Higher standards for EV and other vehicle repairs

New standards have been introduced by New Zealand’s largest body of panel-beaters to cope with increasing numbers of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids and others equipped with advanced safety technology.

The industry is moving to stay ahead of the rapid evolution in car manufacturing which is increasing the complexity of vehicle repairs, Collision Repair Association (CRA) spokesman Neil Pritchard says.

He says the lack of regulation in the NZ collision repair market can create quality control issues for consumers. This situation is getting worse with the introduction of more cars equipped with active safety systems and the increased use of exotic materials in the vehicle manufacturing process, Pritchard says.

“With the increase of EVs, self-driving technology, and new types of construction materials, vehicle manufacturing has seen more advancement over the last decade than over the past century.

“While EVs are touted as having a reduced need for mechanical servicing, when it comes to collision repairs there is a significant increase in the risk and repair complexity to get them back on the road.”

Pritchard says the pace of this change is continuing to accelerate and more of these vehicles are on NZ roads daily.

“There are more than 7200 EVs and hybrids now registered in NZ – a 958% increase from 680 vehicles just three years ago.”

In fact, latest Ministry of Transport figures put the EV fleet at 7597 in April.

Pritchard says EVs bring their own set of challenges when damaged.

“Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable and the risk associated with lithium-ion batteries found in EVs adds a high level of complexity to the repair process, including potential electrocution of the repairer.”

Pritchard says the elevated risk of fire also prevents the vehicle from entering a spray booth, which means the panel-beater must introduce processes specific to that type of vehicle to complete the repair.

“At the same time, many new models entering the market have advancements in safety technology which allow the vehicle to proactively mitigate or avoid collisions.

“To accommodate this change, we are bringing in new international, service quality standards to the industry which will see repairers commit to ongoing training, equipment upgrades, annual inspections and audit processes before they can become a licensed collision repairer in this market,” Pritchard says.

Modern vehicles are now made from materials which require special training and equipment for the repairer to replicate the factory join when replacing structural parts of the vehicle, he says

“The introduction of new internationally recognised I-CAR standards will mean the public can be reassured their panel-beater has undergone a training and audit process to keep them up to date with the latest technology.”

Approved CRA members will display ‘Licensed Collision Repairer’ on their signs.

Pritchard says anecdotal evidence shows demand for front end replacement parts for new cars has fallen as the vehicle is able to automatically prevent this type of crash.

Damage often tends to be more cosmetic than structural, he says.

“Despite this, these vehicles are becoming increasing more complex to repair as the 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 network of onboard technology.

“Further evidence of how the industry is evolving is the increase in the number of smaller collision repair shops opening that specialise in repairs for more minor dents.”