Thatcham Research has launched EV Alert, a new digital tool designed to support safe and efficient Electric Vehicle (EV) repairs by addressing one of the sector’s most pressing challenges: safely handling high-voltage (HV) components.
EV Alert, now available via the escribe platform, gives instant visibility of HV systems before repairs begin. This empowers vehicle damage assessors (VDAs) and bodyshop teams to triage jobs more accurately, assess safety needs, and reduce time spent navigating complex manufacturer documents.
“With just two clicks, technicians can access HV information that might otherwise take hours to locate,” said Dean Lander, head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research. “It enables accurate decision-making during the assessment phase and helps identify critical steps for safe EV handling.”
The service supports a wide range of EVs, including full electric, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell electric, and range-extended vehicles. It simplifies repair instructions into a single, easy-to-navigate table, covering MET, panel, and HV components.
With nearly 2.2 million EVs on UK roads by February 2025 – making up close to seven per cent of all cars – bodyshops are under pressure to adapt to increasingly technical and safety-sensitive work.
Thatcham says EV Alert removes guesswork from the repair process – reducing uncertainty, minimising delays, and ultimately shortening claims cycles.
“Uncertainty during repair planning can slow the process and frustrate repairers, insurers, and owners,” Dean said. “EV Alert eliminates this by providing clear, accessible data, reducing waste and boosting confidence.”
He continued, “We’re committed to ongoing development. By engaging with our customers to understand additional needs, the service will continues to evolve.”
