Customers are beginning recognize the benefits associated with going green as a result of the popularity of electric cars. An electric vehicle produces 73% less carbon dioxide than a gasoline- or diesel car. In addition, electric vehicles are capable of sending power back to the grid to help during periods of high demand.
However, the transition to EVs has not been without its problems. These include range anxiety and cost. The cost to recharge an EV depends on a variety of factors. The battery age, the driving style, and the terrain all play a role in the cost. Generally, charging an EV in your own home is cheaper than charging it at a public place. However, the cost to charge at a private fast charger station is often two-to three times as expensive as charging at your home.
But a new trend is reshaping the way automakers approach the electric vehicle. The "Big Three" American carmakers have committed to increasing production of electric vehicle. To help reduce their carbon emissions, they will use domestic batteries. And they are planning to build multi-billion-dollar manufacturing plants. They plan to sell 20 or more battery-electric models before 2025.
Electric vehicles have yet to reach the mass adoption levels expected. However, it is rapidly growing. The number of public chargers is increasing, and many utilities are seeking to increase the amount of electricity they sell. New infrastructure is being built to accommodate the influx in EVs.
According to the National Electric Highway Coalition (a group of 60 utilities), a national fast-charging network has been developed. These stations will be located on major US highways. There are more fast-charging stations than ever before. In addition to this, more car companies are moving towards vertically integrated production.
This shift creates uncertainty for customers. Although a lot of people recognize the environmental benefits of going green, they are unsure whether they can afford an EV, and if the necessary infrastructure is available.
EVs cannot eliminate all carbon emissions until they start to lose their effectiveness. The local power grid's carbon intensities will determine how much reduction is needed. Driving an electric vehicle is almost the same cost as driving a gasoline or diesel car. However, it doesn't offer the convenience of a fuelless ride.
The transition to electric vehicles is happening at a faster rate than legacy automakers thought. It is anticipated that all segments will see dozens of new models over the next few year. This will encourage EV adoption. Over the next few year, EVs should increase by 85%.
Due to the growing demand for EVs charging will become more expensive. The cost of charging an EV at public charging stations may be equal or lower than that of a traditional gasoline or diesel vehicle. However, the cost to charge at a Level 3 charger, operated through a private charging network is often two to three times more than the cost of charging at home.
FAQ
What are the requirements of an automotive technician?
High school graduation or GED is required with excellent grades in English and math. Also, you must be able read and write. To be allowed to work, you must pass a written and practical test.
Do I need to have a degree to work as an automotive mechanic? Do I have to study part-time?
It is not essential, but it is helpful. Most employers prefer candidates who have studied for a full degree rather than those who haven't. It shows you are dedicated and have worked hard to achieve your goals.
This doesn't necessarily mean you can't continue to work while studying. Some universities allow students to complete coursework over the summer holidays and finish their studies later in the year. Other universities permit students to take classes part-time during the school year.
Is it worth learning to be a mechanic?
The answer depends on what you are looking for in life. If money is your goal, then you can answer "yes". But if you are searching for meaning and purpose, then you should not answer this question.
If you don’t have any mechanical skills, it’s pointless to get into it. It will just waste your time. It's not going to make you rich. It won't make you famous. And it's unlikely to change your life.
You'd have to spend years learning how things work. This would mean that you would have to pay someone else for your car's repair. It's the reason most people don't bother. They find something better to do instead.
Let's sum it up: If you want to make a lot of money, then do so. However, if you want to have a meaningful and fulfilling life, avoid the mechanic's trade.
What are the different types of jobs available in car mechanic?
There are three major areas of employment that car mechanics work in:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
This is the place most people begin to consider becoming mechanics. This is the best way to get started. You can either work at a shop owned by someone else or set up your own business.
If you plan to work in a shop, you must apply to join the union. After being accepted into the union, the union will provide training.
After completing the training, you'll be ready to start work.
Register with the government if you want to open your garage. Once you have registered, certain standards will be enforced.
You will receive a license to run your garage once you have registered.
You can sell spare parts or do minor repairs with your license. It won't permit you to fix serious engine problems.
Customers will expect you to not only sell spare parts but also provide advice and guidance.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships employ mechanics who specialize in one area of the car. They might be able to only fix brakes or replace tires.
Some dealerships hire general mechanics to handle all aspects of car repair.
These positions often require applicants that they undergo special training before being allowed work. This allows employers to select the most qualified candidates for their roles.
Some dealerships hire students straight out of college. These graduates are familiar with the fundamentals of mechanical engineering so they can easily learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages aren't associated with any particular dealership. Instead, they tend to focus on providing high-quality service.
