[twiin640]

I've owned 6 EV's, I still have 3. Two of them being gas to electric conversions. I kept one of the conversions and totally rebuilt the EV drive system and upgraded it from lead to lithium. I had an advantage of knowing and working in the electronics field before I got into EV's. With that said I think you need to learn the basics first. Basic electricity/electronics. You can get a lot from youtube/google, books, school. After that, BatteryUniversity.com for in depth info on batteries. It will teach items directly related to EV's like connecting batteries in series/parallel and charging. Not to mention you'll learn more than you wanted to know about the different types of battery chemistry. Then check out conversions on youtube where you can learn all of the basic components. All EV's have the same basic components and then the bells and whistles will go from there. I have checked out the Weber videos and they are in depth so there you can learn about your own EV. Link up with people in your community who have built and are building EV's. You'll get a very fast education there since most diy EV guys are very passionate about it. Good luck with whatever path you choose.

Some more info:
Youtube: EV West, Benjamin Nelson, Jehu Garcia. Search EV conversions. Rich Rebuilds, EV4U Custom Conversions
Web info: EV Album.com for different EV's by owners. EV Finder to see what's for sale. EVSEadapters.com for different types of charging eqpt.

 

[MisterJJ]

I've wondered what is required to be a licensed EV tech for GM

Just have to pass the final exam:

 

[GregBrew]

I got my start in digital electronics back in the days of Kilobaud magazine and their "Kilobaud Klassroom" series. I'm tremendously grateful for having gained the skills, but honestly there's little call for them in terms of maintaining an electric car. I think the best investment would be in the official GM service manual, followed by the particular tools and software you need to perform the various procedures.

Wow! That was back in the days when Computer Shopper was around 11" x 18" and an inch thick!

 

[Dark-Fx]

Forum tip: you can use the "+Quote" button to respond to multiple posts in the same reply.

That requires changing how I generally process reading forums. I hit reply when there's a thing of interest my brain wants to contribute towards.

 

[EV Fan]

I've wondered what is required to be a licensed EV tech for GM, would I really need to know anything about ignition timing or anything like that if I'm just working on EV's?

If all you are going to work on is EVs, I suppose there are segments of training for most techs that aren't relevant. However, most markets do not yet have enough EVs for a technician to work solely on EVs. As such, most current EV techs are also working on ICEVs.

 

[Roadster1024]

Figured I'd hack the inverter to my fancy new solar system. Switch the DC from the PV to the car.

If you already have a PV system, no need to go to all the hassle of hacking the Bolt's system to charge it on DC direct from the panels. A lot of hazards there.
I just used the 120v charger to charge mine during daylight hours. A couple of times I did use the 240v Level 2 charge. But that sucks a lot of juice from my PV batteries all at once. Better to save the PV batteries' juice for my house at night.

 

[XJ12]

no need to go to all the hassle of hacking the Bolt's system to charge it on DC direct from the panels.

wouldn't be charging the car, but sucking the power out of the Bolt to supply electricity to the house as an emergency power backup. the solar inverter has a 400 volt DC rated input. how nice to supply what it needs from the car when solar isn't available.

 

[Roadster1024]

wouldn't be charging the car, but sucking the power out of the Bolt to supply electricity to the house as an emergency power backup. the solar inverter has a 400 volt DC rated input. how nice to supply what it needs from the car when solar isn't available.

Your original post indicated that. But the 2nd post put a question in my mind as to the intent. I agree using the Bolt's battery pack is very tempting. There remains the issue of voiding the Bolt's warrantee. Hate to go there. Plus my panels were running about 135VDC (3S-12P). 400VDc would have required more equipment to convert.
Maybe I'll have to trade in my current F-150 for the new electric F-150? Then it could power my house!

 

[NortonCommando]

..Maybe I'll have to trade in my current F-150 for the new electric F-150? Then it could power my house!

I thought the electric F-150 only had a diddly XXX(?) watt rated 120VAC inverter built in.
For power tools and such.
It doesn't allow you to tap 400VDC directly off the HV battery, correct?

 

[Roadster1024]

One of the options ($$) is to have a Home Feed (don't remember the name), to feed power to the house for up to 3 days!
The Ford website has the info. Been seriously considering it.

 

[GregBrew]

One of the options ($$) is to have a Home Feed (don't remember the name), to feed power to the house for up to 3 days!
The Ford website has the info. Been seriously considering it.

I like the "up to" part of the "power to the house for up to 3 days" claim. It's the same with the going out of business sales sign that says "all items up to 80% off".

Gotta remember that zero percent falls in the "up to" category. I have to constantly remind my wife of that. She's a sucker for the word "SALE!" in big letters.

 

[MichBolt]

I like the "up to" part of the "power to the house for up to 3 days" claim. It's the same with the going out of business sales sign that says "all items up to 80% off".

Gotta remember that zero percent falls in the "up to" category. I have to constantly remind my wife of that. She's a sucker for the word "SALE!" in big letters.

This is the sneaky marketing that Internet Service Providers use about their connection speeds.

 

[Sean Nelson]

Gotta remember that zero percent falls in the "up to" category.

Technically speaking, so does minus 80%...

 

[Roadster1024]

I like the "up to" part of the "power to the house for up to 3 days" claim. It's the same with the going out of business sales sign that says "all items up to 80% off".

Gotta remember that zero percent falls in the "up to" category. I have to constantly remind my wife of that. She's a sucker for the word "SALE!" in big letters.

Like my Bolt showing Up To 310 miles range after I've fully charged it! Don't get me wrong, I love my 2020 bolt.
All manufactures/companies have their marketing lies. That's why never getting version 1.0 is a good thing. Wait till the dust settles, then see what is real.

 

[gordontufano]

I like electric cars. It's the quietest and smelliest form of transportation I've ever had. Of course, I've ridden electric trains and subways in cities, which also run on electricity, but the unpleasant smell of rubber always accompanies this public transport. And electric cars are enjoyable to use. I'm even thinking of becoming a repairman who fixes these kinds of vehicles. I really enjoy poking around in it, unlike many washing machines and coffee makers. To be hired as an electrician, your GPA should be at least 2.5. I think I could easily pass the exam for some famous company. Have you heard of job ads for such firms?

 

[Brad]

Original poster here: I have been watching car repair videos where electrical problems are troubleshooted (Rainman Ray, Main Street Auto, etc) and those have helped to de-mystify working on electrical.

As well, AllData has the factory service manuals online with decent options and prices for home mechanics. The Bolt is in their database! As well, my local library has an online repair manual.

 

[Sean Nelson]

Of course, I've ridden electric trains and subways in cities, which also run on electricity, but the unpleasant smell of rubber always accompanies this public transport.

You must live in Paris or Montreal, the only places I know of where the subways use rubber tires...

 

[SHLBHRRS]

at some point I'd like to learn how to hack the car. force the relays closed to get full DC from the traction battery to power the casa.

An outfit DCBEL claims they have the product , avail. in places now .... site lacks any price info or testimonials so cold be smoke and mirrors .
Whole concept does seem to have possibility tho'

 

[XJ12]

DCBEL claims they have the product

I did a pre-order with them three years ago.

 

[SHLBHRRS]

I'd like to have a 120V outlet added to my '20 Bolt , no clue as to where this work could be done with confidence where I live ( So. OR , like living in the woods ) so S.F. Bay Area ? Portland ?