A week onboard with an EV technician

[@michaelgoode9555]

Your Scottish roadtrip videos keep popping up in my suggested list and I keep watching them. Amazing service from James and the entire Cleevely team. Reminds me, I need to book a pre MOT visit for early February. Sorry guys but the ticket expires on Feb 29th so it'll be a cold one.🙁

[@CANDiagnostic]

Impressive. I'm a lv4 ev but work in the hgv electrical world

[@Jamesandkate]

My C&G quals are commercial actually. Spent many a year changing clutches and compressor heads 🥴

[@rayphot]

I just sat and watched all of this and I don't even have an EV yet!

[@Jamesandkate]

Amazing. Feel free to watch it again 🙏🏻 When you do get an EV, we'll come and service it for you 👌🏻

[@trishmcdonough]

Same 😂

[@marklewisduncombe]

Brutal! Travelling, working outside in cold, unhealthy diet away from family! Been there, kudos to you James.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks. It was a hard week. Kinda hoping March will be better 🙏🏻

[@bdeithrick]

That’s though. I thought BuymieShopper was bad picking 6 shops a day. No break factored in or travel time. Ditching it next week. Gig economy sucks .

[@pauldenney7908]

Good to see it's working out will defo book you to service my Model 3 this Autumn in Dumfries.

[@iainmcintyre9900]

Well done James that was quite a shift in the bloody cold !

[@Jamesandkate]

Indeed, I was chilly at times 👍🏻

[@RWBHere]

We wondered what you did for work. Thanks for taking us along with you, James. 🙂👍

[@rigel1632]

Really enjoyed this so would love to see more of your travels.

[@victorseal9047]

Very interesting and enjoyable James. Also, it was good to see some of the Scotland I remember from when I lived in the UK.

[@JonathanPorterfield]

And that Red Leaf at the start ! Speedy delivery for eco cars 👍🤣🤣👏👏

[@ThePlugSeeker]

Great stuff! Very pleased with job did on my Leaf when you were down South. 👍😁

[@sandyhagen9155]

Great video, James. Stay safe on your many journeys. 😊👍🏻

[@paulwillmott1163]

Very interesting video, thank you. Reminds me a bit of when I was a travelling telephone systems engineer back in the 90s. I only really stayed in hotels for training courses at our factories though but I share your pain of the loneliness being away from family. Thinking of having your firm service my 2020 40KWh Tekna Leaf when it is due. I've only had it a few weeks so might be next year but I'm very impressed by your videos.

[@bobbye8071]

This is the future and you guys are the cutting edge of it. Well done! Bobby

[@richardsedorski1206]

Very true somebody mega qualified.

[@blobstrom]

Brilliant video. Don't envy your job in this weather, but yes the scenery looked amazing

[@Joe-ud2hb]

Hi James, only watched this now - used to work as a mechanic & now farm & just service my own Jeep & car which is an Eniro. You must need a pretty accurate description of the problems before you set off in order to have the proper spares with you ie the Tesla caliper there. Great videos. Joe

[@maxsec2]

Gotta keep the trades happy and watered when they visit....

[@adrianrahman7511]

An absolutely brilliant channel. Thank you for content that is a match for broadcast TV.

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Hard work and long hours out in all weathers. You have my sympathy. Doing a cracking job. Thank you for sharing a few of your days.

[@JIMWSMITH]

I work in the motor trade james , and had my fair share of cold workshops over the years, but Scotland is bloody cold this time of year, i salute you sir.. nice job though with variety 👊.

[@Jamesandkate]

There were times when a 2 poster, hot brew and Swarfega were needed, but we got through ok 👌🏻

[@jeffcartwright7270]

Hi James - I take my hat off to you mate !. That was a really really hard week. The scenery in Scotland is fantastic, your visit in March should be a little kinder with regards to the weather and less tough on your body. Take care and good luck with your new venture.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@realworldev6321]

You’re a hard working fella, well done mate!

[@charlesholland-keen2222]

Great video and very interesting. Scottish scenery great. 0vernighting in hotels not so great from my experience. Looking forward to more like this. Stay safe.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank you. There will be more

[@nickieredshaw7835]

Thanks for another great video thanks! Take care and safe travels

[@bdeithrick]

Someone in the car at 17:20. Where you not on your own. ? Mad job. Outside is very tough. I thought inside supermarkets was tough.

