Risk of shock, fire when repairing electric cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) may have fewer head-on crashes but electrocution and fire are bigger dangers for repairers, who have banded together to bring in new safety standards.

There was anecdotal evidence that demand for front-end replacement parts had fallen as modern EVs had safety systems to prevent head-on crashes, Collision Repair Association (CRA) spokesman Neil Pritchard said.

But EV batteries contained lithium, which was highly flammable, and there was a greater electrocution risk to mechanics during repairs.

Pritchard said the higher fire risk meant EVs could not be put into paint spray booths.

In Switzerland, where there were many road tunnels, authorities had developed first-response vehicles with a tent-like device to encompass the vehicle and starve any fire of oxygen, he said.

‘‘It’s less serious in the open but could have a big impact where you have tunnels.’’

Although new EVs with collision-warning technology had fewer front-end crashes, when they did have accidents the damage often looked more cosmetic than it was.

‘‘Cars are now equipped with sensors, cameras and radar systems, so what appears to be a minor accident from the exterior may have damaged the technology network.’’

Pritchard said the CRA was bringing in international standards that will see repairers commit to ongoing training, equipment upgrades, annual inspections and audits before becoming a licensed collision repairer.

There are more than 7200 EVs and hybrid vehicles registered in New Zealand, compared with 680 three years ago.

The new internationally recognised I-CAR standards mean car owners will know their panelbeater has undergone training and auditing in the latest technology, Pritchard said.

Car manufacturing was rapidly changing and repairing cars was increasingly complicated. A lack of regulation could create quality-control problems, he said. ‘‘The new standards will give consumers a more informed choice about their vehicle repairer.’’

Pritchard said approved CPA members throughout New Zealand would display ‘‘Licensed Collision Repairer’’ on their signage.