Electric vehicle collision repair costs have reached their lowest point this year, offering relief to current owners and prospective buyers. Although prices have declined gradually throughout 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) remain more expensive to repair than PHEVs, hybrids, and gasoline-powered cars.
According to Mitchell, a leading provider of automotive damage technology solutions, the frequency of collision damage claims for EVs hit a historic high of 3.21% in the U.S., representing a 4.2% increase year-over-year. This rise is linked to the surge in EV sales during the third quarter, driven by the $7,500 federal tax credit that expired on September 30, 2025.
Declining Costs for EV Repairs
Despite the increase in claims, the average collision repair cost has dropped by 2.4% compared to the second quarter, reaching its lowest level since the beginning of the year. This is excellent news for those concerned that high repair costs could deter them from purchasing an electric vehicle.
However, EVs remain the most expensive vehicles to repair after a collision. The average repair for an EV in the U.S. stands at $6,185, exceeding costs for plug-in hybrids ($5,529), mild hybrids ($4,983), and traditional internal combustion vehicles ($4,974).
Factors Affecting Repair Costs
The cost difference is largely due to parts availability. Mitchell reports that 85.13% of parts used to repair EVs are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components, compared to 62.30% for gasoline vehicles. The lack of affordable, readily available replacement parts increases the total repair cost.
Another factor is parts reparability. In EVs, only 13.51% of damaged parts can be repaired, while in internal combustion vehicles the figure is 15.96%. Fewer repairable parts mean that new components must be ordered and installed, driving up overall costs.
EVs Most Frequently Repaired After Collisions
Best-selling models typically top the collision repair lists. In the U.S., the Tesla Model Y, a long-time sales leader, has the highest percentage of repairable claims at 30.57%, followed by the Tesla Model 3 (26.68%), the Ford Mustang Mach-E (5.77%), the Tesla Model S (4.74%), and the Tesla Model X (3.91%).
In Canada, the ranking is slightly different: the Tesla Model 3 leads collision repair claims, followed by the Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Kona EV.
Opportunities for Used EV Buyers
The good news is that repair costs are decreasing and the used electric vehicle market continues to expand. For buyers seeking real opportunities, platforms specializing in buying and selling electric cars such as affordable second-hand electric vehicles offer competitive pricing, advanced technology, and guaranteed quality.
In conclusion, while repairing electric vehicles remains more expensive than other cars, the downward trend in costs and increased availability of parts and services make EV ownership more accessible and attractive than ever.
