ENZHMS
Link Copiedcheck_circle
EV

EVs Cost 20% More to Repair After Accidents Than ICE Cars – Study

Mukhlis Azman

Share via

web_CariCarz_MA_Tesla-Malaysia-Gamuda-Cove-Supercharger_-16.jpg

A study in the US revealed that it costs 20% more to repair EVs after an accident compared to ICE-powered cars.

Despite the recent dip in its sales growth, EVs are getting more and more common on roads across the globe nowadays. And unfortunately, the rise in its adoption also means that we’re seeing more EV crashes and accidents in recent times, and while their frames may be less prone to damage, repairing them can burn quite a significant hole in one’s pocket compared to ICE cars.

According to the latest study by US-based auto claims firm Mitchell, the costs to fix repairable collision damages for EVs have increased by 2.5% in both the US and Canada for Q2 this year, and that is despite the recent slowdown of EV sales in both markets.

Naturally, these increases have reflected in the rise of the average claim severity for repairable EVs to $5,753 (RM24,988) in the US and CAD $6,534 (RM21,007) in Canada. Compared to their ICE counterparts, the average repair work for EVs costs 20% more in the US and a staggering 31% more in Canada.

web_CariCarz_MA_Tesla-Malaysia-Gamuda-Cove-Supercharger_-15.jpgCaricarz-Tesla-ModelY-FirstDelivery-Malaysia-(4).jpg

Tesla Model 3 (left) & Tesla Model Y (right)

Further breaking down these numbers to brands and models, both the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have led the pack in claims frequency among EVs in both the US and Canada. This comes as no surprise since both Tesla models are the best-selling EVs in the North American market, with thousands of units currently on the road, thus increasing their likelihood of being involved in accidents.

web_review_CariCarz_TA_Proton-X90_Flagship_6-Seat_-1.jpgMercedesBenz-C350e-PHEV-PressPhoto-12.JPG

Proton X90 MHEV (left) & Mercedes-Benz C350e PHEV (right)

Besides EVs, repair costs for hybrid vehicles are also more expensive when compared to their ICE-powered counterparts, albeit less expensive. Mild hybrids (MHEVs), given that they’re quite similar to standard ICE-powered vehicles, have comparable repair costs. The same, however, can’t be said for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), as their more complex powertrain setups warrant higher repair costs, averaging 12.5% higher compared to ICE cars.

MB-EQS-450-4M-SUV_-(1).jpg

Apart from the significant differences in repair costs, Mitchell’s study also found that EVs involved in a collision are less likely to need frame repairs compared to their ICE-powered counterparts, at 5.21% against 8.18%. This indicates that EVs in general may have better structural integrity than ICE-powered cars, although we’d like to add that their heftier weight may also contribute to this.

While this study gives us good insight on how the cost of EV repairs can be more expensive than ICE-powered vehicles, unfortunately, such a thing is not available here in Malaysia. Given the sudden increase in EV adoption for our market, perhaps it is time for related government agencies or any private institutions to undergo the same study that will surely be beneficial for both EV and non-EV users.


Gallery

Share This Article

Written By

Mukhlis Azman

An avid two-wheeler that writes and talks about four-wheelers for a living, while dreaming of an urban transit-laden Malaysia. @mukhlisazman

Share via

JPJ Running Numbers

KUALA LUMPUR

VPS9429

SELANGOR

BSH9196

JOHOR

JYH547

PULAU PINANG

PRU2331

PERAK

APB3335

PAHANG

CFD5277

KEDAH

KGC3540

NEGERI SEMBILAN

NEH1677

KOTA KINABALU

SJM6903

KUCHING

QAB2009M

Last updated 24 Sep, 2025

Fuel Price

Petrol

RON 95

RM 2.05

RON 97

RM 3.21

+0.03

RON 100

RM 5.00

VPR

RM 6.23

Diesel

EURO 5 B10

RM 2.93

+0.03

EURO 5 B7

RM 3.13

+0.03

Last updated 18 Sep, 2025

Latest News

EV

Revised 2026 Volvo EX90 Revealed

Updated 2026 Volvo EX90 flagship EV SUV gains new 800-volt EV platform, quicker charging and beefed up ADAS computer.

23-09-2025
EV

Leapmotor B10 Debuts in Thailand – Est. Below RM100K, Malaysia Next?

The Leapmotor B10 EV has made its ASEAN debut in Thailand, with an estimated price of below RM100,000. Malaysia next?

23-09-2025
EV

SIB-APU Collaboration Eyes EV, Hybrid Training and Smart Manufacturing

SIB and APU inks five-year MoU, aims to advance EV and hybrid training, certification and smart manufacturing.

EV

Ducati V21L Showcases QuantumScape Solid-State Battery Tech

Ducati V21L electric race bike showcases QuantumScape solid-state battery cells tech that boasts 844 Wh/L energy density.

EV

BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme Crowns as the World’s Fastest Production Car

At 496.22 km/h speed, the all-new BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme is now the world’s fastest production car ever.

21-09-2025
EV

Honda WN7 Unveiled in Europe as Brand’s First Production Electric Motorcycle

The all-new Honda WN7 breaks cover in Europe as the brand’s first-ever production electric motorcycle.

19-09-2025
EV

Malaysian-Bound smart #5 EV Gains 5-Star Euro NCAP Rating

The upcoming smart #5 EV has just scored a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test—the highest among large SUVs in 2025.

19-09-2025
EV

FedEx Expands EV Fleet in Malaysia with 41 Maxus Vans

Logistics giant FedEx scales up electric push by adopting 41 Maxus EV vans, aims to cut 305 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Show More

trending_flat
About Us

CarzAutoMedia: Stay connected to the latest car news! Get instant updates on new releases, industry trends, and automotive innovations. Your go-to source for 24/7 coverage of everything automotive.

© 2025 CariCarz.com. All Rights Reserved.