[@MarkGaudie]

Didn’t know Euan had got a model S. Last I knew he had a Leaf. Nice upgrade for him. Great Work James. You truly are a grafter. Bet you can’t wait to get home and give Kate and Florence a big hug and kiss. Safe driving James and massive respect to you sir! ✊🏻

[@Jamesandkate]

He still has the Leaf also 👌🏻

[@MarkGaudie]

@@Jamesandkate lucky devil. Really nice guy Euan. Had a great chat with him and Elinor at Fully Charged Live 2018.

[@and1111000]

You're going to get a lot busier in the future. Open your own franchise up North, we'd appreciate it.

[@dan123collins]

+1 for this.

[@Jamesandkate]

The issue is, I love Scotland, so I'm.nit going to pass it off easily 😉

[@craigevans6156]

@@Jamesandkate Would love to have you and Kate move north to join us in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 You know it makes sense!

[@chrisp7214]

When I take a wheel off a car, I always poke it underneath.......just in case..... I was very impressed with the work you got through on your trip.

[@gertbiesta797]

That was very interesting and brings back happy memories of motorway services driving down from Scotland to England -- who would have thought that I would be longing for those!

[@glennmoloney7460]

Thanks for the insight James. Really interesting! I install and service copier equipment so I'm on the road all the time. Just interesting to see the EV servicing side of things. Cheers

[@benjaminhiggin5094]

Love the video. Very jealous of your trip as working from home I haven’t left the house for 4 days!!

[@Jamesandkate]

Ah man, that's rubbish. Chin up 👊🏻

[@honestjohn6222]

I am so glad I found your site, can I ask you , if you were going to buy a new ev on a budget to last the longest what would you buy

[@GlynHudson]

Top effort! Great to see a skilled technician at work. It's impressive how many jobs you get done in a day 💪

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks Glyn. Tbh, I pushed it a bit far. Realistically 2 in a day is enough.

[@michaelduffy7633]

Love the content. Next trip up to Scotland if you have time I have the same issue with the leaf hand brake grabbing in reverse. Let me know if you can do a repair please.

[@richardhaywoodh]

James you hero, you have definitely earned your beans for the week, good stuff

[@Porkonfork]

Solo EV mechanics like yourself for vehicles outside of warranty are as good of a business model as Tesla is for selling direct to the public. Keep up the great work :)

[@ewadge]

I really enjoyed this series, maybe even more than the reviews and I really like the reviews. That is a pretty brutal schedule you have. Just make sure to block off family days in your calendar. As men we tend to think of providing for our families mostly by providing financially and we may get distracted from the fact that the family also needs quality time with us. I’m not suggesting you don’t but it was a lesson I had to learn. Anyway, we’ll done. I’m staying happily subscribed.

[@calutuu]

Hi James I like watching all your videos. You are one of my preferred car reviewers. When you'll come back to Aberdeen, I would like to meet you in person if I'm not asking to much and you'll have some spare time. Stay safe and wish you all the best.

[@Jamesandkate]

Back in Aberdeen on Friday 19th March 👍🏻

[@TomsManShed]

Great vid James... I do love the shape of the aiK luoS shown at 2:12 :)

[@richardsedorski1206]

Good vid very interesting your garage seems to know everything about EVs .

[@Jamesandkate]

We don't know everything, but we do our best.

[@svenwesterlund3405]

Wow, getting severe flashbacks from like 15 years ago when two friends and I went on a whisky tour in Scotland. We started by getting pulled over by police for driving DISTURBINGLY slow in Ayr while looking for our B&B around midnight. Then we attempted visiting Loch Lomond destillery before visiting Sterling and the fantastic Falkirk wheel. Then we parked behind a church and took the train to Edinburgh for sightseeing. Then we spent a couple of days near Dunblane before going to Pitlochry and the Highland Games on the football pitch near our hotel. Really enjoyed that trip, lovely autmn wheater, nice people and generally a great place to be.

[@dommer256]

I hope you’re earning well. Hard work mate.

