EV and hybrid servicing and repairs

Electric and Hybrid Car Mechanic in Reading

We service and repair electric and hybrid cars at your home or work, or at our Reading garage, whichever is more convenient for you.

  • 4.8 on Google
  • 200+ five-star reviews
  • Free quotes
Hybrid car engine bay with orange high-voltage cables running to the power electronics
  • Mobile or at our garage Choose whichever suits you
  • IMI qualified Level 3 electric and hybrid award
  • Open 7 days 8am to 8pm, including weekends

Hybrid car mechanic

Hybrid Car Mechanic Reading

At Mobile Mechanic Reading we aim to provide an outstanding mechanic service on as many vehicles as possible. Most cars on our roads still run on diesel or petrol, but the shift towards hybrid and fully electric vehicles is now well under way.

That’s why we’ve completed up-to-date training to make sure we’re fully qualified to service electric and hybrid vehicles. With our IMI certification, we have the knowledge needed to handle the delicate components in these cars. Unlike mechanics who haven’t had this specific training, we understand how electric and hybrid systems work, so we can keep your car running smoothly for many years.

Drivers across Reading and Berkshire trust us with their electric and hybrid cars, and our work comes with a 12-month parts and labour warranty. Our reviews show how often customers recommend us, and we’d be glad to look after your car too.

Electric car mechanic

Electric Car Mechanic Reading

The motor industry has changed enormously since its beginnings. From the first cars to today’s electric and hybrid vehicles, it has kept evolving to meet what drivers need and, more recently, what our environment needs.

We want to stay ahead of that change so we can look after our existing customers and new electric car owners alike. That’s why we completed the IMI certificate, expanding our skills so we can offer our mechanic services on both electric and hybrid vehicles.

If you’re looking for a forward-thinking garage in Reading that’s ready for the future of motoring, get in touch to ask about an electric or hybrid car service.

Electric car power electronics under the bonnet, with orange high-voltage connectors and the coolant reservoir
Electric cars need different knowledge under the bonnet.

Electrical specialists

EV Mechanic Reading

Electric cars generally cost less to maintain than petrol or diesel cars, which makes them a cost-effective choice as well as a cleaner one. When something does go wrong, our diagnostic equipment helps us pinpoint the issue quickly.

Electrical work is a real strength of ours. We have plenty of experience diagnosing and repairing electrical faults, which puts us in a good position to meet the particular needs of hybrid and electric cars, and we keep investing in up-to-date equipment. Whether you need routine maintenance or a repair, we’ll keep your car running at its best.

Driver touching the central touchscreen of an electric car showing its vehicle settings
Modern EVs rely heavily on electronics and software.

Battery health

EV and Hybrid Battery Health Checks

Diagnostics, repairs and servicing on hybrids and EVs need someone who understands these advanced systems, from the battery to the charging system. The battery is often called the heart of an electric or hybrid car. Without a healthy, efficient battery, the car can’t perform at its best.

We use diagnostic tools to assess the current state of your battery and find anything that may be affecting its performance. We can then advise on the maintenance needed to keep it working as well as possible.

The aim is to get the best performance from your car and to extend the life of its battery. Regular check-ups help you avoid costly repairs or replacements later on. Whether you want to improve your car’s range, sort out a charging issue or simply keep it reliable for years to come, we can help.

Charging systems

Electric Car Charging Problems

A reliable charging set-up is a crucial part of owning an electric car. A charging fault can cause problems with the car, or make you think something is wrong with the car when it isn’t.

We inspect charging systems to make sure they’re working efficiently and safely, from checking connectors and cables for wear or damage to checking that the charging point is performing as it should. A proper inspection helps you avoid safety hazards and keeps your car charged and ready to use, and it means any problems are found before they grow into bigger ones.

Charging cable plugged into the charging port of a white electric car
Charging faults aren’t always a fault with the car.

Hybrid repairs

Hybrid Car Repairs

We handle a wide range of motor, engine and hybrid system repairs. Whether the motor won’t start, the engine is misfiring or the hybrid system is playing up, we can find the issue and repair it to get you back on the road safely.

Repairing a hybrid takes both electric vehicle knowledge and traditional engine knowledge, but it’s the way the two work together that makes a hybrid unique. Hybrid technology has come a long way since the first Toyota Prius, and today’s plug-in hybrids need a mechanic who is up to speed with all of it.

