New research has revealed that, on average, electric vehicle (EV) repair costs can be up to 50% higher than those for equivalent internal combustion engine models.
Analysis of EV repair claims from Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) for 2023 and 2024 highlight that 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).
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, typically ranging between £8,000 and £12,000 on standard cars.
Comparable EV repair
A recent study from Cap HPI compared the service, maintenance, and repair (SMR) EV costs quoted by manufacturers for the latest EV models against their ICE counterparts. It examined these costs over a typical three-year ownership period – the most common duration for fleet models or new cars purchased on finance.
The study found that when it comes to EV repair, affordability is not particularly favourable. For example, the manufacturer-quoted cost for a three-year maintenance plan for the electric VW ID.3 hatchback is £1,050 (including servicing, MOTs, tyres, brakes, and other maintenance). In contrast, a comparable Golf diesel costs £615 over the same period.
Despite this, combustion models generally have higher servicing costs than EV repair prices, and braking components in all-electric models often do not need replacing within the first three years, thanks to regenerative braking systems that help recharge the battery.
However, the ID.3’s higher overall EV repair cost is largely due to its tyres, which are approximately four times more expensive than those of conventional cars. EV tyres are specially designed to support the extra weight of the batteries.
‘Lack of competition’
“There is much industry discussion about the cost of EV repair compared to internal combustion engine vehicles,” commented John Colinswood, CEO of WSG. “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.”
According to Gartner Research, by 2027, next-generation battery electric vehicles are expected to cost less to produce than equivalent ICE models, addressing one of the main barriers to EV adoption. However, it is estimated that the average cost of an EV body and battery repair after a serious accident will increase by 30%.
Colinswood added: “Unlike ICE vehicles, which can be serviced by a wide range of independent mechanics, currently, EVs rely more on manufacturer-certified technicians and parts, limiting competition in repair services and keeping prices high. EVs also depend heavily on sophisticated electronics and software, making diagnostics and repairs more complex and expensive than with ICE vehicles.”