[@chrisrichmond403]

Full credit working in those EV’s in snow & cold conditions. I need to get my dad’s Vauxhall Cavalier demister blower unit out so I can start a overhaul on it . I live on the Isle Of Man and we have either been having gales, or rain or very cold conditions and I have said heck this I am waiting till it’s dryer, sunnier & warmer and not windy , like most of your work fully outside no garages to use .

[@kinross24]

REME in the field mate. Good on ya!

[@Jamesandkate]

You know it 👊🏻

[@jsouto77]

I used to work up and down the country just like that (home for weekends) and the money was fantastic. Unfortunately had to give it up after about 10 months since the Mrs eventually started crying upon my return and I knew then that I had to knock it on the head. Good memories though and great if you guys can cope with this. Thanks for the video :)

[@Jamesandkate]

I'm lucky, these trips are 2 monthly and Kate and Flo have family here too.

[@mrdsn189]

Hard working man! Well done! Pamper the girls!

[@grahamarnold2591]

Hi James what trooper you are , great insight into what's happening with ELECTRIC VEHCILE servicing NOW... With advent of new EV'S,your going to be busy ---busier. but that's great, This shows just how reliable ev's are. ALL THE BEST.. GRAHAM Horsham.. cups of Tea/ cakes sandwiches if your passing.. don't hesitate .. shared the video on my twitter feed.

[@Jamesandkate]

Legend, thank you 🙏🏻

[@billydavidge6914]

Hi James and Kate im wondering if you can help me. I have a env200 van which is great fun just wonder in you know of any remaps or tweeks on power that I could have done 👍

[@clowray2747]

James, Tech question. I used to have an outlander phev. It had various levels of regen including switching it off. Now I have an MG ZS ev (face lift) and want to know how and where I can over-ride the lowest setting of the kers to off! Please help.

[@alexdalgleish1061]

Had to chuckle when you said charging at Abingdon. That would have been somewhat nearer to home.....

[@Jamesandkate]

Always get it wrong. My bad 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@valdisvi]

I'm surprised that these customers don't use some local service for maintenance instead. Is this some legal requirement?

[@Jamesandkate]

No legal requirements, but it's key to have someone with the correct qualifications and skillset working on your car. Many garages won't touch EVs

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Was that 'my bedroom ' in the end shot ??

[@Jamesandkate]

Nah, downstairs hallway 👍🏻

[@charleyanthonsen874]

I AM from denmark and Thing it is very interresting to see your work. I have not bought and Electric car, not because of battery. But because lack of garage there can repair the car elelctronic, charger and so on. You should get a truck were you can fix cars in

[@pizzacrusher4632]

Hi, do you have any advice or guidance you could give to someone trying to start an independent EV repair shop like yours (I am in the US, so wouldn't compete for your customers)? Or maybe resources you could point people to as they consider it? Thank you!!!

[@jameshoyles4261]

Bet your glad you did not have to take the e-NV200 on this weeks trip or it would of been a very long week! Great vlog style James.

[@Jamesandkate]

The eNV is going next time 👍🏻

[@Chrisb8s]

cool video, it's nice to be busy! I work in the hotel business and I cringed the two times you tossed your rollerbag on the bed. LOL. no biggie, not one of my properties

[@Jamesandkate]

I'm sorry 😔

[@danpaul4975]

I'd love to see more of you using lane 1 on the motorway

[@avidviewer1]

Couldn't agree more. I'm a big fan of this channel, and Cleevely, and was very surprised when that footage appeared.

[@KrisNativeThai]

Hey James, nice video mate. I am in Bangkok doing battery reconditioning for hybrid cars, and sure would love to join you for the trip...I would work for you for free just to be on the trip mate, luv it!

[@Jamesandkate]

If you are ever here, you're more than welcome to join me 👌🏻

[@KrisNativeThai]

Absolutely will shout out to you if I'm ever in the neighborhood mate!

[@alexduncan9941]

Pardon my ignorance, but why did you completely isolate the high voltage system for doing a brake fluid change? Maximum technical details please.

[@Jamesandkate]

I'd love to give you loads of details but it's just so long winded. Do a quick Google search and it will explain why.

[@mil3761]

Love the video. Where can I find details of your company doing servicing? I've got a Nissan Leaf and would rather use your company than the local Nissan dealer

[@Jamesandkate]

Google Cleevely Electric Vehicles and you'll find us. Remember, we're mobile 👍🏻

[@Rockport1911]

Alot of EV problems seem to revolve around seized and grabbing brakes because they dont get used much. Another big problem is failing 12V batterys...

