Thatcham Research and LV= will work together on a long-term project focused on electric vehicle repair and salvage processes, and their impact on claims.
Joined by salvage experts Synetiq, they will consider the risks associated with handling EVs, from recovery to repair, particularly when the battery or high voltage system has been damaged.
The first phase of the project will focus on identifying where the claims workflow is different for EVs and where more detailed research may be required in the future.
Adrian Watson, Head of Engineering, Thatcham Research said, “In many circumstances, EV accident repair is no different from ICE vehicles. But under the hood lie everyday essentials, such as safe, cost-effective, timely post-accident repair, and the surrounding claims process so critical to putting any new vehicle on the road. And nowhere is the difference between EV and ICE more clearly underlined than in the insurance claim chain.
“It’s vital that the industry comes together to ensure customer expectations of owning, insuring, and repairing an EV can be met—and that the experience can be better than they’re used to with an ICE.”
Chris Payne, Head of Networks and Engineering at LV=, said, “This project is about finding the best way to repair EVs and their batteries, rather than writing them off. This will not only have a positive impact on claims costs, but will also feed a healthy second-hand EV market.”
