One of the most exciting aspects of converting gas-powered vehicles to electric is the freedom to...
There’s a common refrain these days: no one knows how to fix anything anymore.
Whether it’s a household repair, a mechanical issue, or an electrical problem, hands-on knowledge—once second nature—is becoming a rarity. So how do we inspire the next generation to get their hands dirty and to solve problems?
For many of us, it started in childhood. Legos, Hot Wheels, Snap Circuits, Big Wheels—simple toys that sparked a lifelong passion for building and fixing. If you look at our newsletter subscribers, I’d bet most can trace their roots back to early moments spent taking things apart (and occasionally putting them back together).
Even as our world grows more digital, we still live in a physical space. Engineering, fabrication, and problem-solving exist at the crossroads of creativity and science. And as mechanical and electrical systems continue to merge in the EV space, knowing how things work will always be valuable.
Some skills, like typewriter repair or carburetor tuning, may fade into niche expertise. But mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting will only become more critical. I went to trade school, and while I don’t hold a multimeter or a control screwdriver as often these days, the skillsets I built still serve me every day.
Maybe I’m getting a bit sentimental about hands-on work, but can you blame me? As much as I love my keyboard, I love my hand tools even more. And with skilled tradespeople and mechanics becoming harder to find, we have to ask: how do we ensure future generations have the opportunity—and encouragement—to develop these skills?
That’s where initiatives like Right to Repair come in, ensuring people can modify and maintain their own machines. That’s where programs like the EV Innovators Club give students access to real-world projects. And that’s where people like Francis and Tinkerengineering efforts remind us that hands-on work isn’t just practical—it’s about curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity.
When we think about the future, one of the greatest gifts we can offer young minds is the freedom to tinker, explore, and figure things out. Because while the world may be shifting digital, the ability to build, repair, and create is timeless.
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