---
title: Is EV All Hype, or Is the Revolution Really Coming? The Digital Shop Talk Radio Ep. 190
description: Is the EV Revolution here? Learn how your shop can prepare for the shift and thrive with insights from shop owner Brittany Schindler in episode 190 of The Digital Shop Talk Radio.
image: https://blog.autovitals.com/hubfs/Template-1.png
---
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## The Digital Shop® Blog
# Is EV All Hype, or Is the Revolution Really Coming? The Digital Shop Talk Radio Ep. 190
[AutoVitals](https://blog.autovitals.com/author/autovitals)
Jan 20, 2025, 9:00:00 AM
The increase in electric cars has sparked both excitement and skepticism in the automotive industry and in the most recent episode of AutoVitals’ Digital Shop Talk Radio, host Lauren Thunen and Brittany Schindler, owner of Rod’s Japanese Auto Care and Rod’s Master Auto Tech, explored whether EVs are merely hype or the sign of a significant industry shift. Brittany shared her experiences as an independent shop owner adapting to the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, offering valuable insights for others in the auto repair industry. Continue reading to help prepare your shop for the increase in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
- [Assessing the Local Market](https://blog.autovitals.com/is-ev-all-hype#assessing)
- [Proactive Integration of EVs](https://blog.autovitals.com/is-ev-all-hype#proactive)
- [Investing in Training and Safety](https://blog.autovitals.com/is-ev-all-hype#investing)
- [Opportunities Beyond Basic Maintenance](https://blog.autovitals.com/is-ev-all-hype#opportunities)
- [Marketing to EV Owners](https://blog.autovitals.com/is-ev-all-hype#marketing)
- [Looking Ahead](https://blog.autovitals.com/is-ev-all-hype#looking)
- [Conclusion](https://blog.autovitals.com/is-ev-all-hype#conclusion)
# **Assessing the Local Market**
Brittany stressed the importance of understanding your local market when determining how to adapt to trends like EVs. She explained, “I don’t typically go off of news or what the government is trying to make happen. It’s mostly just awareness of what our customers are doing and what they’re interested in.” In Bellingham, Washington, where her shop is located, EV adoption is growing steadily but not explosively. This steady growth has allowed her to adapt incrementally, balancing her customers' needs with the operational requirements of her shop.
Despite not being located in a major metropolitan area, Brittany has observed a notable presence of EVs and hybrids in her community. “Our city is maybe a hundred thousand people, and I’m just on the outside of it. However, we definitely see our fair share of both hybrids and EVs,” she explained. Washington State’s higher-than-average EV adoption rate reinforces the need to stay ahead of this trend. “You definitely don’t have to be in a big city or wherever to see these cars and to see these Tesla's".
# **Proactive Integration of EVs**
Brittany’s shop began integrating EV and hybrid services long before these vehicles became mainstream. She shared that her team gained experience by working on hybrids years ago, saying, “We started seven or eight years ago. My dad was buying wrecked Priuses or Priuses from auction…and we’d tear them down and we’d dissect them and really teach ourselves how to do it.” This hands-on experimentation gave her team a foundation to build on as EVs became more prevalent.
Her shop also features EV loaner cars like Nissan Leaf's. She noted, “We have Prius loaner cars and a Nissan Leaf, and we have a Tesla here all the time, so people just tend to ask us questions about those.” This visibility and interaction have made her shop a trusted source for EV inquiries and services.
# **Investing in Training and Safety**
Brittany highlighted the critical importance of training and [safety](https://blog.autovitals.com/safety-tips-for-automotive-shops) when working on EVs. “When it comes to safety stuff, it is a very serious conversation here at the shop,” she emphasized. “We revisit the safety steps often to make sure that this is a very serious thing. We definitely need to make sure that we’re safe.”
Safety begins with understanding the unique risks associated with high-voltage components in EVs. Brittany explained that her team’s approach involves thorough training and careful monitoring, especially for new technicians. “Any new technician is going to start doing what we do here at a shop, like rebuilding the hybrid batteries and things like that, they have to know everything first and they get babysat and watched like a hawk before they really get into a good routine,” she shared.
She also highlighted the importance of using proper equipment and adhering to manufacturers’ guidelines. For example, she pointed out that safety gloves used for high-voltage work have a limited lifespan and must be regularly replaced. “There’s a limit, a time limit on the orange gloves that you have in your shop…they do go bad.” By instilling a culture of safety and accountability, Brittany ensures her shop is prepared to handle the demands of servicing EVs while protecting her staff from potential hazards.
# **Opportunities Beyond Basic Maintenance**
While EVs require less traditional maintenance, they still present ample service opportunities. By focusing on areas such as control arms, coolant systems, air filters, struts, tires, and gear oil in drive motors, Brittany’s shop has effectively serviced EVs without the need for significant structural changes.
In addition to maintenance, Brittany has identified a growing demand for accessories among EV owners. She pointed out that Tesla owners, in particular, often seek customizations such as door handle modifications or latch replacements. Observing customer preferences through online forums and groups has helped her identify these opportunities.
Another significant service opportunity lies in performing comprehensive inspections for EV owners. Brittany shared that her shop emphasizes transparency by showing customers the various components in their vehicles using [AutoVitals DVI](https://www.autovitals.com/solutions/digital-vehicle-inspections/). “We just take pictures of these things for them,” Brittany said. “I use AutoVitals to help educate the customers and to get them to come in to do it and to learn about it.” This approach not only boosts customer confidence but also showcases the shop’s expertise in handling EVs.
# **Marketing to EV Owners**
[Marketing](https://blog.autovitals.com/effective-automotive-service-marketing-tactics) to EV owners has been a key aspect of Brittany’s strategy to grow her shop’s EV services. One of the most effective ways she has achieved this is by clearly communicating her shop’s expertise and readiness to handle EVs. Brittany ensures that their capabilities are prominently highlighted on platforms like Facebook and Google, making it easy for potential customers to find them online. By creating specific content about EV and hybrid services, she establishes her shop as a knowledgeable and reliable option for EV owners.
Brittany also leverages customer interactions to spread the word. Her team actively engages customers in conversations about their vehicles, ensuring they are aware that the shop can service EVs and hybrids. This approach fosters trust and positions her shop as a forward-thinking business that stays ahead of automotive trends.
Additionally, Brittany’s proactive outreach to Tesla owners through online forums and groups has proven effective. By understanding the needs and preferences of local EV owners, she tailors her services and marketing efforts to better meet their expectations. This targeted strategy has been instrumental in attracting new customers while strengthening relationships with existing ones.
# **Looking Ahead**
Brittany’s advice for shops considering the transition to EV and hybrid services is straightforward: “Don’t be scared. You can tell your customers…you can do most of the things on their car that their car will need.” She stressed the importance of long-term thinking. “What is your long-term goal for your business and your shop? Do you want to train people properly to do things the right way and spend time doing it?”
Brittany believes that “This is clearly the way that the industry is headed,” she concluded. “Get into it. Tell your customers, yes…this is the way of the future.”
# **Conclusion**
The rise of EVs and hybrids presents both challenges and opportunities for independent automotive shops. By staying informed, investing in training, and maintaining open communication with customers, shops like Brittany Schindler’s are thriving amidst these changes. Her story serves as a compelling example for others looking to navigate the electrification revolution. Watch the full episode of [AutoVitals Digital Shop Talk Radio](https://www.autovitals.com/radio/is-ev-all-hype-or-is-the-revolution-really-coming-ep-190/) to learn more about the EV Revolution.
## Read On
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