How to Become a Hydrogen Car Mechanic
The maintenance of a hydrogen car requires great care and knowledge to deal with this unique energy source. Vehicle owners who are concerned with touching hydrogen fuel cells under the hood will look to a mechanic well versed in hydrogen car repair. You can become a hydrogen car mechanic to get in on the ground floor of a growing industry.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Complete courses on auto repair before you become an expert in hydrogen vehicles. Commercial cars that run on hydrogen share a majority of the parts and functions of gas-fueled cars, which makes a traditional auto repair course an important first step.
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2
Seek employment at a hydrogen filling station to learn the ins and outs of these cutting-edge vehicles. Tour the facility on a regular basis to see the development of the hydrogen infrastructure on a firsthand basis.
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3
Visit showcases and expos for alternative vehicles to learn the intricacies of hydrogen cars. You can meet vendors and innovators of hydrogen-fuel technology at events like the H2 Expo in Hamburg, Germany (see Resources below).
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4
Approach your career as a hydrogen car mechanic from an academic perspective by taking courses at an engineering school. There are dozens of programs like the University of Delaware's IGERT program that teach undergraduates and graduates about commercial uses of hydrogen fuel (see Resources below).
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5
Land a job as a hydrogen car mechanic with a vehicle manufacturer unveiling its first alternative-fuel car. The excitement over a new product ensures a mechanic competitive wages and insight into future generations of hydrogen vehicles.
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6
Assemble your own hydrogen car with a conversion kit. A hydrogen car mechanic can learn about every moving part in these specialty cars by using a conversion kit on an old vehicle.
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7
Study the differences between fuel-cell and combustion technologies as you become a hydrogen car mechanic. Hydrogen fuel-cells convert hydrogen into electricity, while combustion engines use hydrogen in a similar way to traditional cars.
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8
Travel around the country test driving every hydrogen car available as you become a mechanic. Arrange meetings with custom car makers, tinkerers and major companies to get comfortable with different arrangements under the hood.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Hunt down available work space before you become a hydrogen car mechanic. You should rent a garage in the short term to avoid draining your bank account before you have any customers. An old garage with lifts and other facilities can help you adjust quickly to life as a mechanic.
