4 ms·
While I don’t disagree it’s also worth noting that for example the brakes on BEVs last significantly longer due to regenerative braking, up to 200k miles I beli
by samwillis 5y ago
While I don’t disagree it’s also worth noting that for example the brakes on BEVs last significantly longer due to regenerative braking, up to 200k miles I believe. This is much longer than the “three year cycles” that the article is taking about. There is also no more oil changes or exhausts on a BEV.
So yes, there will be local mechanics for things such as bodywork and tires, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see only 10-20% of the number of them in 20 years time.
- jacquesm 5y agoYes, but replacing rotors and brake pads is the work of minutes on most modern cars. Bodywork can easily make a car a write off, especially if exotic materials (aluminum, carbon, composites) are used.
- dijonman2 5y agoElectrical is a huge problem, as complexity skyrockets we need mechanics to diagnose and repair. Mechanics will adapt, not disappear. Brakes are dead simple to replace and cheap to do so. Regenerative braking is insignificant in the scheme of refurbishing vehicles.
- tonyedgecombe 5y agoElectrical is the one thing my local mechanic struggles with. My guess is if EV's really take hold he will be heading for early retirement.
- gkop 5y agoYep, mechanics generally dislike electrical work.
- JackFr 5y agoAt some point do we stop calling the people who fix our cars “mechanics” and start calling them “electrics”?
- orra 5y agoIt's a fair question. The amount of earthing and electrical safety required, when repairing EVs, is quite something.
- dijonman2 5y agoHow can you earth an EV? It’s isolated.
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]
- dijonman2 5y agoIs the label important? Thanks to CAN, LIN, and automotive ethernet the competent mechanics now have things like a picoscope which affords them the ability to diagnose signal issues.
- lttlrck 5y agoBrake pads and discs last longer yes. But brake calipers can seize if left unmaintained, especially in northern states that use salt on the road (and this may be worsened if they are used less). Brake fluid is hygroscopic and should be replaced every 2-3 years regardless of use, otherwise corrosion can occur in the brake lines. There are plenty of hydraulic and mechanical items on BEVs to keep small shops busy.
- eitland 5y agoAround here a problem with discs and brake pads as well and forb electrical vehicles in particular. Wear keeps rust at bay but when they don't get enough wear to remove rust it can make the discs uneven and at that point it can easily spiral out of control.
- to11mtm 5y agoI mean, I've had this happen a few times (I drive a manual, looking ahead and coasting/timing to avoid full stops means I'm light on the brakes.) But every time, it's exhibited as a 'pulsing' feel on the brakes that is alarming before it is dangerous. I suppose to the untrained it could be confused for ABS kicking in but to me it's a very distinct feeling.
- ZeroGravitas 5y agoThe current brakes and fluids are built on the assumption they'll be heavily used and wear out. We're already seeing changes in response to the new situation, e.g. using lighter, less corrosion prone metals so I'd expect to see continual improvements in this over time. https://www.designnews.com/automotive/lightweight-aluminum-brakes-evs-are-continentals-aim https://www.designnews.com/automotive/lightweight-aluminum-b...
- bryanlarsen 5y agoTesla's have a 2 year maintenance cycle. They replace the brake fluid, the cabin air filter and do an inspection.
- 5y ago
- petra 5y agoYcombinator has a startup, robotire, that build a robotic tool to replace tires.