Photo: NASCAR Technical Institute

March 31. Millions of cars are going to need auto technicians as the number of electric vehicles skyrockets over the next decade. At the same time, North Carolina is gearing up for literally tens of thousands of electric vehicles that will be produced at a VinFast electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Chatham County.

Gov. Roy Cooper said VinFast’s $2 billion-plus manufacturing facility will be transformative as more electric vehicles take to the road to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. VinFast plans to be up and running in Chatham County in 2024.

The NC Community College System said they’ll be pouring $38 million into training programs for VinFast. The NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville is rolling out a new electric vehicle curriculum as the EV market continues to grow.

New equipment, new tools

Electric vehicles have different components that require different equipment and tools, and technicians are going to need to get trained in how to use them.

The NASCAR Training Institute EV strategy includes courses on High Voltage Systems Safety, Hybrid Vehicle Components and Operation, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Components and Operation and an introduction to High Voltage Battery Service, as well as a Ford instructor-led class on Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Operation and Diagnosis.

NASCAR Technical Institute students train on a new, 2022 plug-in hybrid Lincoln Aviator, but it translates to other vehicles as well.

“Our need for certified Ford technicians is great. Not only can we use these students at our Ford and Lincoln stores, but for other manufactures as well,” said Gary Long, service director at Leith Automotive Group in Raleigh.