[@whocares264]

yes , maybe change battery with higher amp hour

[@leoclarke6462]

MG ZE 12month + update pending? Thanks

[@justlikebuttah]

Do you ever come to NI?

[@richardeskins]

Hi James, interesting video thanks. Have you had to deal with the 7KW charging issue for the SEAT Mii/VW e-up/Citigo yet?

[@Jamesandkate]

As in it's only charging at 3.6kWs?? I believe it's species this way and will only pull 7 on 3p? Or is this a different issue??

[@richardeskins]

@@Jamesandkate yep. That’s the one. They are claiming a software update is fixing it but of course it hasn’t for our Mii. Was just interested in case you’d seen it fixed. 👍

[@jusaksiahaan9308]

Its hardwork James, by the way, are they calling you directly to service their cars?

[@Whereswally606]

Amazing work there James, quite jealous. I would love to do that kind of work. If it werent for covid I'd offer to come with and lend a ✋. Hopefully we will meet when i come to clevely to sort my gen1 muxsan leaf with and 30/40kwh main pack. Whenever that might be.

[@Jamesandkate]

I should be there when it comes in. Fingers crossed Covid does one soon 🙏🏻

[@grahamjohnson4702]

Could you please explain the need for long distance servicing, is there no availability for local servicing. Gob smacked that you got brake unit so quickly, do you have a genie?

[@Jamesandkate]

I took all the parts with me I thought I'd need. O my had to buy a couple of pollen filters while on the road. The reason is, Scotland have very few EV garages and none that do mobile work as far as I know

[@johnshares]

Are you carrying lots of spare parts for all the cars you service ? Or do you know before you start your service trip what you’ll need? Thank you for the tour of Scotland !! Magic. Here in Perth Australia, we’ve just had bush fires for a week so our hills are black from the fire.

[@Jamesandkate]

I do carry loads of spares and guess to what I might need for each job.

[@lenimbery7038]

How in the world can you have parts for all these jobs? Something to be said about a technician at a dealership with a parts inventory for their cars and working in a nice warm well equipped shop

[@Jamesandkate]

I carry them. Fortunately we know pretty much all the issues we are going to face so we're pretty well kitted out 👍🏻

[@peterlang3369]

Interesting video, quite a few jobs seem just normal things you get on ICE cars, good business for you but why don't they use local garages

[@cokyrobes]

Great video, really interesting to see, amazing work guys! Have to ask...why no ccs upgrade?

[@Jamesandkate]

We'll get it done, just not had the time

[@cokyrobes]

@@Jamesandkate Gotcha - and I can see why! Again really great to see what you guys do, true innovators in the industry and I'm sure you are a big part of why EV owners are so happy with their purchases!

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@sdewaard]

Good stuff James, thanks for sharing. I really like the way your channel has turned recently with the emphasis on servicing EVs. What's your background if you don't mind sharing? I don't think you worked as a car mechanic before?

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks. I was a mechanic to start. First in the Army and then afterwards. Then went to JLR and started working on prototype EVs. Now I'm with Matt and Cleevely EV 👌🏻

[@jolive3743]

the first thought i had when i realised EV's would be happening (at last) was, we all know somebody who works with Vehicles but eventually 85% of jobs will have to be redundant ....recon good Mechanics would be able to turn their Hands to other trades though

[@MrPWalden]

About to pull the trigger on my first ev - a 2017 24kw leaf. Trying to convince myself it’s the right choice 😱 enjoying the videos! How much do you charge for services?

[@RZOCUK]

Hope our Zoe Owners give you kitkats and cake plus hot drinks. Stay safe. See you on the 19th.

[@ukjokergrey]

Hi James- really interesting to watch. Can I ask about your journey to this point as an EV tech? I'm in my 30s, just purchased an i3, have many years spannering experience on a host of classic cars and am wanting a career change. I'd be very interested to hear about ways of getting into the trade. Keep up the inspirational work

[@Jamesandkate]

Hi Graham. Happily. I'm similar to you. Loads of spanner time from the Army and garages afterwards. Found my way to JLR where they put me through my IMI HV quals and I found myself working on prototype EV powertrians. Matt and I came together as we share the same papers and many interests and he happens to be a pretty bonzer bloke. Seemed like the natural way to go. If you contact us Cleevely EV we'd happily point you in the right direction 👌🏻

[@TheEVside]

Top banana mate! Great work

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks pal 👌🏻

[@t1ghe]

What happens on a service? They don't have filters or oil do they?

