Electric Car Auto Repair: What to Know About the Changing Auto Industry
The rise of electric vehicles is slowly transforming the auto repair industry. While it presents new challenges for traditional repair shops, it also offers opportunities for brands willing to adapt. Here's what you need to know about electric car auto repair, how it’s affecting auto repair shops, and how the industry continues to change.

The Surge of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming a significant part of the automotive market. At least 61% of consumers were “overall likely” to consider purchasing an electric vehicle in 2023. EV growth is primarily driven by consumer interest in the benefits of EVs, such as environmental friendliness and efficiency. The debut of new, family-friendly models is also helping propel EV sales forward. GM’s new Chevy Blazer EV is a mid-size SUV that hit the market last summer and Honda started pre-orders for its Prologue SUV in late 2023.

There has been a clear shift towards electric mobility. Combined U.S. sales of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric vehicles reached 17.7% of new light-duty vehicle sales in the third quarter, The Energy Information Administration reports. EVs are projected to make up 9% of new light-duty car sales in 2023, up from 7.3% in 2022.

As the new year dawns, experts predict the price of EVs will fall in 2024 as automakers slash prices to boost demand and federal government incentives continue to attract buyers. The number of people opting to lease an EV is also forecast to climb in 2024, according to Cox Automotive.

Will Electric Cars Eliminate the Need for Mechanics?

The short answer is no, mechanics are still a necessity. EVs are a type of automobile that is powered by one or more electric motors, using energy typically stored in rechargeable batteries. EVs are known for their environmentally friendly aspect as they produce zero tailpipe emissions, which is a stark contrast to combustion engine vehicles that emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Electric motors are also inherently more efficient than traditional internal combustion engines. They convert a higher percentage of electrical energy from the grid to power the vehicle. EVs require charging infrastructure, which can vary from slow home charging setups to fast-charging stations that can charge batteries to a significant level in minutes.

While electric cars have fewer moving parts than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, they still require maintenance and repairs. However, the nature of these services is changing. Mechanics will need to adapt to working with high-voltage systems, battery packs, and electric drivetrains.

Electric car auto repair can be different in cost compared to traditional vehicles. While they generally have fewer mechanical parts that can fail, the components they do have, such as battery packs, can be expensive to replace. However, the complete maintenance costs over the vehicle's lifetime can be lower, as EVs require less routine maintenance than combustion engine vehicles.

The primary risk in electric car auto repair lies in handling high-voltage systems. Technicians need specialized training to safely work on these components. There's also the challenge of keeping up with rapidly changing EV technology, requiring ongoing education and investment in new tools and equipment.

Questions to Ask
If you’re considering a future in the auto repair industry or searching for an auto body shop for sale, you’ll need to make sure you’re ready to cater to the demands of a dynamic industry. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you start your entrepreneurial journey.

• Are you prepared to invest in the necessary training and equipment for electric car auto repair? Keeping up-to-date is crucial for staying relevant in an industry increasingly dominated by electric vehicles.
• Do you understand the unique maintenance needs of EVs? Familiarizing yourself with the specifics of electric vehicle technology will be key to your success.
• Are you adaptable to industry changes? Flexibility is required for achieving success in the automotive market.

The Advantage of Franchising in the EV Era

Franchising offers significant advantages in this changing landscape. Franchises like Moran Family of Brands have the resources to stay ahead of consumer trends. You can also rely on co-branding to provide comprehensive auto repair services. As a franchisee, you benefit from an established business model, brand recognition, and ongoing support, including training in EV repair and maintenance.

Moran Family of Brands: A Leader in Automotive Franchising

Moran is the franchisor of six brands in the aftermarket auto and window tinting industry, including Milex Complete Auto Care, Mr. Transmission, and Turbo Tint. Franchising with a forward-thinking brand like ours can provide the support and resources needed to succeed in this new age.

We offer a diverse range of services, from traditional repairs to advanced solutions for electric vehicles. Our commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and providing comprehensive training ensures our franchisees are well-equipped to handle the growing demands of the market.

Co-branding has emerged as a strategic advantage for our franchisees, enabling them to offer a full range of auto repair services under one roof. Co-branding is particularly effective in today's diverse automotive market, where customers seek convenience along with expertise. By combining different automotive service brands, our franchisees can cater to a wide array of customer needs, from routine maintenance to specialized repairs. For instance, a franchisee might operate a Mr. Transmission shop for drivetrain and transmission services alongside a Milex Complete Auto Care for general automotive repair. Co-branding also provides an increased opportunity for revenue generation and business growth.

The total initial investment to build a co-branded Mr. Transmission and Milex Complete Auto Care location is $232,176 to $300,579, including a $50,000 franchise fee. We’re searching for candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset and management or sales experience. Our owners strive to build successful legacies and are committed to providing superior customer service. Our franchise owners need a net worth of $250,000 and at least $65,000 to $90,000 in liquid assets to get started.

Every franchise owner receives two weeks of online pre-training, an intensive one-week of classroom training consisting of center franchise owner-operator training and customer service management training, as well as one week of “field” training at an established location.

Schedule a Time to Talk with Moran

As you consider your franchise options, remember that the future of the auto industry is electric, and positioning yourself to meet evolving consumer needs will be key to your success. Become a franchisee with Moran to stay ahead of the curve.