Electric collisions involving battery-powered vehicles tend to be costlier than those involving conventional fuel engines.
EV Repair Costs Narrowing in Germany
According to the German Insurance Association (GDV), repair costs for electric vehicles (EVs) in Germany have historically been 20 to 25 percent higher than for comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, this difference has been decreasing recently, with the latest data showing that EV repair costs are now only about 15 to 20 percent higher than those for combustion engine cars.
This narrowing gap reflects growing experience among repair workshops, insurers, and service providers in handling EV-specific systems as EVs have become more common on the road. The number of electric vehicles in Germany has increased sharply—over 1.7 million registered by early 2025, a fivefold increase since the beginning of 2021. As a result, EVs now account for approximately 3.3 to 3.5 percent of the total registered vehicles.
Historically, EV repairs were significantly more expensive, about 20-25% higher than ICE repairs. By early 2025, comprehensive insurance claims indicate this gap has shrunk to 15-20%. The cause of this change can be attributed to both the growing fleet size of EVs and the increased experience of various actors involved in repairs, such as garages, towing companies, and insurers.
Anja Käfer-Rohrbach, deputy CEO of the GDV, stated that the decreasing difference in damages is due to more electric cars on the road and increased experience in handling them. She added that as more electric cars are on the road, their damage statistics become less different from comparable cars with combustion engines.
It's important to note that accident damages for electric cars are not becoming cheaper, but their costs are increasing at a slower rate than those of combustion engines. The comprehensive damages for pure electric vehicles are currently 15-20% more expensive compared to similar cars with combustion engines, according to the GDV. However, the frequency of comprehensive damages for electric vehicles is lower compared to combustion engine vehicles.
In recent times, a typical electric car caused only about 10-15% fewer comprehensive damages than a comparable combustion engine. This trend of decreasing difference in comprehensive damages between electric and combustion engine vehicles is positive for the mobility transition, according to the GDV. The trend highlights that while EV repairs remain more costly, their repair cost disadvantage is steadily diminishing as the EV market matures in Germany.
References:
[1] German Insurance Association (GDV). (n.d.). Repair costs for electric vehicles in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.gdv.de/en/topics/electromobility/repair-costs-for-electric-vehicles-in-germany
[2] German Insurance Association (GDV). (n.d.). Number of registered electric passenger cars in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.gdv.de/en/topics/electromobility/number-of-registered-electric-passenger-cars-in-germany
[3] German Insurance Association (GDV). (n.d.). Difference in the frequency of damages between electric and combustion engine vehicles. Retrieved from https://www.gdv.de/en/topics/electromobility/difference-in-the-frequency-of-damages-between-electric-and-combustion-engine-vehicles
- The growth in experience among repair workshops, insurers, and service providers in handling EV-specific systems, as a result of the increase in electric vehicles on German roads, is an indication of the advancement in environmental-science and technology used in these vehicles.
- As the number of electric vehicles in Germany continues to rise, the finance sector is keeping a close eye on the cost differential between EV repair and that of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, recognizing its potential impact on the overall economic and social policy.
- The gradual reduction in the cost gap between EV repair and ICE repairs can contribute to the adoption of electric vehicles in the industry, as it demonstrates the maturity of EV technology and its alignment with conventional vehicles in terms of maintenance and repair expenses.
