Electric vehicle repair costs exceed hybrids and ICE models
Electric vehicle repair costs are significantly higher than both hybrid and ICE repairs, according to new research carried out by Warranty Solutions Group (WSG).
Based on 800 EV claims between March 2022 and October 2024, the average EV claim was £675.97, compared with hybrids at £633.18 and ICE vehicles at £482.52.
The largest EV warranty claim paid by the firm in that period was £5,000 for a replacement transfer box and electric drive on an Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro. The second highest claim was £3,654 for a radio unit on Nissan Leaf E Plus N-Tec and the third highest claim was a heater fan motor on a Tesla Model X 100D, totalling £3,000.
Steph Newbery, group director of WSG, said:
“EVs are generally more expensive to repair than petrol or diesel vehicles for several reasons. The battery is the most expensive component in an EV and if it needs to be replaced, the costs can be significant due to its complexity, size, and the expensive materials used, like lithium and cobalt.
“Additionally, many EV components, such as electric motors and power electronics, are specific to electric vehicles and can be costly. These parts are not as readily available or mass-produced as traditional car parts, leading to higher prices.
“Some EVs are built with lightweight materials like aluminium or carbon fibre to offset the weight of the battery. These materials are often more expensive and complex to repair than the steel used in conventional vehicles.”
Electric vehicle repair costs
The research found that some of the most expensive faults on EVs include battery charge control modules averaging £1,311.12, high voltage water heaters (£914.76), warning lights (£875.00) and in-car entertainment and infotainment (£860.63).
Newbery continued:
“It is important that dealers emphasise the lower ongoing operational costs of EVs, such as fuel savings and reduced maintenance due to fewer moving parts compared to ICE vehicles. Customers need to know that that repairs often require specialised parts and trained technicians, which can increase repair costs if issues arise outside the scope of the warranty.”
