Revised Australian Standard 5732 Published For Safe EV Repair And Service

A new Australian Standard for electric vehicle (EV) service and repair has been released. AS 5732:2022 Electric Vehicle Operations – Maintenance and Repair replaces the 2015 version of the standard and contains a new safety framework for independent service and repair workshops, including workshop layout, specialised tools, and protection equipment for technicians to safely and efficiently service and repair EVs.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) welcomed the new standard, saying it comes at a crucial time for the aftermarket industry as it prepares for the transition to EVs.

“Our industry is committed to national standards, and the implementation of the revised AS 5732 standard is an important resource for workshops,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA. “The standard provides guidance to technicians and business owners on how they can safely service customer EVs in a safe and professional workshop environment.”

Servicing and repair of EVs will require a combination of training, investment in insulated tools, and EV safety workplace practices.

“There is an urban myth that EVs can run forever with no technician involvement, but this is not the case. Like internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs need servicing, and EV vehicle components encounter wear and tear,” said Charity.

Common replacement components and maintenance services shared between EV and ICE vehicles include electric diagnostics, safety systems sensors, brake systems, suspension componentry, windscreen glass, wiper components, cabin air filters, lighting and signal systems, air conditioning, and tyres. The AAAA says that for hybrid vehicles, ICE and drivetrain servicing and repair schedules will remain constant for many years.

As hybrid and EVs increase market share, consumers will likely notice changes to the layout of workshops. The AS 5732 standard encourages the design of a distraction free workshop zone for the decommissioning of the high voltage (HV) system to create a safe environment before working on HV and non-HV components.

The association said that to ensure the standard delivered a positive outcome for independent repairers and automotive parts designers and manufacturers, the AAAA participated on the Standards Australia EM-001: Electric Vehicle Operation technical committee.