The EV & Charging Expo in Toronto made one thing clear. The conversation around electric vehicles is no longer about what is coming, but what is already here -- and how the broader automotive aftermarket is going to deal with it.
Maintenance, a topic that has often taken a back seat in EV discussions, emerged as a recurring theme.
Yves Racette of UAP Inc., pushed back on the idea that electric vehicles require little to no upkeep. “Preventive maintenance can save up to 18% to 30% in maintenance costs compared to reactive repairs,” Racette told attendees, noting that when EV components fail, costs escalate quickly.
The message aligned with what many in the collision space are already seeing. EVs bring higher parts costs, tighter system integration and less margin for error in diagnostics. What the Expo also highlighted is how those same pressures extend beyond collision damage and into overall vehicle condition.
Discussions throughout the event frequently returned to downtime. While expensive components remain a concern, the bigger issue for many service providers is how long vehicles sit waiting for parts or qualified repair. Delays of weeks, and in some cases months, are becoming part of the equation, creating pressure on cycle times, rentals and customer satisfaction.
That reality is forcing a closer look at inspection and service practices. Sessions and show floor conversations emphasized the importance of identifying issues early, particularly in high-voltage systems and thermal management components. In Canadian conditions, where moisture, salt and temperature swings accelerate corrosion, those risks are amplified.
Examples shared during the event illustrated how easily costs can spiral. Minor issues such as corroded connectors or degraded cooling components can be misdiagnosed as major failures, leading to unnecessary replacements and extended downtime. In contrast, proper inspection and understanding of EV systems can keep repairs contained and vehicles on the road.
