Attracting EVs to workshops

Meeting the EV Challenge

MAKING EVS WELCOME HELPS ENSURE CONTINUITY FOR ‘TRADITIONAL’ WORKSHOPS

The recent fuel price hike is accelerating the demand for EVS, and while they are still a tiny percentage of the vehicle fleet in New Zealand, workshops can maintain a relationship with customers who have added an EV to the family fleet by adding EV services.

Workshops will naturally be wary of the new technology and will want to avoid undertaking work on systems they have not been trained on, but Blackfern Cooperative director Roger Castleton says they are encouraging workshops to look at the opportunities they present — much like the growing opportunities in gaining expertise in ADAS systems. And he encourages them to move with their customers who often have a foot “in both camps”. “Most families with two vehicles will retain a fossil fuel car, so EV owners should by virtue of their history still want to deal with the team they trust at their local garage.”

As a first step, Blackfern recommends workshops look at installing a universal EV charger in the workshop and offer free or low-cost charging as part of the vehicle service. Blackfern partner YHI Energy has a number of options in this field. Roger says most workshops will find a hard-wired 7kW AC charger, like the EO Mini Pro 2, is enough to provide a decent add-on service and customer perk. With a charge rate of 30km–50km per hour (vehicle dependent) and a universal socket, this one unit will charge any PHEV/EV on the road both now and in the future. With the ability to reduce its charging power based on what electricity is being consumed elsewhere on the property, workshops will never exceed a site’s energy supply.

For workshops with EV customers already, or even planning upgrades, Blackfern recommends an entry level 30kW DC charger. Available in wall-mount or mobile, this solution provides fast charging — which EV owners seek out — at a rate of 100km to 150km per hour (vehicle dependent). “It is an excellent addition to a busy workshop,” says Roger. “DC charging is also a great way to attract customers, in particular if there are things to do close by, such as dining or shopping.

“Talk to the experts at YHI Energy supplies about EV charging,” he says. “They will find a solution that works for your workshop today and well into the future.” Blackfern members will go in the draw to win 10,000 reward points by just enquiring during July. “Should you purchase a charger, you can divide your payment into three months, no interest, no fee,” says Roger.

For more information on Blackfern Cooperative, see www.blackfern.coop.

Introducing Autolabs

AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS IN THE CAR DETAILING BUSINESS, MATTHEW RIDGE AND HIS SON BOSTON HAVE DEVELOPED A NEW CAR CARE RANGE — AUTOLABS

Matthew has been involved in detailing cars for more than two decades through his Carfe businesses across Auckland, cleaning over half a million cars. During this time, Matthew and Boston realised most available products were highly acidic and bad for the environment.

“There was a gap for products that were effective but not full of damaging chemicals that were bad for the environment and your vehicle. We knew there had to be something that could hit all three things on the head,” says Matthew.

Working with chemists and scientists over three years, the father and son team developed the range of Autolab products, combining science with the art of detailing.

“It was such a great experience developing this range with Dad,” says Boston. “We were brought together by our passion for both cars and the environment. We also used cutting- edge technology to create a range that really works and is safe for all cars.”

They rolled out the products in their own detailing business and the feedback was “phenomenal”. Their growing customer base includes Giltrap Audi, which is using the products in its grooming facilities, as well as in tailored car-care kits.

The Autolabs range includes a Base Cleanser + Wax; Protective Alpine Coat, a liquid quick detailer with high-gloss optics; Flawless Quartz Glass Cleaner which is ammonia free, non toxic and safe on tints; and Re-gen Interior Detailer, which cleans and disinfects, removing sweat and oils while conditioning and regenerating interior surfaces. It also leaves an anti-static barrier to protect against moisture, dust, oxidation, and UV degradation.

Re-gen Paint Foundation restores the clarity of clear coat, and Hydrating Tyre Conditioner penetrates into rubber to create a rich, natural sheen. Iron Remover + Cleaner for Wheels removes tar and other organic or inorganic contaminants. It is safe to use on all alloy wheels, including vehicles with ceramic brakes.

The range is now available from the Autolabs website and from Carfe. For more information see autolabs.nz.

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