Dave Richards, managing director at Launch Tech UK, talks readers through the firm’s EV diagnostics offering.
To stay ahead of the curve with the impending petrol and diesel vehicle ban in 2035, garages and technicians need to ensure they are both preparing their workshops and training themselves to work on electric vehicles by ensuring they have the right equipment and tools. The EV market has grown rapidly over the last few years, recent data from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) shows EVs making up 24 percent of new car registrations in the last year.
To help mechanics meet the demand of more EVs arriving in garages, Launch Tech UK has shored up its range of electric vehicle diagnostic tools and workshop equipment with new devices and technology to offer technicians a complete range for diagnosing EVs and carrying out battery repair work.
EV diagnostics vs regular diagnostics
Electric vehicle diagnostics involves the use of specialised tools and techniques to identify and fix problems in electric vehicle components and systems to ensure proper functionality. The different types of diagnosis in EVs include diagnosis of the computer system of the electric vehicle, the battery and charging system, as well as other components such as brakes, suspension and steering.
The computer system on an electric vehicle controls various components such as the battery, the motor, and the charging system. It can also store fault codes that help identify problems. Diagnostic tools are connected to the computer system to read these codes and identify any problems. The battery is arguably one of the most important components in an electric vehicle as its health affects the vehicle’s performance and range. Diagnostic tools are available to check the battery’s state of charge, voltage and temperature and identify any malfunction or damage.
The charging system includes charging ports, cables, and an onboard charger. Diagnostic tools can be used here to check the performance of the charging system and identify any issues that may prevent the vehicle from charging properly. Again, this is also super important when it comes to EVs as, if the vehicle cannot be charged, the motorist cannot get around in the vehicle.
EVs have many other components that can affect performance and safety, such as brakes, suspension, and steering. A thorough inspection of these components may be required to isolate any issues – and that’s where diagnostics come in.
EV range
As EV diagnostics requires specific tools and an understanding of the vehicle’s unique components and systems, it is crucial for technicians to be trained in and have experience with electric vehicles for proper diagnosis and repair, as well as having the correct equipment developed for the job. Launch Tech UK’s range of EV diagnostics and workshop equipment can help garages and workshops prepare for the future and give them the ability to diagnose and repair electric vehicles.
The company’s range includes two brand-new diagnostics tablets, the PO1 and PO3, an EV battery cell balancer, EB240, plus the EP260 for advanced charging and discharging and finally the ET30, a battery pack leakage tester.
Launch Smartsafe EB240
First up is the Launch Smartsafe EB240 EV battery cell balancer for maintaining EV batteries. It can be used to overcome range degradation caused by battery pack voltage inconsistencies. This new tool features a 7 in. touch screen interface, data processing unit, data monitoring unit, equalising cables, and panel operating module, plus, a wide voltage range suitable for all lithium batteries, multiple overcharge and discharge protections, and built-in memory holding operation reports, using the latest battery equalising technology. The EB240 is suitable for use in qualified EV workshops, battery production facilities and research and development centers.
Launch Smartsafe EP260
Launch Tech UK’s EP260 is a charging and discharging device for lithium batteries. This tool has various testing and maintenance modes, including discharge, charging, cycle discharging and charging tests of various designs of EV batteries. The main features of the EP260 includes wide voltage design, covering varying voltage requirements, voltage and temperature monitoring to protect the battery and equipment. Plus, a 7 in. touch screen, built-in memory to support storage of records, there’s no interference with the BMS system and is simple to operate.
Launch Smartsafe ET30
This new battery pack leakage tester is used to test the integrity of an EV battery pack. It uses compressed air to apply pressure to the inner cavity or surface of the battery, then sensitive sensors detect variations in pressure within the battery cavity to determine any leakage of the battery pack. The ET30, with its 7 in. touchscreen featuring highly sensitive sensors to significantly improve accuracy, displays the progress of each test on the screen, showing a visual and audible warning with any abnormal test results. ET30 will display simultaneously the pressure dial and test curve, and memorise the test parameters to improve operator efficiency.
Launch Smartsafe PO1 EV Diagnostic Tool
The PO1 diagnostic tablet has been designed for the testing and diagnosis of both new EV systems and internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, including the deep diagnosis of battery packs of multiple manufacturers. Launch Tech UK’s PO1 has 37 special service and reset functions and includes bidirectional control, live data reading and recording and system identification.
EV battery testing includes voltage detection of each module in the battery pack and displaying the voltage of each module highlighting the highest and lowest voltage. Similarly, the temperature of each module is also displayed. Detection includes error codes in the battery management system, system ECU identification, plus it has special functions for match and learn replacement components to the BMS. It also includes two years software update and warranty. The PO1 is ADAS ready on purchase of a Launch ADAS system. An immobiliser function is included to identify and authorise remote keys.
Launch Tech UK’s new PO1 runs on the familiar Android 11 operating system, underpinned by a 2.0GHz eight-core processor, 128GB storage and 4GB of RAM, a 9360mAh battery, a 10.1-inch touch screen with a screen resolution of 1920×1200. The PO1 features an eight megapixel front camera, 13-megapixel rear camera, and connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB connection.
Launch Smartsafe PO3 EV Diagnostic Tool
The PO3 diagnostic tablet from Launch Tech UK has been designed for the testing and diagnosis of new EV systems and ICE vehicles, including the deep diagnosis of battery packs of multiple brands. It offers technicians a one tool solution incorporating an oscilloscope and multimeter function. Other features include bi-directional control, live data reading and recording and system identification, with over 37 special service and reset also included.
EV battery testing includes voltage detection of each module in the battery pack and displaying the voltage of each module highlighting the highest and lowest voltage. Similarly, the temperature of each module is also displayed. Detection includes error codes in the battery management system, system ECU identification, special functions for match and learn replacement components to the BMS.
The PO3 is ADAS ready on purchase of a Launch ADAS system. An immobiliser function is included to identify and authorise remote keys. Launch Tech’s PO3 also comes with an two-channel oscilloscope with 10mHz bandwidth and multimeter, auto A/C D/C ranging 600V.