Most hybrids will show a dashboard alert when something is wrong, but if you notice knocking or suspension noises while driving, get in touch straight away. It may be an ordinary car problem, and we fix those too. Ignoring warning signs can lead to further damage and affect how smoothly and safely the car drives.

We’re familiar with regenerative braking. Instead of turning the energy from braking into wasted heat, as conventional brakes do, it captures some of it to recharge the battery. The brake parts themselves are still much like those on a petrol or diesel car, so we can maintain and repair brakes on hybrid and electric cars with confidence.

Chrome hybrid badge on the front grille of a car
Hybrids combine an engine and an electric motor.

Working safely

High-Voltage Safety on Electric Cars

Working on the high-voltage system of an electric car is a serious task that should only be done by a properly trained mechanic. The high-voltage battery can deliver a lethal shock if it’s mishandled, with voltages of 300 volts or more, so the right procedures must be followed to keep the mechanic and everyone around the car safe.

Before any work on the high-voltage system, we safely isolate it. We follow the correct procedures strictly and always use protective equipment, such as insulated gloves and tools, when working on high-voltage components.

Servicing

Hybrid and Electric Car Servicing

The IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement is a specialist qualification covering safety procedures, diagnostics, component replacement and system maintenance on electric and hybrid vehicles.

Holding it means we can diagnose and repair electric and hybrid systems and carry out scheduled servicing, helping your car run for longer.

Tyres deserve particular attention on electric and hybrid cars. Electric cars are heavier than petrol or diesel cars because of the large battery they carry, which puts extra stress on the tyres, and the instant torque of an electric motor adds to the wear when pulling away. We check tyres during routine maintenance, so any wear or damage is spotted early and you know about it before it becomes a safety issue.

Free quotes

Need an EV or Hybrid Mechanic?

Call us or send an enquiry with your car’s details for a free quote, at your home or work or at our garage. We’re open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Hybrid and EV Mechanics

What are the main differences between electric and hybrid cars?

The main difference is the power source. An electric car runs only on electricity stored in its battery, which is charged by plugging it in. A hybrid has both an electric motor and an engine, usually petrol, although there are diesel hybrids.

In a typical hybrid, the electric motor does more of the work at low speeds and the engine takes over at higher speeds or when more power is needed, which gives better fuel economy than a petrol or diesel car. An electric car can travel much further on electric power alone than a hybrid, whose battery is far smaller.

Why choose Mobile Mechanic Reading for an electric or hybrid car?

We take the same professional, honest approach with electric and hybrid cars as we do with petrol and diesel cars. We wouldn’t compromise our reputation, so you can be sure of a thorough, fairly priced service or repair.

Do mechanics need specific training to work on electric and hybrid cars?

Yes. Working safely on high-voltage systems needs specific training. In the UK, IMI qualifications in electric and hybrid vehicles are widely recognised, and some manufacturers also run their own training. The training covers diagnosing and repairing electric and hybrid components and handling high-voltage systems safely, which protects both the mechanic and the car.

We hold the IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement.

How often should electric and hybrid cars be serviced?

Electric cars generally need less maintenance than petrol or diesel cars, because they have fewer moving parts and no engine oil to change. Most manufacturers still recommend a service every year or at a set mileage, and your handbook gives the exact schedule. A hybrid still has an engine, so it needs oil changes and engine servicing as well.

Servicing an electric or hybrid car includes checking the tyres, inspecting the brakes and checking the battery system.

What are common maintenance issues with electric and hybrid cars?

Batteries can degrade over time and may eventually need replacing, and electric motors can wear or develop faults. Charging equipment and connectors can also wear and need repairing or replacing. Software and computer systems can have glitches that need a technician to put right.

So while electric and hybrid cars usually need less maintenance than petrol or diesel cars, they have their own maintenance needs that owners should be aware of.

What tools are needed to work on electric and hybrid cars?

Insulated gloves and tools to protect against electric shock, high-voltage safety equipment and diagnostic equipment designed for electric vehicles, along with software that can diagnose and troubleshoot electric vehicle systems. Having the right equipment is essential for working on these cars safely and effectively.

Related services

Other Services for Your Car

Electric, hybrid, petrol or diesel, here’s what else we can help with.

We cover Reading and nearby areas including Caversham, Earley, Shinfield, Tilehurst and Woodley. Not sure if we reach you? Call 0118 338 5138.