Several key factors contribute to higher electric vehicle (EV) repair costs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles:
Advanced Technology and Components
EVs rely on cutting-edge hardware that often requires replacement rather than repair, such as sensors and driver-assistance systems. This technology necessitates specialized recalibration, increasing labor complexity.
Parts Sourcing
Repairs use ~90% original manufacturer parts for EVs versus ~67% for ICE vehicles, reducing access to cheaper aftermarket alternatives. The EV supply chain remains less mature, contributing to higher parts costs.
Vehicle Demographics
Most EVs on the road are luxury models (77% of recent registrations), which inherently have higher repair costs. Newer production models also lack established third-party repair ecosystems.
Labor Requirements
EV repairs demand specialized training for high-voltage battery safety. Procedures like battery de-energizing or removal add labor hours, accounting for nearly half the repair bill. Insurers report 28% higher average repairable severity for EVs.
Collision Factors
EVs often experience higher impact speeds due to instant torque delivery, potentially worsening collision damage. Structural designs protecting battery packs may also increase repair complexity.
Market Immaturity
With only 2.7 million EVs among 288 million US vehicles, fewer repair shops have EV-certified technicians, limiting competition and keeping prices elevated.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-factors-contribute-to-the-higher-repair-costs-for-evs/
