Taking Charge of EV Parts Sales

[Counterman]

As the popularity of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in our markets increases, some parts professionals have expressed worry about the potential lack of future business from these platforms. Many of these fears come from the lack of moving parts in the drivetrain, and the individual piece-count is indeed fewer than the vehicles we have provided for in the past. Despite this, EVs still offer several parts and service opportunities, and even a couple of new categories for us all to get acquainted with.

Obviously, the absence of an internal combustion engine eliminates the need for oil changes. Considering that the LOF package is traditionally a loss-leader for both service centers and parts retailers, this might initially feel like a relief. However, the maintenance schedule for most ICE vehicles assures that service providers get to see a vehicle at least twice annually, giving them an opportunity to identify other service opportunities… and sell more parts!

Many BEV drivetrains also eliminate conventional transmissions, along with their familiar fluid and filter services. EVs do have transmissions, although, currently, most platforms utilize a single-speed gearbox. The fluids for these transmissions are different from the wide range of fluids we currently stock to meet multiple OEM specifications, with additional SKUs to keep track of. EV transmission fluids fall into two broad categories: “wet”
and “dry.”

A “dry” transmission sounds like a catastrophe waiting to happen, but it actually refers to its separation from the drive motor, rather than its liquid state. A “wet” transmission fluid is intended for use in EVs whose motor and transmission operate in a shared fluid environment. These fluids are, at a minimum, “long-life” fluids (50k-100k miles), although some EV transmissions are “sealed for life,” and therefore have no maintenance interval.

While drivetrain and emissions categories may face a limited future, steering, suspension and tire categories are positioned strongly to help support these increasingly heavy vehicles. The ultra-quiet nature of BEV operation will have a direct influence on noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) concerns. Rattles and clunks from highly-stressed components like sway bar links and control arm bushings will become noticeable much sooner, and likely replaced rather than ignored. Ride control components like struts and chassis parts will continue to wear, possibly at a slightly more accelerated pace.

Electric power steering has widely replaced hydraulic systems in many platforms for reasons of fuel economy, and is a necessity for vehicles without an engine-driven accessory drive. Steering and suspension failures will continue to affect alignment regardless of the vehicle’s propulsion system. 

EV tires are designed to decrease rolling resistance, adding to the overall efficiency of their drive systems.  Bearing the additional weight of the EV battery packs and subject to the instant high torque generated by electric motors, tires designed for EV platforms are also often sturdier-built and generally more expensive than other options.

TPMS functionality and proper inflation are critical to achieving the maximum benefits of these designs. EV tires also tend to have less initial tread depth than typical all-season tires. EV owners are discovering that these vehicles require replacement 15-20% sooner than conventional tires, increasing the frequency of services requiring technicians to remove the wheels, leading to possible associated sales.

The takeaway for the future of EV parts and service opportunities is that our role as parts professionals isn’t going away, it’s just changing. Just as our suppliers have adapted to market changes by embracing trends in diesel and hybrid ownership, or transitions from R-12 to R-134a and now R-1234yf, the current shift toward BEV technologies simply presents a series of new opportunities for the parts professional to provide expert assistance in a changing landscape.

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