Not every garage can simply work on an electric vehicle. For components like tires, brakes, and MOT inspections, you don’t need special training, but for work on high-voltage systems, a certified EV technician is required. This is due to the safety risks of high voltage in electric vehicles. Therefore, always ask whether a garage has the proper certification before having your electric vehicle serviced.
What is different about electric vehicle maintenance?
An electric vehicle has no combustion engine, exhaust system, or transmission, which eliminates many traditional maintenance tasks. You don’t need to change oil, replace spark plugs, or repair exhaust systems. This saves time and money on maintenance.
However, electric vehicles do indeed require maintenance. The brakes, tires, suspension, and air conditioning work similarly to gasoline or diesel vehicles. These components wear out and must be regularly checked and replaced. The windshield wipers, lighting, and interior also need regular attention.
The major difference lies in the high-voltage system. An electric vehicle operates with voltages up to 800 volts, much higher than the 12 volts of a regular battery. This system includes the battery, electric motor, charging connection, and all wiring between them. Working on these components requires special knowledge and safety measures.
The battery of an electric vehicle also requires specific attention. While modern batteries need little maintenance, a technician must be able to check whether the battery is still functioning properly. This is done with special diagnostic equipment that not every garage has.
The braking system also works differently. Electric vehicles use regenerative braking, where the electric motor recovers energy during braking. As a result, brake pads wear out much more slowly. A technician must understand how this system works to properly assess it.
What knowledge and certifications does a technician need for electric vehicles?
For work on high-voltage systems, a technician needs NEN 3140 certification. This is a Dutch safety standard for working on electrical installations. The certification shows that a technician can work safely with high voltage and understands the risks.
The NEN 3140 certification consists of different levels. For electric vehicles, at least the basic certification is required, but for more complex work on the high-voltage system, a higher certification is needed. This training takes several days and must be regularly repeated to remain valid.
In addition to NEN 3140 certification, technicians often take brand-specific training. Manufacturers like Renault, Tesla, Volkswagen, and other brands offer their own training programs for their electric models. These training sessions go deeper into the specific systems and software of those brands.
Not all garages invest in this training. The courses cost money and time, and a garage must service enough electric vehicles to recoup that investment. Therefore, you can’t go to every garage for EV maintenance on high-voltage systems.
For general maintenance like changing tires, checking brakes, or performing an MOT inspection, this specialized certification is not needed. A regular technician can perform these tasks perfectly well, as long as they don’t need to work on the high-voltage system.
Can a regular garage MOT my electric vehicle and do small jobs?
Yes, a regular garage can perform much maintenance on electric vehicles without special certification. MOT inspections, tire changes, windshield replacement, and brake maintenance can be done at any authorized garage. These tasks don’t require contact with the high-voltage system.
During an MOT inspection, the inspector checks the same components as with gasoline or diesel vehicles: lighting, tires, brakes, suspension, and bodywork. For electric vehicles, specific checkpoints are added, such as the condition of high-voltage cables and the operation of the regenerative braking system. A good MOT inspector knows these additional points.
Tire service is exactly the same as with other vehicles. Electric vehicles are often heavier due to the battery and sometimes have special tires that can withstand that weight. A garage with tire expertise can advise you well on this. Wheel balancing and alignment are also done the same way.
Brake maintenance can also be performed by a regular garage. However, the technician must understand that electric vehicles brake less with the brake pads due to regenerative braking. The brake pads wear more slowly but may rust sooner due to less use. An experienced technician recognizes this.
For air conditioning service, the same applies as with other vehicles. The cooling system of an electric vehicle works differently because it also cools the battery, but filling and checking the air conditioning can be done by a regular garage.
Tasks for which you do need an EV specialist are: repairs to the electric motor, battery diagnostics, software updates, charging problems, and faults in the high-voltage system. For this, a garage must have specific equipment and certified technicians.
How do you know if a garage is suitable for your electric vehicle?
Ask directly whether the garage has NEN 3140 certified technicians. This is the most important point for safe work on electric vehicles. A good garage will be open about this and can show the certification.
Also ask about experience with your brand. Electric vehicles from Renault, Tesla, Volkswagen, or other brands each have their own systems and software. A garage that regularly services your brand knows the teething problems and common issues.
Inquire whether the garage has access to brand-specific diagnostic equipment. For many electric vehicles, you need special software to read faults and check systems. Without these tools, a garage can only perform limited maintenance.
Check whether the garage can perform software updates. Many electric vehicles regularly receive updates that improve performance or features. Not every garage has access to these update systems. For some brands, you must go to an official dealer for this.
Ask which maintenance tasks the garage can perform themselves and what they refer elsewhere. An honest garage will openly tell you where their knowledge ends. For an MOT, tires, or brakes, you don’t necessarily need to go to an EV specialist, but for more complex repairs you do.
Also pay attention to communication. A good garage explains what they do and why. If you don’t know much about electric vehicles, the technician should be able to explain this in understandable language without making you feel stupid.
At Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven, we have trained our technicians to maintain hybrid and electric vehicles. We perform MOT inspections, tire service, and general vehicle maintenance on all electric brands. For brand-specific work on high-voltage systems, we work with specialized partners, so your vehicle always gets the right care. Whether you drive an electric Renault, Peugeot, or another brand, we give you honest advice about what we can do ourselves and where you might better consult a specialist.
Need help with maintenance of your electric vehicle?
At Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven, we’re ready to help you with all your questions about maintaining your electric vehicle. Whether you need an MOT inspection, tire service, or advice about proper maintenance, our experienced technicians are happy to help you. Make an appointment and experience our honest and expert service.