An Important Detail To Keep In Mind When Buying An Electric Car Has Been Highlighted
- 30.09.2026, 14:35
This issue is particularly important for the used-car market.
The high cost of repairing and replacing batteries could become a serious problem for the longevity of electric vehicles. As the vehicles age, owners may find themselves in a situation where repairing the high-voltage system costs more than the residual value of the car itself, writes Autoblog (translation by Charter97.org).
This was pointed out by the head of Bosch Mobility Aftermarket Rupert Hellbacher. According to him, modern electric vehicles feature complex electronic architecture, which means that even relatively minor damage requires extensive diagnostics and additional procedures.
“The high cost of replacing batteries can drastically shorten the practical service life of electric vehicles,” Hellbacher noted in an interview with Automobilwoche.
The problem isn’t limited to batteries. When repairing modern vehicles, technicians must check numerous electronic components, calibrate sensors, and update or reset the software. All of this increases the cost of repairs and the amount of time the vehicle spends in the shop.
This issue becomes particularly important for the used electric vehicle market. Buyers typically focus first and foremost on the condition of the battery, but costly repairs to the suspension, electronics, and various sensors can also significantly increase expenses.
According to Bosch, automakers need to make repairs for electric vehicles more affordable. “Cars should be designed and maintained with a long-term perspective in mind,” the authors argue.
Otherwise, the environmental benefits of electrification could be partially offset if roadworthy vehicles are scrapped because repairs to individual components are too expensive.