The cost of repairs for electric cars in Germany is significantly higher than for combustion engine vehicles. This is mainly due to manufacturer specifications that often require the expensive replacement of components. According to a study by the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT), repairs after an accident or other damages are on average more expensive for electric cars than for combustion engine cars. The study examined damages to vehicles with significant electric range between 2018 and 2020, which occurred among customers of the insurance company. While electric cars and combustion engine cars do not differ fundamentally in terms of accidents, the repair costs for electric cars are significantly higher on average. This is mainly due to manufacturer specifications and standards that workshops must follow.
For example, some models require the replacement of the battery after an airbag deployment or the replacement of the entire cable harness after a marten bite in a high-voltage cable, instead of repairing the damaged cable. Alternatively, expensive cables could be protected from marten bites by replaceable protective covers, which could reduce repair costs by up to 97 percent. However, according to Allianz, only a few manufacturers use these covers. The cost of repairs for electric cars is also higher due to the complex fire prevention measures required during recovery. In Germany, about 15,000 cars catch fire annually, of which about 150 are electric cars. However, the risk of fire is relatively low for electric cars.
According to Carsten Reinkemeyer, Head of Safety Research at AZT, “In our study, we still do not see a higher probability of fire in electric vehicles compared to conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles.” While electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, the higher repair costs may be a concern for some consumers. It remains to be seen whether manufacturers will take steps to reduce these costs in the future.
