Is it time WoFs are updated for EVs?

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Is it time WoFs are updated for EVs?

Obraik

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#269903 14-Apr-2020 00:49

With recent news that Tesla will disable DC fast charging for any "salvage" vehicle due to safety concerns it got me thinking...why do WoFs here not include any inspection of the high voltage components in an EV? Obviously a thorough inspection of the battery pack isn't possible but a check of the high voltage lines to make sure there's no damage seems like it would be worthwhile, no?

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Bung

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#2460852 14-Apr-2020 05:33

The wof inspection manual VIRM already includes

". High voltage wiring is:

a) insecure or not adequately secured

b) damaged or deteriorated (including insulation)

c) likely to touch:

i. hot components of the vehicle

ii. sharp edges

iii. rotating parts

iv. the ground."

Any inspection is only visual.

gregmcc

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#2460853 14-Apr-2020 06:30

There is a bit of a grey area in the legislation regarding EV's as soon as you start using words like inspection and electrical together there is the implication that it is prescribed electrical work which would need a practicing license to do.

If an Electrical WoF for a caravan is done, it must be done by an electrical inspector, Should the High voltage electrical inspection on an EV be done by an Electrical Inspector? or by the buy the guy that does Wof inspections who may or may not have any mechanical qualifications and almost guaranteed does not have any electrical qualifications?

Bung

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#2460856 14-Apr-2020 07:02

Is this not covered by the Schedule 1 clause 2 exclusion in the ESRs?

"2.The following work is not prescribed electrical work:

Electric cars

(p)any work on electric cars (being road vehicles that use electricity generated within the vehicle, or electricity supplied from a standard low voltage supply, as its motive energy source):

gregmcc

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#2460860 14-Apr-2020 07:40

Bung: Is this not covered by the Schedule 1 clause 2 exclusion in the ESRs?

"2.The following work is not prescribed electrical work:

Electric cars

(p)any work on electric cars (being road vehicles that use electricity generated within the vehicle, or electricity supplied from a standard low voltage supply, as its motive energy source):

I did say it was a bit of a grey area, but think about it would you want a WoF checker inspecting the high voltage electrical system of an EV and calling it good. Keep in mind there is no formal qualification you need to obtain to be an WoF inspector

scuwp

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#2460871 14-Apr-2020 08:13

I understand there is work underway for future updates to the WOF system for alternative fuel vehicles including EV and Hydrogen. The fleet saturation is so terribly small at the moment I suspect as far as road safety risk is concerned it is insignificant.

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afe66

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#2461158 14-Apr-2020 15:30

scuwp:

I understand there is work underway for future updates to the WOF system for alternative fuel vehicles including EV and Hydrogen. The fleet saturation is so terribly small at the moment I suspect as far as road safety risk is concerned it is insignificant.

Also the EV fleet would be much younger than normal cars.

ie First version of Leaf went on sale in Japan in 2010 vrs the average age of NZ cars is 14 years.

Even then I doubt there are many from that far back.

Obraik

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#2461161 14-Apr-2020 15:36

afe66:

Also the EV fleet would be much younger than normal cars.

ie First version of Leaf went on sale in Japan in 2010 vrs the average age of NZ cars is 14 years.

Even then I doubt there are many from that far back.

Sure...but neglectful people can do impressive amounts of damage in a short amount of time!

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elpenguino

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#2464305 17-Apr-2020 16:42

gregmcc:

I did say it was a bit of a grey area, but think about it would you want a WoF checker inspecting the high voltage electrical system of an EV and calling it good. Keep in mind there is no formal qualification you need to obtain to be an WoF inspector

Are you sure about that? When I go to VTNZ they have official-looking framed certificates up on the wall with their inspector's names on them.

Furthermore, this link says you have to be a mechanic, preferably qualified: https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/applications/vi-applications/wof-vi-application

I would say if you can be trained to repair ICE vehicles (and inspect them) you can be trained to visually inspect the HV section of an EV.

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gregmcc

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#2464313 17-Apr-2020 16:51

elpenguino:

Are you sure about that? When I go to VTNZ they have official-looking framed certificates up on the wall with their inspector's names on them.

Furthermore, this link says you have to be a mechanic, preferably qualified: https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/applications/vi-applications/wof-vi-application

I would say if you can be trained to repair ICE vehicles (and inspect them) you can be trained to visually inspect the HV section of an EV.

from the web site you linked:-

To be eligible to become a WoF vehicle inspector, you must:

-------------

be qualified as an automotive technician with either an NZ Trade Certificate in Automotive Engineering, National A-Grade Registration, NZ Advanced Trade Certificate, or equivalent,

be qualified as an automotive technician in Automotive Engineering with either National Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 4 or higher), National Registration, or equivalent, and references of 3 years continuous relevant work experience,

be a person who has worked in full-time employment carrying out repairs and maintenance to the safety aspects of motor vehicles for at least five cumulative full-time years.

--------------

I've bolded the last one - no formal qualification required (automotive wise) let alone any actual knowledge to High voltage electrical related top EV's

I stand by my comment - " there is no formal qualification you need to obtain to be an WoF inspector"

ShinyChrome

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#2464331 17-Apr-2020 17:08

gregmcc:

I stand by my comment - " there is no formal qualification you need to obtain to be an WoF inspector"

What a bunch of nonsense. Speaking as both a qualified mechanic and someone who went through the process to become a WOF inspector, the process is not as simple as "I worked for 5 years for the corner garage, gimme a certificate". Regardless of the experience component, to get your Authorized Vehicle Inspector ticket you have to go through a mandatory safety course and then written and oral test involving demonstrating a complete WOF inspection, as well as regular audits thereafter.

A WOF is about ensuring your car is ON THE DAY OF THE INSPECTION at a MINIMUM level of safety to be on the road based on what the inspector can VISUALLY assess. It is the owners responsibility to keep the car up to WOF standards AT ALL TIMES.

An EV vehicle is even simpler than an ICE vehicle; do all the wiring bits between the battery and motors look obviously visibly damaged/frayed? No, tick. Does the battery casing look distorted/visibly damaged etc? No, tick. Then the usual brakes, tires, seatbelts etc...

Edit: The biggest thing I would probably say needs updating is where the responsibility falls for assuring that autonomous driving systems/aids are functioning correctly. Whether that is some sort of annual re-certification check by a third-party org. or the OEM themselves, that is probably where the discussion needs to happen if it hasn't already. Which technically should apply to all vehicles, regardless of propulsion technology.