Electric Car Mechanics | Certified

Do you have an electric car that needs body shop repairs? If you're looking for a body shop near you were certified to work on models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volvo XC40 Recharge or BMW i4. 

Our technicians have improved their technical knowledge with an EVAP (Electric Vehicle Authorized Person) certification to diagnose, service and repair high voltage EVs and install, design, and maintain residential or commercial charging stations.

Patrick Auto Body and Collision Center has been serving the Schaumburg community since 1981. As we move into an electric future with the growth and demand for electric and hybrid vehicles our experts require additional certifications by the OEM's or Original Equipment Manufacturer in order to repair these vehicles.

Unlike gas powered vehicles, electric and hybrid vehicles are made with different materials and batteries. Here are three challenges for electric vehicle repair.

Due to the ever-increasing average fuel economy and vehicle safety standards, automakers are in a race to manufacture lighter vehicles with more efficient engines and safer structures. As collision repair facilities face a higher percentage of claims that involve more complex, lighter weight materials, they are investing in obtaining the necessary equipment, repair data software solutions, training and skills required to obtain certification for the repairs.

There are many rules of conduct and protective measures to follow to prevent injury or harm to the technician. High voltage batteries (300 volts or more) can kill a technician who has not disarmed the high voltage system properly. Furthermore, regenerative braking systems can produce enough electricity to injure the technician pushing the disabled vehicle around the collision repair facility.

Because of the electric battery, EVs cannot be cured in a typical paint booth bake cycle. Car manufacturers, such as BMW and Volvo, have released position statements about baking temperatures during the paint process. They recommend short wave electric infrared (IR) curing technology as the best solution for curing electric vehicles without causing damage or reducing throughput. This technology "allows shops to safely repair electric vehicles, while offering significant improvements in quality and efficiency."