Honda has unveiled a new EV certification program designed to enhance its existing Certified Collision Program. This initiative aims to ensure that repair shops are fully equipped and trained to handle Honda and Acura’s expanding lineup of electric vehicles (EVs).
Honda’s EV Certification Program: Key Details
John Peixoto, Wholesale Advertising and Marketing Assistant Manager at American Honda, announced that the EV certification will complement the company’s current Certified Collision Program.
The certification will initially cover the upcoming Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX EV models, with future expansion to support additional electric models, including the highly anticipated Honda 0 Series, which is slated for production in 2026.
Certification Requirements for EV Repair Shops
To qualify for the Honda EV Certification Program, collision repair shops must first achieve Honda and Acura certification as a foundational requirement.
Additional requirements for EV certification include:
✅ Specialized Training: Shops must complete:
- 10 hours of online courses offred by I-CAR, specific to Honda’s EV systems.
- A five-day hands-on training course at the Chicago Technical Center to enhance safety knowledge and skills for working with high-voltage systems.
✅ Enhanced Equipment Standards: Shops must invest in specialized tools, such as:
- Upgraded vehicle lifts and frame benches with higher weight capacities to accommodate the heavier EVs.
- Class Zero Gloves, Electric Safety Hooks, and a Lockout/Tagout Kit for high-voltage system handling.
Specialized EV Repair Protocols
Peixoto emphasized tath working on EV air conditioning systems requires distinct procedures compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This is because the air conditioning system interacts with high-voltage components like the battery pack, electric motor, and onboard charger.
For improved safety, Honda encourages repair shops to contract high-voltage battery removal and installation to certified Honda and Acura dealerships. However, shops may also perform these tasks in-house if they acquire the required equipment and training.
Paint Booth Safety Requirements
Honda has issued a reminder to its certified collision repair centers regarding paint booth safety protocols for EV repairs. To avoid damaging high-voltage batteries or triggering a thermal runaway event, repair shops must adhere to the following guidelines:
✅ Avoid Using the Paint Booth Heater for curing structural adhesives; use infrared heaters instead.
✅ Do Not Exceed a bake temperature of 140°F for longer than 30 minutes.
✅ Ensure the HV battery temperature remains below 105°F during the repair process.
Failure to follow these guidelines could result in battery damage or potential safety hazards.
Honda’s Commitment to EV Safety
Peixoto stated that American Honda dedicated over a year to developing the EV certification program, which involved extensive review of service procedures, documentation, and hands-on experience in collision repair and mechanical work.
For additional details on the Honda EV Certification Program, shops can contact their local American Honda wholesale marketing manager or email HondaandAcuraCOllision@ahm.honda.com.