Calvin Beattie, Director of EV Breakers, an Ireland-based company, shares how the company is carving out a leading role in the growing electric vehicle (EV) aftermarket. From safe dismantling and battery repurposing to launching specialist assessment services and supporting EV repair networks, EV Breakers is helping to build a more sustainable, repairable future for electric transport. Calvin discusses market trends, training gaps in the insurance sector, changing battery values, and plans to expand operations and partnerships across the UK.
Meeting the Growing Demand for EV Parts and Battery Reuse
As the volume of EVs on the road continues to grow, so does our stock level, creating a greater presence both online and in the repair industry to supply green parts.
Over the last 5 or 6 years, our team has gained vast knowledge and understanding of EVs, putting us at the forefront of dismantling EVs and creating a safe environment and workplace for all staff. Along with our increasing parts store, we supply various industries with batteries for repurposing and reuse, giving them a second life.
Most EV batteries have a life expectancy of around 20 years. A battery from an EV that is removed after 4-5 years, remodelled into battery storage paired with an array of solar panels, can have a lifespan of up to 15 years. As time goes on, I expect these batteries to last even longer, as their rate of health degradation slows when repurposed for stationary energy storage.
Read more about the roots of EV Breakers
Raising EV Assessment Standards Across the Industry
We recently launched evassessors.com as a new service to provide expert knowledge to insurance companies, body shops, or any company involved in assessing a damaged EV. Over the last 5 years, we have seen many EVs arrive onsite with the MIAFTR code Category B (break-only), and they are easily Cat N (non-structural) or Cat S (structural). This is frustrating, as we know they can be repaired and returned to the road, extending each vehicle’s life and further reducing environmental impact. I do believe a lot of this is down to the lack of training for motor assessors in dealing with EVs. Over the last few months, I have been part of a group providing guidance on setting up a new IMI course specialising in EV VDA (Vehicle Damage Assessor). This is nearing completion, and I believe it will be added to the course list soon. Along with this, we offer consulting services for training insurance companies or body shops with VDAs employed, helping build their knowledge, understanding, and guidance for working with EVs.
Turning Falling Battery Values into New Energy Opportunities
Over the last 12-24 months, we have noticed a significant drop in the value of used EV batteries, many of which have fallen to a third of their previous value. A reduction in the EV conversion market, combined with the volume of used EV batteries available, has turned it into a buyer’s market. Based on our current battery stock, we estimate we have at least 3 MWh of storage. We recently designed and started selling 48-60V battery packs designed for single-phase solar systems, purposely built with their own BMS (battery management system). Most of our customers pair this with their current solar system of solar panels and inverters, so they can store energy generated during the day and use it in the evenings and at night.
However, we have noticed an increase in demand for high-voltage storage to pair with three-phase solar systems. Currently, we are testing several BMSs alongside our stock of EV batteries, so we can offer this to customers who need HV battery storage for businesses and commercial buildings.
As the public continues to learn about batteries and how they can offer storage at home or work, we are looking for partners with whom we can work across the UK to install a complete package of solar panels, inverters and battery storage to provide our customers the opportunity to go off-grid and have a main grid connection to export excess energy not being used.
Expanding to the UK to Meet Growing Demand for Green EV Parts
EV Breakers is looking to expand and have a second premises in the UK mainland. Over the last 6 months, we have been exploring various avenues and locations to strategically position another yard. To help us grow, we are looking for a partner or investor to help us scale and meet the demand needed for green parts for green cars. Using our green parts body shops and insurance companies can get their customers’ EVs back on the road quickly, as they bypass the long wait times on back-ordered items and the high prices of new OEM parts, reducing the time of hiring/renting cars, ultimately saving large amounts of money across the financial year. Furthermore, EVs are part of the global movement to reduce carbon footprints, and using green parts reduces the need to manufacture new parts. With a new base on the mainland, we can play our part in the transition across the UK.
Building Trust with a Nationwide EV Repair Directory
Another service we are adding is a dedicated online directory of EV mechanics, helping people find qualified mechanics who offer EV repairs and servicing. As the sole EV breaking specialist in the UK and Ireland, we receive numerous requests from customers asking if we know any mechanics in their local area who can replace the part they have just purchased from us. We work with many mechanics and garages, and we regularly provide our customers with their details. With this directory set up, we recommend that our customers search it to find a selection of mechanics in their area. The website can be found at: findevmechanic.com
Regular phrases we have heard for years are ‘what happens when they run out of warranty’ or ‘you can’t find anyone to fix an EV’. By setting up this website and having EV Breakers provide parts, we believe this will give the UK and Irish used-car markets a boost in confidence, knowing car dealers and private customers can now find a mechanic to fix their car, and that replacement parts will be cheaper if/when needed.
Visit www.evbreakers.com
Further reading on ATF Professional
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Ageas champions green car parts in vehicle repair
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Synetiq collaborates with Allye Energy for innovative repurposing of EV battery packs
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UK’s first electric vehicle battery circular supply chain completed as pioneering Recovas project wraps up
