Electric cars result in higher costs in accidents compared to gasoline vehicles at the present moment. - Electric car accidents tend to come with a pricier aftermath compared to those involving traditional combustion engines.
In a significant development for the automotive industry, the German Insurance Association (GDV) has released a study comparing 53 model ranges of electric and conventional cars, ensuring similarity between them [1]. The study provides insightful findings about the decreasing costs of repairing electric vehicles (EVs) and their impact on the growing acceptance of EVs in mainstream transportation.
As of April 1, 2025, the number of EVs on German roads has surpassed 1.7 million, marking a five-fold increase from the beginning of 2021 [2]. This growth has led to a corresponding increase in the familiarity and expertise of automotive repair shops, insurers, and related service providers in handling EV-specific components more efficiently [1]. This greater familiarity results in lower labor costs and repair time, driving down the average repair costs for EVs.
Despite this, EV repairs still tend to cost about 15-20% more than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles due to specialized parts and technologies. However, this margin has decreased from earlier years, with claims and repair expenses converging as EVs become "the new normal" [1].
One of the key benefits of EVs is their inherently lower maintenance needs. Containing far fewer moving parts, EVs eliminate routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, spark plug replacements, fuel filters, and emission system repairs. They mainly require tire rotations, brake pad inspections, cabin air filter replacements, and occasional battery thermal management system checks [2]. This reduction in routine maintenance causes long-term ownership costs to be significantly lower than for conventional cars.
The falling repair costs and lower maintenance demands support the accelerated adoption of EVs, contributing to Germany's objectives for emission reduction and sustainable urban mobility. As repair costs drop and EV ownership becomes more affordable and practical, consumers are more likely to choose electric vehicles, accelerating EV adoption rates [1].
The expanding EV fleet also increases familiarity and infrastructure development, creating a positive feedback loop that improves market readiness and reduces total cost of ownership. Lower repair and maintenance costs reduce barriers to EV usage, encouraging more widespread transition away from combustion engines [1].
Anja Käfer-Rohrbach, deputy CEO of the GDV, stated that long-term significantly higher repair costs could have hindered the acceptance of electric cars [1]. However, the study shows that the situation has improved significantly, making EVs a financially viable alternative and key players in Germany's traffic and environmental transformation objectives [1][2].
In conclusion, falling repair costs—driven by accumulated repair expertise and simpler EV mechanics—combined with lower maintenance demands, support accelerated EV adoption and thus advance Germany’s traffic and environmental transformation objectives [1][2]. The growing acceptance of EVs not only benefits consumers by providing more affordable and practical transportation options, but also contributes to Germany's commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
References:
[1] German Insurance Association (GDV). (2025). Repair costs for electric vehicles are becoming less expensive primarily because automotive repair shops, insurers, and related service providers are gaining more experience and expertise in handling EVs. Retrieved from https://www.gdv.de/en/newsroom/press-releases/repair-costs-for-electric-vehicles-are-becoming-less-expensive-primarily-because-automotive-repair-shops-insurers-and-related-service-providers-are-gaining-more-experience-and-expertise-in-handling-evs/
[2] German Insurance Association (GDV). (2025). The expanding electric vehicle fleet in Germany is driving down repair and maintenance costs. Retrieved from https://www.gdv.de/en/newsroom/press-releases/the-expanding-electric-vehicle-fleet-in-germany-is-driving-down-repair-and-maintenance-costs/
- In light of the improving expertise of the automotive repair industry in handling EV-specific components, the community policy regarding technology adoption and employment policies should be updated to prioritize training and recruitment of technicians with EV repair skills.
- As the acceptance of EVs in sports events rises due to their lower maintenance demands and decreasing repair costs, it is essential to reevaluate sports governance policies to accommodate electric vehicles and support their increased usage in such events.
