Thatcham publishes blueprint to cut EV write-offs

Thatcham Research has published an “EV Blueprint” setting out eight recommendations for the automotive industry to make electric vehicles more repairable and reduce unnecessary write-offs. The UK automotive research organisation says batteries can account for up to 40% of an EV’s total value, meaning even minor collision damage can result in total loss determinations.

A Thatcham survey conducted with the Centre for Economics and Business Research found that battery-related issues remain the primary concern for 44.6% of insurers and 41.7% of repair professionals. However, the organisation says EV repair costs have already decreased by 10.7% as repair centres have gained experience with the technology.

The eight recommendations include resettable emergency safety systems, simplified battery removal processes, standardised damage assessment guidelines, accessible diagnostics, improved battery protection, established repair methods for battery casings, modular battery design for disassembly, and less vulnerable positioning of components such as charge ports.

In a statement, Jonathan Hewett, Chief Executive Officer of Thatcham Research, said: “We’re seeing too many repairable vehicles written off simply because current designs don’t accommodate efficient assessment and repair processes.”

Dan Harrowell, Principal Engineer of Advanced Technologies at Thatcham Research, added: “To continue making insurance more affordable as more electric vehicles hit the roads, car manufacturers, insurance companies and repairers need to keep collaborating to overcome any remaining challenges.”

Source: Thatcham Research