Are Electric Vehicles as Expensive to Repair as Traditional Cars?

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are often seen as the future of transportation, offering numerous benefits such as reduced emissions and lower fuel costs. However, one concern that potential buyers often have is the cost of repairing an EV in the event of a collision. A recent study has shed some light on this issue, revealing that non-Tesla EVs are only slightly more expensive to repair than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Repairing a vehicle after a collision can be a costly endeavor, especially considering the advanced technology found in modern cars. Many vehicles, both EVs and ICE vehicles, now come equipped with components like lidar sensors, radar sensors, and cameras, which are often housed in major body panels. Additionally, EVs have the added complexity of battery packs and electric motors that can further contribute to repair costs.

However, according to data from a repair shop software company, the average cost of collision repairs for non-Tesla EVs is only $269 more than their ICE counterparts. This suggests that, despite the added complexity of EV components, repair costs are actually quite similar between the two types of vehicles.

It’s worth noting that this data specifically excludes Tesla vehicles, which have been known to have higher repair costs compared to other EVs. The reasons for this are unclear, but it may be due to unique design choices or proprietary repair methods employed by Tesla.

Overall, this study provides some reassurance to potential EV owners who may have been concerned about the potential high costs of repairing their vehicles. While there may be some variation depending on the specific make and model, the data suggests that the cost difference between non-Tesla EVs and ICE vehicles is relatively small.

It’s important to keep in mind that this study only focuses on the cost of collision repairs and does not take into account other factors such as routine maintenance and servicing, which may differ between EVs and ICE vehicles. However, for those worried specifically about collision repair costs, this data should help alleviate some of the concern.

Sources:
– Carscoops (source article)