Crash claims for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United States increased by 38% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data from collision management software provider Mitchell. The rise in claims aligns with the growing adoption of electric vehicles, yet it also underscores the high costs associated with their repairs.
BEVs accounted for 2.71% of all crash claims in the U.S. in 2024, up from the previous year. In Canada, the figure stood at 3.84%, reflecting a 34% increase. “It’s clear that electric cars are here to stay, and they’re crashing just as often as their gas-guzzling counterparts,” the study noted.
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Tesla models dominated the claim statistics, with the Model Y and Model 3 accounting for 31.43% and 29.86% of repairable EV crash claims, respectively. When factoring in the Model S (5.53%) and Model X (4.58%), Tesla’s share reached 71.4%. The only non-Tesla model in the top five was the Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a claim frequency of 6.37%. “The more cars there are, the greater the likelihood of accidents, and Tesla has more than its fair share of both,” the report stated.
See also: EV Prices Drop 25% Since 2018, Narrowing the Gap with Combustion Cars Globally
Despite the rising number of claims, repair costs for EVs averaged $6,236 in the U.S. in 2024, a 3% decline from the previous year. Traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles had lower average repair costs at $5,066. However, newer ICE models saw repair expenses climb to $6,127 due to increased complexity.
The report also highlighted concerns over EV depreciation. “Mitchell also pointed out that EV values have been declining faster than other powertrain types,” with total loss market values dropping to $33,346 in the U.S. (-22%) and $40,203 in Canada (-18.5%) in 2024. Factors such as lower manufacturing costs, aging vehicles, and consumer concerns over battery health contributed to the decline.
See also: Global EV Sales Surge 25% in 2024, Regional Trends Highlight Divergences
