Electric vehicles may be known for lower running costs and fewer moving parts, but new data from Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) reveals that some EVs are racking up repair bills that rival the price of a used car.
One Vauxhall Corsa driver claimed over £6,200 to fix an electric drive fault, while other models like the Mini Countryman and Vauxhall Grandland have seen repair costs exceed £4,600. With EVs averaging £858.50 per repair, compared to £668.45 for petrol and diesel cars, the findings raise serious questions about long-term ownership costs and the complexity of electric vehicle maintenance, says Car Dealer Magazine.
The Hidden Cost Of Going Electric
Electric vehicles may promise lower running costs and fewer moving parts, but new data from WSG reveals a more complicated reality. According to Car Dealer Magazine, some EV owners have faced eye-watering repair bills — with one Vauxhall Corsa driver claiming £6,219 to fix an electric drive fault. That’s not just a minor hiccup; it’s a wake-up call for buyers who assume EVs are cheaper to maintain.
While EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles show similar claim rates — 13.2% for EVs vs. 13.7% for ICE — the average electric vehicle repair bill is significantly higher: £858.50 compared to £668.45 for petrol and diesel cars.
What’s Going Wrong?
WSG’s claims data highlights a range of costly faults:
- Electric drive faults (Vauxhall Corsa): £6,219
- Inverter and DC converter replacements (Mini Countryman Cooper SE): £4,658
- Drive shaft issues (Vauxhall Grandland Electric): £4,658
Common problems include charger port failures, onboard charger malfunctions, air conditioning faults, and tyre pressure monitoring system errors — many of which are unique to EVs or more expensive to fix due to specialised components, says Car Dealer Magazine.
Martin Binnee of WSG explains: “Major powertrain and electrical component failures can result in significant costs, posing a challenge for both owners and the warranty sector.”
Why Electric Vehicle Repairs Are So Expensive
EVs rely on complex systems and high-voltage components that require specialist knowledge to repair. Unlike ICE vehicles, which can be serviced by a wide range of independent garages, electric vehicles often need manufacturer-certified technicians and parts — limiting competition and driving up prices.
Battery replacements are particularly costly, with some standard EV batteries priced between £8,000 and £12,000, depending on size and chemistry, says Warranty Solutions Group. Even smaller components like battery charge control modules can average £1,311, while high-voltage water heaters and infotainment systems regularly exceed £850.
Reliability Rankings: The Best and Worst
WSG also revealed which electric vehicles are most and least reliable:
- Most reliable EVs:
- Nissan Leaf (3% claim rate)
- MG ZS EV (4.7%)
- Audi E-Tron (5.5%)
- Least reliable EVs:
- Tesla Model S (50% claim rate)
- Volkswagen e-Golf (33%)
- Kia E-Niro (25%)
These figures suggest that while some electric vehicles are proving dependable, others are racking up claims at an alarming rate — with half of all Tesla Model S owners under warranty experiencing at least one issue.
What This Means For Buyers
The findings are a reality check for anyone considering an electric vehicle. While electric vehicles offer fuel savings and lower emissions, repair costs can be unpredictable and steep. Buyers should factor in extended warranties, manufacturer service plans, and the availability of qualified repairers before making the switch.
Martin Binnee adds: “On the surface, EVs may promise lower running costs thanks to fewer moving parts, but the reality is more nuanced. Managing customer expectations around reliability and repair costs will be key to maintaining confidence in the market.”
Final Thoughts
The electric revolution is well underway, but it’s not without its bumps. As warranty data reveals, some electric vehicle owners are facing repair bills that rival the cost of a second-hand car. While EVs remain a smart long-term choice for many, the industry must address repair complexity, part availability, and technician training to keep costs in check.
For now, buyers should go in with eyes wide open — because while EVs may be the future, they’re not always the cheapest ride.
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