The Importance Of Using An Accredited Body Shop For Your EV Car Repairs

With the rise in electric cars across the UK the demand for high-quality specialist repairers has increased too. There are more than a million fully electric cars on our roads with a growth rate 18% higher in 2023 than in 2022. That number is set to explode as the government ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 looms ever closer.

But as with many things in life, not all-electric vehicle repair specialists are created equal which is why ensuring they not only have the right accreditation to handle your repairs but put quality and customer safety above costs is crucial.

The Right Expertise and Training

EV or Hybrid electric vehicle repair is no harder or easier than petrol and diesel vehicles but the way the cars operate and the components required are often quite different – they have complex electrical systems, high-voltage batteries and advanced technologies all of which require specialist knowledge. Whilst someone might be expert in petrol cars this won’t always translate to EV car repairs if they’ve not undertaken the correct training in these areas.

The Right Equipment And Parts

A local repair centre may struggle to accommodate an EV because they lack specialist equipment such as high-voltage safety apparatus. They will also need access to EV diagnostic equipment, the right replacement parts and facilities for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) recalibration, something which all new EVs are fitted with.

Such equipment is a big financial commitment for some body shops and while demand has been lower, or their work comes predominantly from petrol and diesel vehicles, they might not yet have taken the leap to invest in these areas.

Unique Expertise

The ability to carry out suitable repairs on EVs goes beyond specialist training and complex systems, it also requires knowledge of how to decommission batteries and handle intricate electrical structures. This can result in the need for dedicated EV bays, for example, with additional capacity to repair aluminium and plastic bodywork on electric models.

It also means having the right equipment to return cars to customers in perfect condition. For example, at EvolveArc we have installed chargers at all three of our sites, so all vehicles leave with the same charge as when they arrive.

Warranties

An accredited repairer will follow manufacturer-approved methods and use premium parts, which is crucial for maintaining vehicle warranties and validating them during repairs. Ensuring any warranty you have is maintained can be challenging if the repairer lacks accreditation.

Additionally, at EvolveArc, all our repairs come with a lifetime guarantee, underscoring our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Parts Availability And Network

Because EVs are still relatively new and account for a smaller proportion of Britain’s vehicles getting hold of parts can sometimes prove tricky. An accredited supplier will have access to a specific parts network which means quality is assured and delays receiving parts are reduced.

Meeting Industry Standards

Achieving different industry accreditations can demonstrate a commitment to quality and offer you reassurance that your car is in safe hands. IMI accreditation means technicians have been properly trained in working with EVs and hybrid vehicles while carrying out maintenance or repairs. PAS10125 is the industry-agreed standard for vehicle body repair and covers requirements for competent personnel, appropriate and well-maintained equipment and suitable repair methods. Get in contact with the team at EvolveArc today!

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