Our shop has been a Tesla Approved Collision Centre (TACC) since December of 2023. People often ask me how much capital we invested to become Tesla Certified, as if it’s a go or no-go mathematics equation only, but the answer isn’t that straightforward. Vehicle technology does not stop changing. Electrified vehicles are simply a result of progress and innovation in the auto manufacturing space. Repairing them requires us to think the same way OEMs are. We need to advance the technology and training in our facilities to repair any new vehicle properly–not just EVs.
If you’re wondering if modern vehicle technology and EVs will make their way to your shop and if you’ll need to invest, I have some bad news: the train has already left the station. The good news is that pursuing the journey will make your business better, more sustainable, and more profitable than ever. The only question is if you’ll get out ahead of it now and embrace the change or be dragged behind it kicking and screaming.
OUR JOURNEY AT DON-MOR
We’ve been busy incorporating an apprenticeship tool grant and training program into our business that has resulted in us hiring between five and eight new staff from local trade schools each year. Being ahead of the curve on EVs and repair technology means that staff tend to seek us out vs. us hunting for them because they’ll get to learn new skills and use new equipment to further their career.
This isn’t rocket science. Investing in modern frame and fixturing racks, measuring systems, welders, and ADAS calibration equipment makes us ready to tackle whatever wrecks come our way in the most efficient way possible, electric or not. Here’s the punchline: if you’re fixing EVs or not, you’ll need most of these things anyway.
IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE
When it comes to employees, think about the basics. Employees are looking to work for a company that values their contributions and invests in their growth and efficiency. They’re looking for a career path and upward mobility. They’re looking for competitive pay based on what they bring to the table.
Do you have easy access to water and coffee in your facility? Do your staff have somewhere clean and comfortable to take a lunch break? Do you regularly provide opportunities for your staff to expand their skills through company-sponsored training? Do you offer a competitive benefits and retirement savings package to incentivize retention? Do you offer flexible hours and paid time off so parents can take care of their family commitments?
Have you considered air conditioning your shop so you can maintain full productivity in the hot summer months?
It’s not a matter of if you can afford it—you can’t afford not to. These small but critical steps have made all the difference in our ability to deliver on our commitment to servicing insurers and customers in our market. Because of these investments our business has and continues to deliver exceptional financial and operational results.
If we get complacent or stray from this way of thinking, we won’t make it. It’s that simple. Any time we find ourselves struggling, I look back and realize it’s because we didn’t put people first.
BECOMING A TESLA APPROVED COLLISION CENTRE (TACC)
Adding Tesla repairs to our portfolio has been one of the best strategic decisions we’ve made. I was hesitant because of the unknown, our technicians were worried about change, and our estimators were concerned about all the rumors they had heard about less than stellar parts availability. It turns out these concerns were all unfounded.
Instead, we’ve found that our technicians appreciate the consistency of working on the same handful of vehicles, our estimators love working with the Tesla EPC Portal to find parts and OEM procedures, and I’m incredibly happy with finding a new and profitable additional revenue stream for our business. We’re a year in and Telsa already represents a significant portion of our collision repair revenue.
You’ll need a charging station, some specialty equipment from Tesla, and technician training, but if you’re up to date on equipment purchases in your facility, otherwise, the investment to get started can be surprisingly small.
The other benefit is that you’ll be ready for the other EVs that are likely to show up in your parking lot—Mustang Mach-Es, F150 Lightnings and Hummer EVs are gaining traction—and we’ve found ourselves ready to deal with the intricacies of these vehicles like battery disconnects and charging because of our Tesla journey.
EVS—WHERE TO START
If you haven’t seen an EV in your parking lot yet, you will soon. Before going all in and pursuing an OEM certification, there are some steps you can take to get ready.
• Enroll technicians in EV Safety Training and purchase basic safety equipment
• Create a process for EVs that arrive on your lot—in what circumstances will your staff need to de-energize the high voltage systems?
• Research the bake temperature of your spray booth and the requirements of different OEMs to avoid damage to EV battery packs
• Install an EV charging station. EVs require battery maintenance and unlike ICE vehicles, they consume energy even when idle. Maintaining the charge of customer’s vehicles is critical, especially if they’ re at your facility for a long time waiting for backordered parts.
• Take an EV for a spin—rent an electric car for the weekend and see what the hype is about. You’ll be better equipped to have a conversation with a potential customer or insurer after visiting a supercharger, using autopilot and experiencing the torque of an electric drive system!
THE NEW BASICS IN 2025
My prediction—the collision repair industry is at a pivotal moment, and the new basics for staying relevant in 2025 will be all about embracing change rather than resisting it. Success in this new era requires more than just keeping up—it demands embracing change with enthusiasm, investing in people, and committing to continuous improvement.
I’m certain that the road ahead for us is boundless and full of opportunity and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
