Automotive. Channel: in electric, the future of mechanics “seems uncertain”
Through Sébastien Lucot
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“L”future of the profession seems uncertain for us,” said Denis Aubril, manager of the workshop from the garage Point S at Les Pieux (Manche).
A mechanic since 1982, the grease-covered man has seen the profession evolve over the past few decades with the advent of various technologies carried in vehicles :
You have to keep updating yourself. A person who has stopped for many years will find it difficult to continue this work, everything changes quickly.
Even Denis Aubril should not have observed the big changes before his impending retirementthe next generation may have to make major changes to stopping oil.
Electric vehicles: a required authorization
Over time, vehicle mechanics have changed significantly. “In a career, there are many training courses in the advent of electronics and different technologies in vehicles”, supports Denis Aubril.
The transition to electric motors is no exception to the rule. Although there are fewer repairs than internal combustion engines, it is the safety aspect in particular that requires special permission from mechanics.
Know the risks of electricity in electric or hybrid vehicles, the specific risks associated with storage batteries… Several companies throughout France offer this type of training. Two days, on average, are enough for about 1,000 euros.
Even with the rise of electricity, few automotive professionals are trained today. “Even with all the dealerships, they’re not all ready yet”, assured the Pieusais mechanic.
Contacted, the Manche Chamber of Trades and Crafts indicates that it does not yet have a sufficient number of requests on this topic: “If that is the case, we can bring in a service provider to develop this training”.
A few requests
In 2022, Europe voted to stop selling new thermal cars from 2035 to leave, under cover ecologythe way to electrification of the European vehicle fleet.
Inside the hallowed garage, the sign and the mechanics have yet to receive the necessary authorization. “We don’t want to drink juice,” one of them said with a smile. valid, training is required. Specific tools and protection too.
A regional trainer should go to Normandy without any date specified for the moment.
Meanwhile, only three to four 100% electric vehicles pass through the doors of this garage, “for change the tire, we can only do that temporarily”. Still not widespread in the campaignthey become more and more in the city. Electric vehicles account for 12% of new car sales, but still less than 1% of French car fleet.
With authorization in hand, there won’t be many possible interventions for mechanics.
Very little maintenance
An electric car requires very little maintenance. “No oil changes, less wear on the pads with regenerative braking… The air conditioning and some other minor repairs will remain”, sighs Jean-Pierre Letellier, president of the Manche branch of National Automobile Federation.
The automotive sector is current lack of work. “This is the crisis”, assured this man, former retired manager of a garage in Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët. With fewer repairs to be carried out in the more or more distant future, this trend may therefore be reversed.
It all depends on our politicians. Personally, I think going all-electric is a big mistake. The lithium required for making batteries is not infinite, like petroleum.
However, the car and this change in the coming energy do not worry the president of the FNA de la Manche more than this: “Garage owners are always able to adapt over time”.
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