A new blueprint has been launched which is designed to address the growing challenge of electric vehicle (EV) repair costs and prevent vehicles from being unnecessarily written off.
Thatcham Research’s ‘EV Blueprint’ establishes eight requirements for the automotive industry, designed to ensure vehicles can be safely assessed, efficiently repaired and economically maintained throughout their lifecycle.
While the transport industry has generally gained confidence in EVs, Thatcham says the focus has shifted from basic safety awareness to the need for more efficient recovery, assessment and repair processes that make economic sense.
A recent Thatcham survey, conducted in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), revealed that battery-related issues remained the primary concern for 44.6% of insurers and 41.7% of repair professionals.
With batteries accounting for up to 40% of a vehicle’s total value, even minor collision damage can result in total loss determinations, particularly as vehicles depreciate over time.
Dan Harrowell, principal engineer for advanced technologies at Thatcham Research, said: “How affordable it is to insure these cars relies on how well the industry can handle repairs after accidents. As repair shops have become more experienced with electric vehicle technology, the cost of fixing these vehicles has decreased by 10.7%.
“To continue making insurance more affordable as more electric vehicles hit the roads, car manufacturers, insurance companies and repairers need to keep collaborating to overcome any remaining challenges.
“This blueprint provides the roadmap for that collaboration, ensuring we can deliver both the environmental benefits of electrification and the economic sustainability that consumers need.”
