By Ashley Reyes
As electric vehicles (EVs) represent an increasing share of vehicles on the road, aftermarket and custom builders must understand safety at the system level. Missteps with high-voltage systems are not just warranty issues; they create serious shock, fire and regulatory risks.
During the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) virtual education session, "The ABCs of EV Safety," on Tuesday, August 25, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT, a panel of experienced EV leaders will share a grounded, practical framework that improves both safety and credibility with customers. Register here.
This session will demystify the "ABCs of EV Safety," or critical systems and principles that keep EVs safe to drive, service and build. Attendees will gain a practical, standards-aligned understanding of high-voltage safety fundamentals with real-world guidance for conversations and decisions in aftermarket EV integration and custom builds.
Key learning objectives will focus on safety architecture, risk awareness and how professionals can apply solid engineering and safety practices without getting lost in technical proprietary details.
This session will:
- Explain core EV safety systems, including high-voltage (HV) interlock loops, isolation monitoring and discharge strategies.
- Recognize safe component practices, including how covered HV connections and properly rated parts prevent failure.
- Understand thermal and controller roles, including how temperature management and vehicle control logic maintain safety.
- Translate standards into shop practice, including connecting safety principles to real aftermarket builds without requiring OEM-level tools or bench references.
Leading the session are speakers Chuck Kinkade, engineering manager at Redline Detection; Mavrick Knoles, president and co-founder at Legacy EV LLC; and Tom Santilli, curriculum specialist at Legacy EV, all of whom bring extensive knowledge and experience in EV workforce development and automotive diagnostic technology and leadership.
Aftermarket professionals working with EVs, particularly shop owners and lead technicians, EV conversion specialists, high-performance builders and fabricators, and technical trainers and educators are encouraged to attend the session.
Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | UKRID
