Independents train up to service Tesla electric cars

Delphi has held its first ever Tesla service and maintenance course at its training centre in Warwick to help independent repairers tap into the growing pool of Tesla drivers.

With Tesla accounting for one in five electric vehicles (EVs) on UK roads and many more expected to be delivered in the coming months and years, Delphi say workshops must be prepared to meet the growing demand.

The training uses the latest manufacturers data and training methods, and participants undertook practical tasks that teach essential Tesla service techniques.

The course covers operating Tesla’s service mode, accessing service documents, brake work, tyre repair and replacement, performing air conditioning and battery services, and Tesla-specific wheel alignment and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration.

“There are 85,000 additional Teslas entering the aftermarket within the next two years,” said Luke Garratt, UK technical services manager at Delphi.

“As these cars begin to arrive in independent garages, it’s crucial for technicians to understand the unique Tesla service and maintenance needs.

“We’ve developed this new course to provide the practical knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to confidently work on Teslas.”

The next training course will be held in November at the Delphi Academy, which was expanded this summer with a £500,000 investment to extend the facility and add training amenities dedicated to hybrid and electric vehicle education. Delphi seeks to support workshops with the knowledge, diagnostic tools, parts and technical support needed to efficiently work on today’s increasingly complicated car parc.

“As both an OE and aftermarket manufacturer, we are increasing our efforts to support workshops,” said Garratt. “Our trainers are seasoned technicians with hands-on workshop experience, ensuring our courses reflect real-world situations, practical scenarios, and diagnostic techniques.”