Axalta Refinish’s new electric vehicle repair package helps bodyshops to operate safely

31 JANUARY 2022 – Axalta Refinish has introduced another first to the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market - a new electric vehicle (EV) repair package, which supports refinishers and bodyshops with the repairs of EV vehicles. Sales of electric cars are accelerating – one in 10 new cars in 2021 has been powered by a battery[i] - and refinishers and bodyshops need to be prepared to handle an increasing volume of EVs safely and efficiently.

“The prevalence of EVs is growing so refinishers must be prepared to repair them perfectly and safely, despite the challenges and new requirements they represent. The tools and knowledge in our EV repair package is the ideal way for bodyshops to adapt,” says Olaf Adamek, Axalta Refinish Brand Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The repair package currently consists of four critical equipment kits that every bodyshop should have for risk-free EV repair.

The Electrical Safety kit contains the basic tools needed when working on hybrid and EVs. The Delimination set offers refinishers equipment to mark the work area where the vehicle is being repaired, while the First Aid kit consists of everything needed to safely give first aid should an accident occur while repairing an EV. Lastly, a Complete Workcart contains all accessories and tools for safely disconnecting a hybrid or EV’s battery.

In addition, the package comprises three multimedia elements, including two informative videos and EV repair posters. The first video showcases Axalta’s patented Fast Cure Low Energy technology, which has been specially designed for low temperature curing and, when used as part of a complete system, enables professional bodyshops to cut process times by up to 50% and reduce energy consumption by up to 70% while still achieving the best quality repair.

“Bodyshops have been working with our Fast Cure Low Energy technology, supplied through Axalta’s premium refinish brands, Cromax^®, Spies Hecker and Standox, for several years, with outstanding results. And as this technology is the perfect fit for EV repairs, it was an easy decision to put a specific package together to help our bodyshops address the growing EV trend easily and cost-effectively. We’ve been able to draw on Axalta’s more than 150 years of experience and keen focus on innovation and sustainability to support our bodyshops through their everyday challenges,” adds Adamek.

In the second video, an Axalta Refinish expert visits an EV-approved bodyshop in the UK to demonstrate how they correctly manage the repair process for EVs. In this real-life example, refinishers can learn what some of the biggest challenges are and how they can best handle them.

The final elements of the EV repair package are downloadable posters from Cromax^®, Spies Hecker and Standox, which are handy to put on the wall, providing a quick visual guide on considerations to take before starting work, while in the spraybooth and on completion of the repair. For example, they outline what refinishers should check for during an initial risk assessment, what to think about for paint preparation and drying, and key points to remember during the process.

For more information and to download the different elements of the EV repair package visit www.refinish.axalta.eu/e-car-repair.

About Axalta Refinish

Axalta Refinish – part of Axalta, a global leader in the coatings industry – is a valued, reliable global paint repair partner to our customers, who demand nothing short of total customer satisfaction. We give them confidence in our fast, efficient, high-quality coating technologies and integrated digital business processes, making the entire paint repair journey faster, easier and more profitable. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, our dedication to innovation and our constantly developing technology means we offer our customers an unlimited colour choice for perfect colour matches. Most importantly, we work tirelessly to anticipate our customers’ needs so they can address the challenges they face every day. We have an impressive portfolio of brands for every bodyshop requirement, for every segment of the market, and for every level of market maturity. For more information visit refinish.axalta.eu and follow us on LinkedIn

About Axalta

Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, providing customers with innovative, colourful, beautiful and sustainable coatings solutions. From light vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings facades and other industrial applications, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enhance durability. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the global team at Axalta continues to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axalta.co.uk and follow us @Axalta on Twitter.

[i] COP26: How easy is it to drive from London to Glasgow using an electric car? | UK News | Sky News