EVs are up to 50% more expensive to repair than ICE

Warranty claims for EVs are 30-50% higher than for comparable ICE vehicles, says Warranty Solutions Group (WSG).

The most common issues are with battery charge control modules, costing an average of £1,311.12 to repair, power distribution boxes (£747.65), warning lights (£875.00), and shock absorbers (£588.86).

John Colinswood, CEO of WSG said: “Many studies show that electric vehicles have lower servicing and maintenance costs than petrol and diesel cars because they have fewer moving parts that can fail.

“However, not all repair shops are equipped to handle EVs, and specialised knowledge is needed to safely work on high-voltage electrical systems. This drives up labour costs, as repairs often require trained professionals, sometimes through the manufacturer or specialised dealers.”

EVs contain unique components such as large battery packs, electric motors and power electronics, all of which are expensive to manufacture and replace.

The battery is the most costly component with replacement costs significantly higher than most ICE engine repairs, ranging between £8,000 and £12,000.

Combustion models generally have higher servicing costs, and braking components in EVs often do not need replacing within the first three years, thanks to regenerative braking systems.

Colinswood added: “By combining an honest discussion about repair costs with a positive outlook on the benefits of EV ownership, motor dealers can build trust and encourage buyers to invest in extended warranties.”

Dealers must emphasise the lower ongoing operational costs of EVs, explain that while EVs are simpler in some respects, the high-tech nature of components can result in more expensive repairs and inform customers that repairs often require specialised parts and trained technicians which can increase repair costs if issues arise outside the scope of the warranty.