Auto repair shops are adapting their business models as electric vehicles change the economics of service, industry panellists told attendees at a recent symposium, with labour rates for specific EV work rising and parts margins tightening.
When asked about labour charges, panellists of the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario 2025 Symposium outlined distinct rates for conventional versus electric vehicles. Scott Eccles of Eccles Automotive reported a standard rate of $160 and an EV rate of $195 per hour. Dilraj Sekhon of R & S Auto said his shop charges $145 for standard work, with high-voltage EV jobs billed at $185 per hour. Andrew Ackers of Upper James Autopro listed a standard labour rate of $159, with electric vehicle service at $225 per hour.
Ackers explained that electric vehicles “have 80 per cent less parts,” leading to “a bit of a decline on the routine repairs” traditionally seen in shops. However, the shift means more labour-intensive repairs when they do occur, as well as slimmer margins. Ackers noted that “maybe we’re only making a 10 to 30 per cent margin on parts at this point, which means labour rates will have to reflect that.”
Sekhon and Eccles both observed that although the EV market remains a small share of their overall work, these shifts are already affecting the way shops calculate job profitability and set their rates.
Being able to work on such vehicles also requires training. Ackers said his youngest apprentices are most invested in learning EV work, while older technicians are seemingly less enthusiastic.
“I find my youngest apprentices are most invested in doing it, and then my like, 30-35-year-old guys have minimal interest, which is interesting to see,” he said.
Sekhon agreed, noting that while no one has come to his shop specifically for EV experience, younger employees are generally “way more serious and excited to learn” about new technology.
Eccles agreed, adding that his younger staff see electric vehicles as a normal part of the trade. He noted that there is little pushback among his technicians for ongoing education and training.
The panel talked about the idea of a dedicated endorsement for EVs within the provincial Red Seal certification process. Eccles said every new technician should receive EV training, while both he and Ackers recognized the potential challenges and costs for technicians and shop owners if a separate endorsement is required.
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