Electric vehicles | Awakening in the face of an upcoming revolution
Giovanni Rosato does not belong to this generation of mechanics who will have to question everything they have learned. As the Quebec government prohibits the sale of new internal combustion vehicles in 2035, it will always have an English key in one hand and a screwdriver in the other. And, like today, his workshop will be full of activity. Essence or diesel will not stop flowing after 2035.
“Motorists make their old cars last longer and longer,” he notes. First of all because a large number does not have the means to buy a new vehicle, and even less an entirely electric model. »»
The transition to the all-electrical that is announced has nevertheless encouraged Giovanni Rosato to return to class last winter. Especially out of curiosity.
Unlike new vehicle dealers, we are not on the front line. It is not tomorrow the day before that I will intervene on an electric vehicle. In addition, technology is changing quickly, very quickly.
Giovanni Rosato, mechanic
Another universe
Going from the crankshaft and the rotles to the rotor rotor and the permanent magnet represents a significant technological rupture. Combustion and gearbox problems are no longer at the heart of the subject. No more than the tools, sometimes very sophisticated, that Mr. Rosato holds today. “In the electric universe, the vast majority will end up in a museum,” he laughs.
For a few weeks now, Giovanni Rosato has learned the A B C of the electric vehicle, but mainly the safety measures that surround it. “There are procedures to follow to avoid any danger [décharge électrique, court-circuit, incendie, explosion, etc.]. Insulating tools and gloves. Computers with diagnostic software, a charging station or two too. And space. »»
Lots of space, which Mr. Rosato's establishment does not have. His Saint-Léonard workshop currently has three insufficiently distant lifting bridges. To work on an electric vehicle, you need a slightly set area dedicated to it. A heavy investment that is not likely to be profitable in the short or medium term.
For the time being, knowledge is held by dealers affiliated to a manufacturer. Spare parts too. Despite these avatars, Giovanni Rosato believes that training is good and can even serve him.
Even if it requires less maintenance, the electric vehicle always has a suspension, a steering, an air conditioner and tires to be replaced.
Giovanni Rosato, mechanic
In addition, despite government discounts, the Quebec fleet continues to age. It has more than 1.5 million cars and light trucks over 11 years old. Giovanni Rosato thinks that he has a few years to replace distribution belts, candles and other piston segments.
