According to management consultancy McKinsey[1], sales of battery-powered electric cars and plug-in hybrids in Europe rose by 44 percent from 2018 to 2019 to over 600,000 vehicles. Bodyshops must be prepared for alternative vehicles and depending on the vehicle manufacturer, different temperature limits for paint drying have to be observed during repairs.

Perfect repairs even at low temperatures is what refinishers strive to achieve when repairing electric and hybrid vehicles, but special guidelines must be observed. Harald Klöckner, Standox Training Leader for Europe, Middle East and Africa, says, "Before starting work, the high-voltage system must be disconnected from the power supply. This should only be carried out by trained people."

Batteries sensitive to high temperatures

"Above all, the batteries of these vehicles are sensitive to extreme temperatures," says Klöckner. With the widely used lithium-ion technology, extreme heat leads to premature aging of the battery. Battery-critical temperatures of 60oC or more can be reached quickly with forced drying of paintwork. "Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, different maximum temperatures for the spray booth and duration for the drying time must be observed," Klöckner adds.

Xtreme System ensures professional repairs

Only paint systems that ensure first-class repair results even at low drying temperatures guarantee the safe repair of electric and hybrid vehicles. "With our Xtreme System, Standox offers bodyshops a paint system that allows these vehicles to be professionally repaired according to manufacturers’ specifications. It enables energy-saving drying in 45 to 60 minutes at 20°C or in 15 minutes at 40°C." says Klöckner.

The advantages of the Xtreme System can be maximised when all the components are used in combination. Each of the individual products in the System work in harmony. Just like Standoblue Basecoat, the components of the Xtreme System – including VOC Xtreme Wet-on-Wet filler U7650 and VOC Xtreme Filler U7600 - can be applied in one operation. VOC Xtreme Filler U7600 can be applied in up to four spray coats without intermediate flash-off. The new VOC Xtreme-Plus Clear K9600 also provides flexible application in 1.5 or two coats, with no flash off time. Bodyshops will also reap an added benefit when using this System with no forced drying - a savings of up to 70 percent on energy costs.

Further information about the Standox Xtreme System is available at www.standox.com/xtreme-system and from Standox expert consultants.

About Standox

Standox, a global refinish coating brand from Axalta, is the best choice for professional refinishers. Customers can rely on Standox to achieve the best quality results, every time, accurately and quickly. As a brand manufactured in Wuppertal, Germany, Standox ensures our customers are ready for future digitalisation by improving workflow and work processes with digital tools. Standox further supports customers not only with relevant market insights but also work provision thanks to extensive approvals from car manufacturers as well as fleet, lease and insurance companies, which reflect the brand’s position as a leading partner to the automotive industry. Standox – the art of refinishing.

[1] McKinsey Electric Vehicle Index, March 2020: www.mckinsey.de/branchen/automobil-zulieferer/electric-vehicle-index