“Technology is constantly advancing and the future is bright,” says Rob Usherwood, an expert in electric and hybrid cars. He has been teaching Icelandic professionals in the automotive industry in recent weeks, sharing decades of experience.
Rob has witnessed enormous changes in the automotive industry during his career, especially in the last ten years as nearly all manufacturers – from passenger cars to buses and trucks – have adopted electric solutions. He encourages technicians to embrace this development.
Range anxiety is rare
Rob is convinced that electric cars are here to stay and says the development is rapid. The problems that people thought would hinder the electrification of cars a few years ago are negligible today. “People can get much further than they think in electric cars, and range anxiety is actually rare when driving,” he says, adding that he believes people appreciate being able to charge their cars at home.
Battery diagnostics and repairs
With his visit to Iceland, he hopes to strengthen the next generation in the industry and ensure that professionals are well-prepared for an electrified future.
The course he has been teaching here in Iceland aims to enhance participants' skills, increase safety at work, and ensure that repairs are successful on the first attempt.
A special emphasis is placed on diagnostics and the main challenges that arise in the latest types of electric vehicles. Batteries, their maintenance, and recovery are also covered in detail. He says it's a common myth that batteries cannot be repaired, but confirms that it is both possible and cost-effective.
“We teach technicians how to balance batteries and effectively put them back into service,” he says, adding that the goal is to ensure the safety and professionalism of those working with the ever-changing technology of cars.