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FINAL DETAIL
INTO THE ELECTRIC ERA The future is electrifying—join in!
BY ALLISON ROGERS
Y
ou may find it hard to find a shred of optimism in 2020—but there are countless reasons to be excited about the automotive landscape that lays before Canada. The electric era is officially upon us. In case you’ve missed it, Unifor recently secured a deal that will see Ford’s Oakville, Ontario, plant build five new electric vehicle
mere years away from electric vehicle repairs claiming a huge stake in most collision centres. Collision repairers will be destined to encounter a myriad of new concepts; lightweight materials, high-voltage batteries, ever-increasing technology and so much more. With th a t c o me s a b evy o f o th e r consequences—the cost of repairs will
If the tale plays out as planned, we’re mere years away from electric vehicle repairs claiming a huge stake in most collision centres.
models from 2025 to 2028, in addition to batteries for the new models. Alongside the announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed that Canada must be a global leader in zeroemissions manufacturing, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he will “always” have the backs of Canada’s auto workers. With a near $2 billion investment coming from the government, Canada has officially claimed its place on Electric Avenue. In the same vein, Quebec has unveiled plans to cease gas-powered car sales by 2035—five years earlier than the proposal put forth by British Columbia. If the tale plays out as planned, we’re
continue rising as vehicles become more complex, as will the length of repairs as batteries need to be de-energized and removed, even before a brief panel beating. Training will be absolutely crucial as Canada makes its proposed shift toward zeroemissions vehicles. The challenges brought on by the pandemic persist, even as new hurdles arise. Luckily, this industry excels in overcoming new challenges. As a technician, painter, apprentice or student of the autobody trade, you need to remember why you are here, and that you’ll always be needed. A whole new world lays before you and, if you’re hungry for knowledge, you’ll be bound to succeed.
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Allison Rogers is the editor of Bodyworx Professional. She can be reached at allison@mediamatters.ca, or 905-370-0101.
