Broken electric cars: these new kits could prevent extremely high bills

A simple issue with an electric car’s motor can still result in the need to replace an entire unit, even when only a small component is faulty. A German company aims to change this with a new range of kits designed specifically for electric and hybrid motors.

In a conventional car, it seems logical to replace a faulty part without necessarily changing the entire engine. With electric vehicles, the situation can sometimes be quite different. Certain powertrains remain difficult to disassemble or repair individually, which may lead to the replacement of very expensive complete units. ZF, a German automotive parts supplier, wants to improve this situation.

Over 100 repair kits

The German company announces the launch of more than 100 variants of kits designed for repairing electric powertrains. These kits are set to be gradually made available to professionals as part of its “Maintain-Repair-Replace” strategy, which prioritizes repair whenever possible.

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For 100% electric vehicles, ZF offers its “Repair Kit RD.” This kit allows for the replacement of bearings in the reducer connected to the electric motor. It is a relatively simple component but subject to high stress as it supports the rotation of various drive shafts. A damaged bearing should not necessarily render the entire motor unusable.

With the right parts and necessary documentation, a garage can address issues much more precisely. ZF also offers similar solutions for certain components in hybrid models (inverters and mechatronic systems).

Savings that are still hard to quantify

For an electric vehicle owner, the benefit is financial. Replacing a small part costs less than replacing an entire engine or electric axle. The market for refurbished parts already gives an idea of the potential savings: some engines rebuilt for Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro cost about 30% less than new parts offered by the manufacturer’s network.

But for now, there is a lack of information... ZF does not specify which vehicles are compatible with its new kits, nor their prices, nor the labor time required. It is therefore impossible to know exactly how much a driver can save. This initiative is relevant, but we would really like more details!