[@Jamesandkate]

They do indeed have filters and oil.

[@t1ghe]

@@Jamesandkate Pollen filter? I meant in the sense of engine oil and filter.

[@gpwisbey]

would u ever come cornwall way

[@Jamesandkate]

Yep, if I could double up the jobs and make it worth while. Do you know anyone else with an EV your way???

[@gpwisbey]

@@Jamesandkate can put the word out as we don't have much down this way for help so would be good. also do u know if can fit a 240 volt 3 pin power adapter to any ev like the honda e has?

[@alanturner8646]

Hi do you repair Zoe’s in Northants

[@jur4x]

Are you planing to get an electric van for this job? Something like Vivaro-e? Or, on the smaller scale - Zoe Van?

[@Jamesandkate]

We have one. Just fitting a bigger battery so it can cope with the range

[@jur4x]

@@Jamesandkate "fitting a bigger battery" Sounds like eNV200 :)

[@MCSMIK]

Still need to book you in for the brake lubrication. How long does that job take?

[@Jamesandkate]

Drop me a DM. On a low mileage 3 about 1hr 30.

[@barrydoherty636]

How often do you need to service an EV?

[@Jamesandkate]

Depends on mileage. But a 12 monthly inspection is about right.

[@charlesholder8009]

How do you source any parts you need?

[@Jamesandkate]

I take them with me.

[@bdeithrick]

Bags on beds transport bed 🕷 bugs. Best use floor of luggage racks. Experience tells.

[@arenjay3278]

-32C my battery locked itself down im level 1 charging it to get the battery heater working. Enjoy your balmy weather.

[@Jamesandkate]

I'd probably go for a 7kW charge. The level 1 probably won't give enough to heat it.

[@arenjay3278]

Problem is i cant go anywhere until the battery warms up.

[@jur4x]

Yeah, I've seen one EV owner from Yekaterinburg complaining about his Ionic going into reduced mode when battery cooled down to -30C (-33 outside temp). Would barely accelerate and would not go above 50km/h. Lucky for him, it was only 3km to workplace (that's where he charges).

[@jamesgathercole2975]

Really interesting

[@Jamesandkate]

Hope you enjoyed it

[@TheBeggFamily]

I was surprised you could accomplish so much without a garage lift.

[@Jamesandkate]

It's hard at times, but we make do.

[@ram64man]

Watch out Kate james has already picked out his dream home

[@stud196761]

How much is a service on a 2019 zoe 41kwh

[@Jamesandkate]

We had an incentive on initially at £110 Inc, but it will be up to £121.

[@ArnoldWinters]

I wonder if they have an EV tech like you in Atlanta. GA USA?

[@Jamesandkate]

Hopefully 🙏🏻

[@Rockport1911]

Even EV´s do need maintenance and also need repairing. Cudos for working outside in the cold harsh scottish weather. A nice warm garage would be better but not every customer can offer that...

[@gryzman]

Envious of your ability to drive around for work mate. Hope you're doing alright.

[@Jamesandkate]

I'm definitely lucky. Lockdown has been pants so this is a welcome get out.

[@alanrobinson2229]

Most of jobs are general mechanicy stuff...

[@Jamesandkate]

Indeed, but not all.

[@grahambrown42]

How on earth do you get all the parts needed?

[@Jamesandkate]

I took them with me. We stock everything at our HQ that I used.

[@buyhighselllow1142]

Axle Stands

[@AdrianMcDaid]

Earning pound not always easy.

[@AdrianMcDaid]

@@honesty_-no9he Yes sure, I know what this job is like I once was mechanic and it's not nice being outside freezing, your hands num. Now I work from home my own office and can have the heat how I like it. Being away all week not nice and fair point about not getting decent dinner.

[@MRSCAREY1962]

Is this a new job due to COVID or was it what you did before? Working on humdrum cars to afford that Tesla lifestyle!! ;-)