Electric Vehicles - Tools and Workshop Equipment

Electric Vehicles - Rising Numbers in the UK

 

With more and more manufacturers bringing out EV models, and more EV only manufacturers coming to market, the number of EV on the UK road network is increasing. In 2023 EVs, including hybrids, accounted for 17.8% of all new registrations, and in the first half of 2024 that number has risen to 38.4% of all new registrations. There are now around 1.2 million fully electric battery cars on Britain's roads.

With the increasing numbers, more garages and workshops are going to be looking to expand into the market, as customers look for maintenance and diagnostic support away from main dealers. This page will highlight some of the equipment needed and how Warwick Test Supplies can help with providing equipment and tooling for the EV world.

 

 

Workshop Equipment - Safety and PPE

With Electric Vehicles, the main hazards are associated with the high voltage levels in the batteries. Voltages up to 700V DC can be present, so maintaining excellent electrical safety protocols is essential.

 

 

Firstly a barrier system should be used to fence off EVs while they are being worked on. This can help to prevent any accidental interference. A simple plastic barrier and chain link system can be used but it must be visible. At WTS we stock a red/white post with warning signs. 

 

 

Next we stock rescue hooks, which are essential in the event of electrical shock, allowing people to safely remove the victim from the electrical source without endangering themselves. Available in 2 lengths, 1.5m and 2m, they are manufactured by Sibille Fameca, and are despatched with an electrical safety notice to display with the hook.

 

 

Also in stock we supply Insulating Gloves, Helmets, Boric acid solutions and various warning boards to display around your workshop, to keep you as safe as possible. Read our blog on Insulated Gloves

 

                                                                              

 

Follow the link below to see the full range of safety equipment we stock:

 

 https://warwickts.com/4840/EV-Workshop-Safety-and-PPE

 

Workshop Equipment - Tools and Diagnostics

 

As part of getting ready to work on EVs and hybrids, a supply of insulated tools is required. As a distributer for Sibille Fameca we stock a whole range of insulated tools, whether you are looking for a spanner or two, a screwdriver set or a full socket set. Tools are rated to 1000V and conform to EN/60900 / IEC60900.

                                                                                                                                                                          

 

Also in stock are insulated bags. These are used to place the conductors in when removed from the car, they have a Velcro seal at the top, and are used to prevent conductors shorting on other parts of the car when disconnected. They come in 2 sizes, 130mm x 210mm and 225mm x 305mm. The bags can be purchased individually, or as a workshop kit, consisting of 2 of each size.

 

 

Now we come onto a selection of test and diagnostic equipment. As distributors of Fluke, Amprobe and PJP we have tester kits that can be used to test and diagnose issues with EV chargers and charging infrastructure. Test leads are also available that fit onto individual pins within the charge port of EVs to allow connection to your multimeter for testing of the charging port and circuitry associated with it. A guide to test leads can be found here Insulation Testing Leads - Type 2 Connections of Electric Vehicles

 

                                                     

 Within our workshop we are also able to create bespoke solutions for EV diagnostics. As well as our range of breakout leads for auto connectors, we have designed a 3 phase breakout box as shown below. These allow a technician to test and connect the 3 phase wiring without damaging the cable and braiding. This allows ease of testing of the stator and field windings of the drive motors, and current testing by using a current clamp or inductive tester. Currently we have variations that fit the Mitsubishi plug in hybrid range, a variation that fits the Prius range and also a version that has ports to allow the use of magnetic test probes to safely measure voltage when power is on.

These designs are manufactured completely in house, and can be customised for different connectors if required. 

 

                                                                                                                                                   

Our full range is linked below, if you can't see what you need, or require some guidance contact us for some assistance.

 

https://warwickts.com/1852/Vehicle-Diagnostic-Insulated-Tools