Transforming scale into strength in the EV era

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is not on the horizon—it is happening now, redefining auto care across Canada. In 2023, zero-emission vehicles made up roughly 11 percent of all new vehicle registrations in Canada, according to the Canada Energy Regulator—and that figure continues to climb with every new model launch and fleet procurement cycle. 

For the nation’s largest mechanical and collision operators, this is not a distant transition to prepare for—it is an urgent mandate to evolve. From multi-shop enterprises to national fleet service providers, the rapid electrification of Canada’s vehicle population demands a holistic rethink of how facilities are built, how technicians are trained, and how services are delivered. 

Large-scale operators are uniquely positioned to lead this shift. They already possess the scale, capital, and data infrastructure to modernize faster than smaller competitors. But leadership will not come by default—it will require bold investment, cultural reinvention, and a new service playbook that blends mechanical expertise with digital intelligence. The EV era is not waiting for anyone. Those who move now will define the next decade of auto care in Canada. 

The proper infrastructure requires more than a plug  

EV service demands go well beyond basic charging. High-voltage diagnostics, battery health testing, thermal management systems, and software updates become core competencies.  

For multi-shop operators, the strategic task is to determine which locations must be “EV-ready” (High-voltage battery bays, isolated power, insulated work zones) and which can remain internal combustion engine (ICE)-focused for the medium term. The advantages of being a large operator are clear. You can spread the cost of major upgrades such as charging stations, insulated work areas, battery-rated lifts, and stronger electrical systems across multiple locations. 

National networks can handle complex EV work in central facilities, such as battery repairs, and share extra work with nearby hubs. Regular maintenance can stay in local shops. This approach helps companies grow their EV services gradually and manage costs more effectively. 

Transforming the workforce 

The shift toward electrification demands a workforce fluent in electrical engineering, battery chemistry, power electronics, and software diagnostics—skills that were not needed a decade ago. To close that gap, national players must build robust training pipelines: partnerships with I-CAR Canada, technical colleges, in-house training academies, alignment with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certification programs, and deployment of simulation labs. 

In practice, this means recruiting electrical and electronic technicians, retraining legacy staff on high-voltage safety protocols, and ensuring up-skilling and continuous learning on emerging EV systems. The scale of a national provider enables standardization: consistent curricula, certifications, and career ladders for EV specialization. 

Moreover, the ability to pool specialized EV-trained staff across locations gives national players greater flexibility—one technician might travel between adjacent markets, tackling diagnostics or module swaps that would overwhelm solo shops. 

Expanded service models: Fleet, collision EV-hybrids, and smart maintenance 

Large auto care companies are in a strong position to lead the way in servicing EV fleets. Delivery services, municipal fleets, logistics companies, and vehicle remarketers will all need reliable EV maintenance, battery testing, and collision repair. National networks have the advantage of reach, consistency, and the ability to offer data-driven transparency and guaranteed uptime. 

EVs are also changing what is possible in collision repair. Shops are starting to use tools like augmented reality for battery pack removal, laser-based structural scanning built for EV frames, and remote diagnostics connected to OEM systems. To stay competitive, collision centres will need more innovative inventory systems for EV modules and new calibration processes for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). 

There is also growing potential for new, technology-driven revenue streams. Predictive maintenance, over-the-air updates, and battery health monitoring can all create ongoing service opportunities. Large operators can invest in connected data platforms that track performance and repair trends across their network, helping them anticipate issues, stock parts faster, and keep customers’ vehicles on the road longer. 

Leading the EV shift: The national edge 

Electrification is no longer on the horizon—it is reshaping today’s market, and national operators have a chance to lead rather than follow. Their balance sheet strength, geographic scale, and ability to invest in training, equipment, and data infrastructure give them first-mover advantage. 

However, speed matters. Consumer and fleet adoption curves are steep. In the first quarter of 2025, zero-emission vehicles accounted for 8.7 per cent of new registrations—down from recent highs—but that dip owes largely to incentive changes, not demand collapse, according to data from Electric Autonomy Canada. In reality, the EV trend remains clear, and market share gains will continue over the decade. 

If national service networks move decisively—transforming infrastructure, reimagining workforce models, and extending business-to-business (B2B) EV servicing—they will cement their relevance and dominance in the next generation of automotive care. The time to act is now.