- Insurance claims data indicates that EVs are involved in different types of lower-speed crashes compared to combustion vehicles
- EVs are more prone to rear-end collisions and less likely to have front-end damage
- Both EVs and combustion vehicles are totaled at a similar rate in full-loss incidents
Analysis from Mitchell International reveals that EVs are frequently involved in unique types of collisions due to features like one-pedal driving systems.
Mitchell, a provider of technology solutions for the auto insurance and collision repair sectors, has previously highlighted the higher repair costs associated with EV collisions compared to gasoline vehicles. The company has now delved into the specific nature of accidents involving EVs versus internal-combustion cars.
The latest data from Mitchell shows that rear-end collisions are more common for EVs than for combustion vehicles, accounting for 35.9% of EV collisions and 27.5% of internal-combustion vehicle collisions. Conversely, front-end collisions are more frequent for combustion vehicles at 31.5%, compared to 25.8% for EVs.
2025 Kia Niro EV
Mitchell attributes this trend to two main factors. Firstly, EVs are typically newer and equipped with advanced front-collision avoidance technologies. Secondly, the “different braking dynamics” of EVs in one-pedal mode may lead to abrupt deceleration, catching following drivers off guard.
Despite front-end collisions resulting in 40% higher repair costs on average compared to rear-end collisions, EV repairs overall remain more expensive according to Mitchell’s findings. In Q3, repair claims for EVs in the U.S. averaged $5,560, surpassing costs for plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids, and non-hybrid combustion vehicles.
These observations align with Mitchell’s previous report from Q2, which revealed a 20% cost disparity in collision repairs between EVs and other vehicle types. The high repair expenses were also cited as a factor influencing Hertz’s decision to scale back its EV initiatives.
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The report also indicates that EV repairs necessitate a higher proportion of original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts compared to ICE models. While a comparable number of parts are repaired in both cases, BEVs require 90% OEM parts whereas ICE vehicles utilize 64% OEM parts, with the remainder sourced from the aftermarket at potentially lower costs.
EVs and combustion vehicles are declared total losses at similar rates—accounting for 9.9% of all claims. The average market value of EVs deemed total losses stands at $32,718, closely mirroring the $31,070 average for 2021-or-newer combustion vehicles, which Mitchell considers most akin to EVs in terms of complexity and repair expenses.
While the high costs of EV repairs are well-documented, emerging evidence suggests that the distinctive driving dynamics of EVs could contribute to their collision frequency. Alongside Mitchell’s reference to one-pedal driving influencing rear-end collisions, a recent study highlighted that EV drivers exhibit a higher likelihood of fault in accidents, potentially indicating behavioral shifts upon transitioning to an EV.