Summary
- Aussie panel beater shares high cost of electric car repairs after damaging MG in collision
- Replacement front bumper cost $2500 at trade, $3000 at retail, with limited availability of second-hand parts
- Electric vehicle parts prices set to increase as market flooded with cheap imports
- Electric vehicle mechanics face challenges due to sophisticated technology, specialized software requirements
- Imported EVs may end up in car "graveyard" as repair costs outweigh vehicle value, complex repairs can cost between $10,000 and $15,000
Article
An Australian panel beater recently shared his experience of the exorbitant cost of repairing an electric car, specifically his eight-week-old MG, after a collision. The man was shocked to discover that a replacement front bumper would cost $2500 at trade cost and $3000 at retail, without including additional parts. This highlights a problem that many drivers may soon face as the market is flooded with cheap EV imports. The lack of availability of second-hand parts further complicates the repair process, with one commenter noting that the charging socket door alone could cost $800 for some EV models.
According to electric vehicle technician Gerry Marson, owner of Sydney Hybrid and Electric Cars, the increase in EV parts prices is expected to worsen as up to 50 Chinese car manufacturers flood the Australian market with cheap imports. Marson emphasized the complexity of EV repair work, likening mechanics to “brain surgeons” due to the diagnostic work required to identify and fix issues. This has led to increased costs for sourcing parts from overseas and finding qualified technicians to undertake the repairs, with major failures potentially costing between $10,000 and $15,000.
Marson highlighted the sophistication of EVs, which often require specialized software to operate tech-heavy features like lane assist, drive assist, and auto pilot. These advanced features add to the overall expense of repairs, with customers sometimes unaware of the true cost of ordering replacement parts. The increasing cost of repairs extends to all types of vehicles, as modern technology has driven up the prices for components across the automotive industry. Marson pointed out that even a water pump for a petrol engine can cost between $600 to $1000, compared to just $50 in the past.
The high repair costs for EVs, coupled with the influx of cheap imports, could lead to a scenario where owners of older EVs face hefty bills that render the vehicles not worth repairing. Marson suggested that many imported EVs could end up in a car “graveyard” as owners grapple with the financial burden of fixing their vehicles. The issue of extra charges for warranty parts, such as freight fees, further complicates the repair process and ultimately impacts customers. Despite the challenges, Marson stressed the importance of understanding the underlying causes of vehicle issues before making repairs to ensure the best outcomes for customers.
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