Electric Vehicle Repairs and Their Economic Impact

The cost of maintaining electric vehicles (EVs) has surged, marking a 25% increase since 2020. This rise is attributed to the higher repair costs of EVs compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars. Additionally, the shift towards EVs may lead to fewer job opportunities for mechanics due to the reduced maintenance requirements.
Data from France Assureurs highlights that hybrid vehicles are 15% more expensive to repair, while battery-only vehicles are 14.3% pricier. The increased weight of EVs contributes significantly to this expense. Furthermore, spare parts for these vehicles are costly, with replacements such as wing mirrors and windshields being notably more expensive than those for petrol cars. Insurance premiums have also risen in response to these increased repair costs.
Rising Costs in Electric Vehicle Maintenance
Electric vehicles present unique challenges in terms of repair costs, largely due to their design and technology. The heavier build of EVs causes more damage during accidents, leading to higher repair bills. Spare parts, especially advanced components like strip lights, come at a premium price. Moreover, batteries, which cannot always be repaired, add significantly to the overall cost.
The complexity of electric vehicles means that repairs often involve costly components. For instance, replacing a wing mirror on an EV can cost €636, significantly more than for petrol cars. Similarly, windscreen repairs are much pricier. Advanced features such as strip lights between headlights further inflate costs. The batteries themselves are particularly expensive, often needing replacement after accidents, adding substantial costs. Some manufacturers design batteries that must be recycled rather than repaired, exacerbating the issue.
Impact on Mechanics and Insurance
The transition to electric vehicles is reshaping the automotive industry, affecting both mechanics' employment and insurance premiums. As EVs require less routine maintenance, the demand for mechanics is expected to decrease. Insurance companies are adjusting premiums to account for the higher repair costs associated with EVs.
Predictions suggest that the number of employed mechanics could drop by 1,500 to 3,000 annually until 2035 due to decreased maintenance needs. Training programs are adapting to include EV knowledge, but the long-term impact on mechanic jobs remains uncertain. Meanwhile, insurance firms are raising premiums to cover the increased costs of repairing EVs. For hybrids, premiums rose by 13%, and for EVs, they increased by 20%. This economic shift will likely influence the structure of garage networks across France, impacting both independent and agency garages alike.