Independent garages can pay higher wages because they aren't associated with any company. Because these jobs don't have to be associated with any company, they can generally offer better wages than dealerships.
Independent garages don't necessarily make for better work environments. Many business owners prefer to manage their own businesses rather than delegating responsibility to others.
So you may find yourself working long hours without having any say over what happens during the day.
Expect to earn lower salaries than if you were working in a dealership.
There are many jobs that can be switched between. If you want to work at a dealership, then you simply need to ask your current employer if he would consider hiring you as a mechanic instead.
Or, if your dream is to work for an independent garage you can contact the owner directly.
The bad news? Finding a new position isn't always easy. There are many factors that affect how much you make.
Consider, for example, what type of vehicle you are repairing and whether additional labor charges will apply.
What is the best way to learn about car mechanics
You don't need to know anything about cars to work as an auto mechanic. The only thing you need is the ability to fix them. This is why most people get started with simple jobs such as changing brake pads or tires. Then they move on to more difficult repairs.
You need to be able read and comprehend diagrams, follow written instructions and adhere to basic principles of good practice. It is also important to know how to determine if parts are damaged or need to be replaced.
You should not attempt to fix vehicles without proper training and guidance. This is especially true when you are dealing with costly components like engines and transmissions.
Even though you won’t need to know much more about cars, you will still need to have an in-depth understanding of mechanics and physics. This is how you understand the mechanisms behind engines and brakes.
It is important to realize that you must be ready for all types of situations. If your vehicle has been in an accident, you might need to be able to handle it. Additionally, you will need to have experience with handling accidents and breakdowns.
Finally, you need to be willing and able to quickly learn new skills. Not only will you need to be capable of diagnosing problems, but you also need to be able perform simple maintenance tasks like tightening nuts.
Statistics
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (indeed.com)
- Apprentice mechanics earn significantly less hourly than mechanics who have completed training, with a median wage of approximately $14.50 an hour, according to PayScale. (jobhero.com)
- There were 749,900 jobs available for automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2016, which is expected to grow by six percent through 2026. (jobhero.com)
External Links
How To
How to Become an Automotive Technician
Automotive technicians provide repair and maintenance services to vehicles. He/she is employed at automobile dealerships, garages, service centres, and auto shops. He/she repairs cars, trucks, motorbikes and snowmobiles for customers. An automotive technician must have the ability to quickly diagnose and fix problems.
An associate degree from a vocational school is required for anyone who wishes to become an automotive technician. After completing this program, he/she will need to pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence's (ASE) certification exam. ASE stands to American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Two sections make up the ASE certification examination. The first section tests the ability to use mechanical knowledge. The second section tests the ability to apply practical skills. To pass the test, you will need to visit an authorized testing location. These locations are available online or through your local automotive dealer.
A candidate must pass the state exam after passing the test to become an automotive technician. The process will vary depending on where an applicant lives. Some states require that candidates attend training courses, while others permit them to learn independently. Some states issue licenses to technicians as soon as they get their license. Others wait until they have worked at least six months as an automotive technician.
Apply to your local dealership to become an automotive technician. Most new employees begin as apprentices once they are hired. Apprenticeship programs last about three years. During this time, a student learns how to perform basic repairs, such as changing oil, adjusting brakes, replacing tires, cleaning spark plugs, inspecting engine compartments, and performing routine maintenance. Some students learn how to do advanced repairs, such as installing air filters, replacing shocks, repairing engines, and replacing transmission fluids. Classes are offered by most schools during regular business hours. Some schools also offer evening classes, if necessary.
After completing an apprenticeship, a student becomes a journeyman. Journeymen can spend up to five years learning how major systems work, including transmissions, differentials. They also learn how to adjust steering gear and suspensions. They also learn to perform complex repairs, such as remanufacturing engines, rebuilding transmissions, and troubleshooting electrical components. Because they have the experience and knowledge to do the job right, employers love hiring journeymen.
A candidate who passes all the necessary exams and gets a license might be interested in opening his/her own business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010, nearly 1.7 Million automotive mechanic jobs were available. That number was expected to grow by 18 percent from 2009 to 2020. The candidate should expect to invest thousands of money in equipment and supplies if he/she decides to start his/her shop.
There are many factors that affect the salary of an automotive technician, such as where they live, their education and experience. On average, an unemployed person could earn $20,000 annually. An individual with a high school diploma can earn about $21,000 per annum. Those with an associate's degree earned approximately $24,000 per year. A technician with a bachelor's degree earned approximately $27,000 annually. Masters' degree holders earn around $32,000 per annum. Salary increases can be common. A professional who earns less that $30,000 today could reasonably expect a $40,000 increase in the next few decades.