Recent estimates indicate that over 3 million EVs are currently on the road in the United States. However, that number is expected to grow exponentially as EV technology improves and state mandates requiring new vehicles to be powered by electricity rather than gas kick in. Auto repair shops can prepare for the shift by ensuring workers are trained to maintain and repair electric vehicles and purchasing the equipment needed to work on EVs.

Understanding EV-Specific Car Lift Requirements

Electric vehicles have a heavy battery pack and special features. Thus, you’ll want to make sure any lift you use has a high weight capacity, powerful lifting capacity, and reinforced structures. You’ll also need additional safety features to accommodate an EV’s unique design and battery pack. Charging infrastructure for your lift is a plus, as you can offer your customers free charging services while conducting routine maintenance and repairs. This additional service won’t affect your repair and maintenance work or the safety of your mechanics, and it’s a service that customers are sure to appreciate.

You’ll also need to pay attention to your garage structure and layout before buying an electric car lift. The average sedan or city car is between 4.5 and 5.2 feet high, while average pick-up trucks and SUVs are between 5.6 and 6.5 feet high. However, many electric passenger cars are well over 5 feet high, while electric pick-ups and SUVs can be up to 81 inches (nearly 7 feet) high. You may need to either raise the shop roof to accommodate the added height or stick to working on EV passenger cars.

Tips for Choosing the Right Electric Auto Lift

There are multiple factors to keep in mind when picking an ideal lift for any vehicle type. However, because the design, shape, and weight of electric vehicles are different from traditional vehicles, it’s wise to do additional research to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal for your auto shop.

Load Capacity and Weight Distribution

The lightest EVs on the market weigh nearly 2,650 lbs. Heavy-duty models such as the Mercedes EQV and Audi e-tron can weigh about 6,500 lbs. Consider load capacity carefully when picking an electric car auto lift for EVs to ensure your lift can handle a range of EV models.

You’ll also want to pay close attention to weight distribution. In traditional vehicles, engine and fuel type will determine the weight distribution of the vehicle. For EVs, weight distribution depends on battery type and placement. What’s more, removing certain components from an electric vehicle can change the center of gravity. This means you’ll need a lift that can safely balance the car under changing circumstances.

Vehicle Compatibility

It’s wise to consult a lift manufacturer to determine if the electric auto lift you’re considering is compatible with the type of EVs you’ll be working on. Even companies that produce various EV models (such as Tesla, Hyundai, and Nissan) may have specific lift specifications for different product lines. Consult both the lift manufacturer and EV owner’s manuals to make sure your lift is compatible with the EVs you’ll be servicing.

Safety Features

It’s imperative to ensure the lift can safely hold the vehicle, so your mechanics can work underneath and on the sides. You’ll also want a lift with EV-specific safety features such as a battery handling mechanism, electric safety features, non-conductive adapters, and enhanced stability control systems. It’s also wise to look for a lift with third-party certification. ANSI, for instance, is a reputable third party that evaluates lifts to ensure they’re compliant with industry standards.

Manufacturer Support

Any electric car lift is a substantial investment. Thus, you’ll want to make sure that the lift manufacturer offers long-term support for your new device. How long does the warranty last, and what does it cover? Does the manufacturer have a reputation for providing fast, efficient customer service and troubleshooting? Has the company that made the lift committed to keeping lubricant and replacement parts for the lift in stock for the foreseeable future? If not, are lubricants and/or parts made by other lift manufacturers compatible with the lift model?

Can Traditional Car Lifts Adapt to EV Needs?

A traditional car lift cannot meet the needs of an electric vehicle. Traditional lifts won’t allow easy access to an EV’s battery pack. They don’t have the features needed to safely lift EVs and keep them steady while mechanics conduct routine maintenance or do repairs. Attempting to use a traditional lift to work on any EV could cause serious safety issues that may result in damage to the EV and injury to workers in the auto repair shop.

Find OEM Car Lift Parts Today

SVI Inc. stocks thousands of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lifts and lift parts for all well-known lift brand names. This includes not only parts currently sold by manufacturers but also parts that are no longer available from lift companies. What’s more, we have a team of degreed, experienced mechanical engineers who can create replacement lift parts on demand, should the need arise. There is no reasonable task or project that is too hard or too small for our team of experts to take on and complete.As electric vehicles become increasingly commonplace, auto repair shops that have lifts compatible with EVs will have an edge over shops that only use traditional lifts. Purchasing EV car lifts isn’t cheap, but it’s well worth the investment. SVI Inc. partners with auto shops throughout the United States, offering lifts, lift parts, and stellar customer service to help you get the best deals. What’s more, our two ready-ship warehouses offer speedy shipping to ensure you get needed machinery and parts without delay. Get in touch with us at your convenience to find out more about our products and services, or to get a price quote.