8 June 2021  – Electric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay. In 2019, Europe secured 60 billion Euros in investments to produce EVs and their batteries – 19 times more than in 2018[1]. In the UK, it is predicted that around 18 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) will be on the road by 2030, when the ban on the sale of new internal combustion vehicles is introduced[2]. By 2040, BEVs and PHEVs may account for as much as 60% of the total car market[3].

For refinishers and bodyshops, this trend is one that must be embraced, but with care and skill. Kevin Welling, Training Academy Manager for Axalta in the UK and Ireland, explains, "Repairing EVs, BEVs and PHEVs requires not only particular safety precautions but also special products and application considerations.”

When repairing EVs, refinishers must follow a safety-first approach before undertaking any part of the repair. In the first instance, and very importantly, the battery must be disconnected so that the power cannot be accidently switched on during the repair. But the special considerations don’t stop there.

Welling says, “An added challenge with EVs is realising a highly-productive and exceptional repair that refinishers associate with Cromax, but doing so with drying at low temperatures due to the nature of sensitive electrics and batteries. This is even more complex as each car manufacturer has its own upper temperature limit that must be adhered to. We always recommend that refinishers familiarise themselves with the manufacturer’s specific recommendations at the start of the repair.”

Refinishers can rely on the revolutionary Cromax Ultra Performance Energy System for their EVs repairs. It offers them faster process times, outstanding results and reduced energy consumption due to lower temperate curing. In particular, CC6750 Ultra Performance Energy System Clear - based on unique and patented resin technology - is formulated for fast drying at low temperatures: 30 to 55 minutes at 20°C and 10 to 15 minutes at 40°C to 45°C.

For more information about the CC6750 Ultra Performance Energy System Clear and the Ultra Performance Energy System, please visit www.cromax.com/uk/cc6750.

[1] https://www.virta.global/global-electric-vehicle-market

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/21/65m-households-uk-electric-car

[3] HSBC, Henning Cosman et al.: Global Autos, EVs back in focus: Covid-19 as jumpstart, September 2020