This post first appeared in the October 2020 edition of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Magazine. 

EV accessories are different from traditional aftermarket items

The amazing technology being developed in the electric vehicle sector is sparking some very cool aftermarket accessories, particularly for lucky Tesla owners.

As we discussed for the Performance edition earlier this year, traditional accessories like chrome delete kits, wheel centre caps and ceramic paint is commonplace. Many EV drivers are also installing wireless phone charging pads, floor mats, roof racks and, as developed by our partner company EVolution, tow bars (because owning an EV really doesn’t have to ruin your weekend!).

What’s interesting though, are the EV early adopters designing accessories to enhance the performance and pleasure of silent, low-emission driving.

Aftermarket accessories for EVs

Our specialist EV mechanic at our Melbourne workshop recently installed an American-designed and manufactured microdisplay that fits snugly within the Tesla Model 3 and Y dashboard air vent, without cluttering the minimalistic aesthetic of the interior.

This modular wifi unit can show a huge range of different signals from a Tesla, but is programmed for our client to show the battery power bargraph, battery kW, speed, motor torque and a torque bargraph. The only thing it doesn’t do is play the Knight Rider theme tune.

While versions of drag performance meters have been around forever, the Tesla microdisplay is a crowd-tested LED bargraph that’s been grassroots prototyped by an enterprising Tesla owner. If it can be modified and applied to other EVs, it’s highly visual style could help drivers new to electric driving feel more confident about the most common concern; battery state of charge.

Safe, easy EV charging for your mechanic workshop

From a workshop perspective, starting to think about how you’ll service the growing EV market is important.

Our ownership data shows from FCAI figures shows a low 0.1% market share for electric and plug in hybrid electric vehicles in 2020, but a huge annual compound growth rate of over 70%.

One simple step is to install reliable EV charging at your workshop to provide a battery top up following servicing. EV drivers will preference businesses and locations that offer charging, often sharing these sites on social media.

Our AURIGA EV unit supplies a 7kW charge rate and can be purchased as a portable unit for neat storage in a busy workshop environment. Best of all, it’s made right here in Australia and supports local greentech jobs and innovation.

Need to charge your workshop?

EVUp is building a network of EV charging infrastructure across Australia. To future proof your business, give us a call to find out more about Australian-made electric vehicle charging products  - charge@evup.com.au or 1300 EVUP 00