EV owners pay more for repairs than ICE drivers, says new study

Garages that are willing to accommodate EV repairs will require heavy investment to cater to the specific EV needs.

According to a new study, electric vehicle owners will have to shell out more for repair costs & have longer waiting times compared to ICE drivers.

The new study states that although EVs have fewer moving parts compared to an ICE-powered vehicle, there are other factors which increase costs. This includes the inherent complications of electric cars and the lack of trained technicians to service the vehicles.

As per the study, one main issue facing EVs is the lack of third-party garages that are willing to repair battery-powered cars. Also, garages that are willing to accommodate EV repairs will require heavy investment to cater to the specific EV needs. With modern EVs packing 400 to 800-volt systems, any mishandling by untrained technicians could prove deadly. The incorrect handling of EVs not only increases the risk of electric shocks but also fires which would be difficult to put out without specialist equipment and training.

Another major problem as mentioned in the study is the massive shortage of automotive electricians around the globe. This shortage in skilled labour, combined with the lack of independent garages translates to a chokehold by franchise workshops that could push up repair costs & waiting times, resulting in increasing insurance prices.

The higher insurance prices & warranty costs will further make EV ownership more expensive for people considering making the shift. Also, for current EV owners, there is also a potential lack of technicians to repair EV charge points, again, resulting in longer wait times.

Source: CarScoops