Pagina 34

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