Adapting Your Auto Repair Shop for the Electric Vehicle Revolution: How to Stay Competitive and Attract Customers in the Future

As the automobile industry continues to evolve, the shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles is becoming more and more prevalent. This change not only affects car manufacturers, but also auto repair shops and workshops. With governments announcing plans to phase out the sale of petrol and diesel cars, workshops must adapt in order to remain competitive and attract customers in the future.

Last year, the UK government announced that by 2035, the sale of petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars will be banned, and only fully electric vehicles will be available for purchase. Similarly, the EU is also planning to phase out traditional fuel cars by 2025. This means that workshops that do not service electric cars will be at a disadvantage in the near future. Simply put, not servicing electric cars is quickly becoming a bad business choice.

However, adapting to this change is not as simple as hiring an electrician and putting up a sign. Electric vehicles require specialized equipment and many countries require workshops to obtain specific licensing and authorization before they can legally service these vehicles. This can be daunting, but it is important for workshops to start planning and making changes now to be prepared for the future.

For example, things as basic as the lifting equipment might need to be changed, as electric cars usually weigh 20-30% more than their petrol counterparts, due to the extra weight of the batteries. Furthermore, electric cars require a different set of diagnostic tools and equipment to properly repair and maintain them. This can be a significant investment for workshops, but it is necessary to ensure that they can continue to service customers in the future.

In addition to the physical aspect of servicing electric vehicles, workshops also need to consider the software and systems that support these modern developments. A good software solution can help connect a workshop’s operations and customers, regardless of the type of vehicles they service. Additionally, the software can be modified over time to accommodate the changing needs of the workshop and its customers. This can help take the stress out of daily operations and allow workshop employees and managers to focus on building a sustainable electric future.

At Retry, we understand the challenges that workshops face as the industry evolves. That’s why we have developed our Service App software, which works to connect your business operations and customers just as efficiently whether you’re working with petrol and diesel, hybrid, or electric cars. Our systems can be modified over time to suit the changing needs of your workshop and your clientele. And as our software takes away the stress from daily operations, every employee and manager can direct their energy towards building a prosperous electric future.

If you think your workshop could benefit from state-of-the-art software to underwrite your innovation, let us know at contact@retry.com or by signing up for a free trial today! The future of the automobile industry is electric, and it’s important for workshops to start planning and making changes now to ensure they are prepared for the future and can continue to service their customers. With the right tools and strategies in place, workshops can adapt and thrive in this changing industry.