Ensuring Safe Refinishing: Our Approach to High-Voltage Vehicle Safety Standards

With the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, the automotive paint industry has entered a new era. These high-tech vehicles bring unique challenges, especially when it comes to refinishing. Adapting to high-voltage vehicle painting requirements is essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and high-quality results.

From understanding the thermal sensitivity of EV batteries to implementing proper safety precautions, here’s everything you need to know about optimizing your paint booth for high-voltage vehicles.

Unique Challenges of Painting Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids are powered by high-capacity batteries that can pose thermal and fire risks if not handled properly. Many EV batteries, such as those in certain Honda models, have temperature thresholds warning against exposure over 140°F. Yet, standard auto clear coat applications typically require curing at temperatures of 140°F or higher for about 30 minutes.

This presents a potential dilemma. Excessive heat can compromise battery integrity, affecting safety and performance. At the same time, deviating from recommended curing processes can lead to paint adhesion or finish quality issues. Navigating this balancing act means adopting specialized practices tailored to electric vehicle refinishing.

Best Practices for High-Voltage Vehicle Painting

1. Prioritize Safety in the Paint Booth

When working with EVs, safety should always come first. Start by disconnecting the vehicle’s battery before beginning refinishing work. This reduces the risk of heat-related issues and electrical hazards during the process.

Additionally, consider painting electric vehicles last in your daily schedule. This minimizes the risk of exposure to other activities in the paint shop while allowing time for proper air-drying if baking isn’t an option.

2. Use Faster Production Clears for Lower Heat Applications

Switching to faster production clears is one of the best adjustments for high-voltage vehicle painting. These products are designed to cure quickly at lower temperatures, avoiding excessive heat exposure. For example, brands like Sherwin and PPG offer clears that harden in as little as 15-20 minutes without requiring a full bake cycle.

Some shops may even choose to air-dry EV refinishes overnight. Allowing vehicles to cure naturally or under a gentle, low-heat airflow prevents battery stress and ensures a flawless finish by morning.

3. Plan for Fire Safety

Fire safety is a critical consideration when working with high-voltage vehicles. Unfortunately, lithium-ion battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and require thousands of gallons of water to suppress fully.

To minimize risks:

• Store vehicles outside, if possible, especially overnight.
• Create isolated storage areas with non-combustible barriers around EVs. For example, brick dividers can help contain a fire should a battery ignite.
• Ensure your shop has an adequate fire suppression system and is up to date on fire safety measures specific to EVs.

According to industry sources, several shops have faced devastating fires due to EV battery combustion. Proactively implementing storage and safety protocols can save lives and assets.

4. Train Your Team in EV-Specific Techniques

Educating your team about the unique requirements of high-voltage vehicle painting is essential. This includes understanding manufacturer technical data sheets (TDS) for refinishing products and recognizing the limitations of EV components. Whether adjusting booth temperatures or switching finishes, proper training empowers your painters to deliver safe, high-quality results.

Why Prepare Your Paint Booth for EVs?

The growing prominence of electric vehicles means that adapting paint booth processes is no longer optional for shops looking to stay ahead. By optimizing your setup for high-voltage vehicle painting, you’re not just preventing safety risks. You’re also positioning your business to serve the EV market effectively, standing out as a modern, forward-thinking operation.

Whether this means retrofitting existing booths with more precise temperature controls or investing in faster-curing clears, these changes pay dividends in quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Partner with Accudraft for EV-Optimized Solutions

At Accudraft, we understand the importance of staying at the forefront of technology. Our paint booths are designed to meet the demands of today’s evolving vehicles, including electric and hybrid models. With customizable temperature settings, advanced airflow management, and optimized safety features, Accudraft booths provide everything you need for EV refinishing.

Don’t wait to future-proof your shop. Contact us today to learn how our systems can help you confidently tackle the challenges of high-voltage vehicle painting.