Inside an Electric Car Repair Shop

MotorBiscuit21 minutes read

Braden learns from Alex at QC Charge in California that battery repair is often more cost-effective than replacement for electric vehicles like Teslas, which can cost $10,000 to $20,000 to replace. QC Charge specializes in rebuilding Tesla drive units and other electric car components to improve reliability and address design flaws for various models.

Insights

  • Repairing battery modules is a viable alternative to costly replacements, with only specific components needing attention, as highlighted by Alex at QC Charge.
  • Specialized tools and techniques are essential for servicing electric vehicles effectively, emphasizing the importance of precision and expertise in addressing unique components like drive units and batteries.

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Recent questions

  • How are battery modules repaired in electric vehicles?

    By repairing individual modules, avoiding costly replacements.

  • What design flaws are addressed in rebuilt Tesla drive units?

    Coolant seal failures and bearing issues are rectified.

  • How are drive units safely removed from electric vehicles?

    Using specialized tools like modified transmission jacks.

  • What is the cost difference between battery replacements and repairs in electric vehicles?

    Battery replacements range from $10,000 to $20,000, while repairs are more cost-effective.

  • What are the common issues with bearings in electric vehicle drive units?

    Steel bearings are prone to wear and failure, leading to noise and damage.

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Summary

00:00

"Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Servicing at QC Charge"

  • Braden visits QC Charge in Vista, California to shed light on servicing electric vehicles.
  • Alex, a technician at QC Charge, explains that battery replacements are often unnecessary as modules can be repaired.
  • A Tesla Model S battery with a bad brick exemplifies repair possibilities, with only one module needing attention out of 16.
  • Contactors in earlier Tesla packs, like the Model S, can burn out but are easily replaceable.
  • Tesla typically opts for battery replacements rather than repairs, quoting prices ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
  • QC Charge specializes in rebuilding Tesla drive units, addressing design flaws like coolant seal failures.
  • Drive units from cars like the Toyota RAV4 EV and Mercedes b-class electric are rebuilt with enhancements for improved reliability.
  • Bearings in drive units can cause issues, with steel bearings prone to wear and failure, leading to noise and damage.
  • RAV4 EV and Mercedes b-class cars, built under a partnership with Tesla, have unique powertrains and battery specifications.
  • Special tools, like custom-built motor stands, are essential for servicing electric vehicles due to limited availability in the market.

14:22

"Specialized Tools for Electric Motor Maintenance"

  • A modified transmission jack is used for the RAV4 EV and Mercedes B-Class Electric to safely remove the motor without causing damage, with a special plate for stability and support.
  • A lifting plate attaches to the motor for easy lifting using an engine crane or forklift, securing it with three bolts in factory fixture locations.
  • A tool is designed for safely removing inverters from motors to prevent damage to sensitive electronics, with a hooking mechanism to avoid contact with circuit boards.
  • A press is utilized to remove rust buildup in large drive units, preventing motor seizure by pushing out the rotor with wooden blocks to catch it.
  • A lathe is used for repairing rotors by turning down pitted or grooved surfaces, addressing issues with rotor sealing surfaces.
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