I'm a self-taught mechanic who hopes to own an EV one day. I'm entirely out of my element in understanding how to fix an EV, so let's start from the basics—how are electric cars built?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Starting at the beginning is a great idea—electric cars are very different mechanically. Structurally electric vehicles are built very similarly to traditional vehicles.
Design
During the design process, manufacturers look for materials to build the car’s skeleton.
manufacturers tend to opt for aluminum because the material is both strong and lightweight.
They also use aluminum for the wheels as a weight-saving method. Because lightweight materials don’t offer the same protection as heavier classic cars, electric vehicle automakers will have to incorporate different safety features.
Construction
After the design process is complete, it’s time to cut out and weld the metal frame parts of the car together. Then, the electric drive components and steering parts can be added. Those components include the battery, electric motors, wheels, steering, infotainment, etc.
Testing
After the installation, the electric car is tested to ensure that everything is in working order. Any necessary modifications are then made. Once given the green light, the EV is ready to be shipped to the dealer.
Like you, many people seek to understand the differences that come with switching to electric.
, a licensed insurance broker, can help you through these changes regarding how owning an electric car can affect your insurance policy. The Jerry app offers end-to-end support, gathering affordable quotes while allowing you to switch plans and even cancel your old policy.
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