Maybe. Dealers are taking more control over their vehicles, as they own the intellectual rights (module programming and such) to them. Most likely, independence places will still be able to work on them, but you'll have to use a manufacturer specific scan tool. That's how dodges are now. Anything after 2018 has to use a factory scan tool with an internet connection for most functions. The scan tool reports back to dodge codes and such, and dodge keeps track of that to improve vehicles and come up with programming updates. I assume it'll probably be the same for all electric vehicles.

In any case, as a mechanic, I can either accept it and learn to work on them and make money, or I can tidy up my tool box and sweep floors while the other guy works on them. It doesn't really matter how I feel about them, they're coming no matter what so all I can do is be ready.

I know there will still be plenty of gas powered cars around. But I'd.better be able to work on the electrics as well.

Battery exchange system will be a nightmare. Unhook your battery in your vehicle today for a second , and now your computer needs rebooting.
Can take 100 miles of driving to reset.

So your saying it takes two batteries. Traction and 12 volt to run electronics ? Sounds like problems.

I'm not sure you can exchange a battery shy of at a shop. The tesla battery looks like it sits directly on the frame and takes all of the frame, it weighs 1200 pounds

That's how the chevy volt operates....it uses the electric motor to drive, the gas engine is only there to charge the batteries.

The amount of ignorance and angst that comes gushing forth over a product that you can willingly choose to avoid is quite astounding. I think there are deeper issues at work if you get worked up about something that really isn’t a reality for most people. And won’t be for at least another decade. Half of you won’t be able to drive by then anyway.