There are many types of hybrid and electrical vehicles on the road today. Here we will walk you through the different types of vehicles and what makes the different.
Why is it important to know about these systems and what makes up these systems? Be sure to check out our page here about the safety procedures and training we have gone though to be IMI Level 2 Certified to power down these systems. Learn More Here!
Types of Electric Vehicles
Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)
These vehicles have a smaller style internal combustion engine and an electrical generator. Unlike a hybrid where the small engine works to move the vehicle, on this type of vehicle the small internal combustion engine is used just to provide electricity to the generator and is NOT used to move the vehicle in any way.
This is the most common of electric vehicle. They have not only a gas engine but also an electric motor. These are the types of vehicles that “shut off” when stopped then quickly start back up when taking off, these style hybrids are called “micro-hybrids.”
These types of vehicles get their batteries charged from an external source like an outlet at your home or work.
They are similar to conventional hybrids in that they have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. What sets these vehicles apart from a hybrid though is unlike conventional hybrids, PHEVs can substitute electricity from the grid for gasoline. This allows them to not need any gasoline to run.
It’s no doubt today that we are seeing more electric and hybrid vehicles on the road today and they are in need of dent repairs. These vehicles will continue to gain popularity and will continue to become more efficient. They will continue to extend your driving experience while using less fuel and some being full electric requiring NO fuel!
When doing paintless dent repair on these types of vehicles, there are more safety precautions that need to be taken. These vehicles have High Voltage DC Power systems running through them which can be of great danger if not handled safely.
How Do You Work With These Systems?
When working on these electric vehicles you need to know where the high voltage systems are located. We have access to programs that layout these systems and locations on vehicles. Something as simple as a dent in a fender, in the past, was as simple as gaining access through the fender liner or in through the engine bay.
Now there can be High Voltage cables running through even a fender and also in the engine bay. These components need to be identified and at times these high voltage systems need to be disabled to perform repairs.
We here at Sioux Falls Dent Repair have taken advanced courses on these types of systems AND have the proper safety equipment to properly work on and power down these High Voltage Systems.
We are the ONLY shop in the state of South Dakota that is certified by the IMI for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Level 2 Power Down Procedures.
Dealing with these systems is about safety. The safety of the technician, the safety for you, the vehicle owner and your family. Also for the safety of the vehicle itself and any anyone else that comes into contact with the vehicle.
These High Voltage systems can cause serious injury or death if not handled with the proper precautions. Don’t trust just anyone to repair your vehicle, be sure to make sure anyone that works on your vehicle equipped with any of these systems has the proper knowledge to do so.
If you have any questions on any of these systems or have damage in your own vehicle give us a call today!
While in St. Louis for the 2019 International Hail expo last weekend, we had a chance to stop by and see our friends at the local Paintless Dent Repair Company Dentzilla in St. Peters, Missouri.
They were currently hosting the IMI EV level 2 training course. This is the same course we took in January in Florida while attending the PDR College Advanced Skills Seminar for Paintless Dent Repair training. In this course they train technicians not only the dangers of electric vehicles when working on these high voltage systems but how to take the special safety precautions for technicians, the customer and the vehicles safety. Vehicles with these types of systems are for example a Tesla, a Prius, Volt or any hybrid equipped vehicle.
