Bodyshops are struggling to keep up with demand for crash repair services on electric vehicles.
A new report, EV Battery Longevity & Post-Accident Outcomes, by the accident aftercare specialist AX, reveals gaps in training, diagnostics, legislation and repair processes.
It said these were issues that lead to increased write-offs and inflated insurance premiums while undermining sustainability goals.
It added that Lithium-ion battery damage, even when minor, can cause significant safety concerns and costly replacements.
And with battery packs representing up to half of an EV’s total value, the result is higher total-loss rates compared with petrol and diesel vehicles, it said.
While EV adoption continues to rise in the UK and Europe, AX highlights that while 99% of its network of repairers are fully trained, high-voltage batteries introduce new challenges for many recovery operators, insurers and repairers.
According to AX’s analysis, current guidance offers baseline safety principles, but industry protocols are inconsistent, training is insufficient and a standardised post-crash diagnostic framework does not exist.
While EV sales are accelerating, only a small proportion of technicians currently hold advanced high-voltage qualifications. This creates a mismatch between the number of EVs on the road and the industry’s ability to assess and handle them safely.
Scott Hamilton-Cooper, chief commercial Operator at AX, said: “As a big advocate for EVs, we have helped our fleet and insurer partners to transition to electric vehicles.
“We make the process much smoother for businesses and their drivers when their car is off the road.
“So together with our network of expert, EV-ready repairers, we are fully prepared, but that is not the case for everyone.
Click here to see the full report
