Electric cars have been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more people opting for environmentally friendly vehicles. However, there are still some concerns and misconceptions surrounding electric cars, especially when it comes to accidents and repairs. One of the most common questions we get at Drive is what happens if you get into an accident with an electric car. Are they really harder to repair, more expensive to insure, and more likely to be written off?
To find out the truth behind these concerns, we visited Luxury Auto Body in Melbourne, a Tesla approved repairer, to ask them the hard questions about electric car smash repairs. We spoke with Danny, a panel beater with three decades of experience, to get the inside scoop on the cost, wait times, complications, and everything you need to know about repairing electric cars, specifically Teslas.
Danny shared some interesting insights about the repair process for electric cars, particularly Teslas. He mentioned that they see about 25 Tesla cars per month on average, and the types of accidents they see are similar to those with conventional cars – front collisions, side swipes, and more. Despite the common misconception that electric cars are vastly different from traditional cars, Danny assured us that they function pretty much the same in an accident. Airbags deploy, crumple zones work, and the fundamentals are the same.
When it comes to repair costs, Danny explained that it can vary depending on the type of damage and the model of the Tesla. While rear impacts can be more involving due to the construction of Tesla models, front impacts are generally easier to repair. He also mentioned that the availability of parts for Teslas is good, with only a few instances where they had to wait for parts.
In terms of cost, Danny estimated that the average smash repair cost for a Tesla over the last six months was around $4,500 to $5,000, excluding outliers. He noted that some parts for Teslas are surprisingly cheap, making the cost of repairs lower compared to other luxury car brands.
Overall, Danny reassured us that repairing electric cars, specifically Teslas, is not as daunting as some may think. The process is similar to repairing conventional cars, and with the right expertise and access to parts, it can be done efficiently and effectively. So, if you’re considering buying a Tesla or any other electric car, rest assured that the repair process is manageable, and it’s worth embracing the shift towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
In conclusion, electric cars may be the way of the future, and with the right knowledge and resources, you can navigate the world of electric car repairs with confidence. Remember to drive safe, do your research, and work with certified repairers to ensure your electric car stays in top condition. Thank you for watching, and we’ll see you next time. Drive on!
