Electronic Vehicles Are Becoming More Popular, Who Will Be The Auto Technicians Of The Future?
Maybe computer programmer? They already have the mindset and meta-cognitive skills to ensure that digitally connected EVs ply the roads safely.
Why would knowledge of R, Python, Java, or SQL help someone fix EV?
Even if you’ve never picked up a wrench, learn more about why you might be good at repairing an EV or EV charging infrastructure.
Worldwide EV Technician/EV Charging Field Service Shortage
With a short supply and growing demand for qualified workers, now is the perfect time for auto dealerships and repair shops to become qualified technicians.
The transition from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to EVs will take time, but those with an early advantage will bring their expertise to lucrative positions. While there are three EV components you may be able to fix at home, the vast majority require professional service.
If the idea of working on cars doesn’t appeal to you, maybe servicing charging stations might be your thing.
Right now, electricians are the ones on call when charging stations break down. The problem is often a software related issue. Electricians have a wide range of skills, but fixing software is not one of them.
Because computer professionals already know how to apply certain approaches, they are well prepared to transfer their skills.
Computational Approaches to Problem-Solving
The more complex a vehicle or charger is, the more critical thinking skills are required to accurately diagnose and fix a problem. Here is an example of a repair communication from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Chevrolet that explains how to fix the bolt.
1. Algorithmic Thinking
As you can see, these step-by-step repair instructions are repeatable across multiple vehicles. They must be implemented in a specific order. Ensuring correct starting conditions, attention to detail and following sequential steps are important in both computer coding and EV repair.
2. decomposition
This bolt fix is essentially a software update, and it requires breaking down the problem into smaller manageable steps. Decomposition is one of the cornerstones of computational thinking and comes as second nature to experienced programmers. This transferable skill will make EV and charging station repair and upgrades feel like familiar territory.
3. Pattern Recognition
Part of repairing anything, whether it’s vacuums or EVs, involves recognizing similarities across models. While every EV and charging station will have its own design quirks, being able to spot patterns and apply heuristic thinking will make computer programmers feel right at home.
4. Debugging
Often—a car comes into a shop and there’s no manufacturer guidance. The owner will describe an intermittent condition; For example, his car doesn’t start from time to time. This doesn’t give a technician much to go on and a systematic approach is required to locate the problem.
5. Perseverance and Cooperation
You’ve tried everything you can think of that doesn’t seem to solve the problem. If this sounds familiar, you know that sometimes you just need to hang in there, take a step back, and think about a problem from a different perspective—or call a friend. You might not get answers about how to repair an EV on Stack Overflow, but if you’re willing to ask questions and listen to other people’s ideas, you’ll be on your way to success.
Why Should You Become an EV Tech?
If you’re passionate about climate change, working as an EV technician might be just the thing for you. Or, perhaps you want a chance to work with your hands that still challenges your mind.
Whatever the case, there are many avenues depending on your time frame and end goal. There’s no need to quit your day job. You can experiment with repairing an EV and see what it adds to your life.
Get together a new resume if you fancy it, but avoid these 11 overused words. Who knows what avenues of entrepreneurship might open up?
EV Training Program
There are many training programs like Tesla Start.
Lincoln Tech graduates can apply to Tesla Start and spend 16 paid weeks learning how to use various tools to fix Teslas and charging stations.
You can find out from your local community colleges what they offer in the way of EV training. Northeast Texas Community College has the first Electric Vehicle (EV) Automotive Technician certification program, but there will surely be many more.
You can also check out local automotive technician schools in your area. Like any training, some will be better than others. Find a reputable school that offers an EV training program and ask if you can come over to watch class two to get a feel for what’s going on. Be wary of online training. Although some concepts have been introduced in the course of the webinar.