A report by Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) has found that the average warranty claim for used electric vehicles (EVs) reached £827.55 between March 2024 and February 2025, a 26.78% increase compared to the £623.10 average claim for internal combustion engine (ICE) models.

Drawing from a sample of 800 EV claims across 18 major manufacturers including Tesla, Audi, BMW and Polestar, WSG identified the five most common issues among EVs: 12v battery replacements (£192.03), shock absorbers (£531.02), air conditioning compressors (£1,193.79), suspension arms (£1,058.23), and charger ports (£119.43).

Battery replacements remained the most expensive repair item, ranging from £8,000 to £12,000.

The report attributed higher repair costs to the specialist nature of EV components and the additional tools, expertise and time required to complete repairs.

The heavier battery packs of EVs place added strain on suspension systems, particularly shock absorbers, which wear out more quickly compared to their ICE counterparts.

Additionally, the lack of engine vibrations in EVs results in suspension components absorbing more road impact.

Hyundai was ranked as the UK’s most reliable EV manufacturer, with a claim rate of just 3.70% and one of the lowest average repair costs at £309.46.

Toyota followed with a claim rate of 3.88%, while Kia ranked third, with a 4% claim rate, supported by rigorous pre-launch testing and efficient battery management systems.

At the opposite end of the scale, Land Rover recorded the highest claim rate at 36.36%.

The Motor Ombudsman registered a 60% increase in EV-related disputes in 2024, with 1,951 new cases compared to 1,222 in 2023.

Despite this rise, EVs generated fewer complaints per vehicle than petrol, diesel or hybrid models; there was one dispute for every 195 EVs, compared to one for every 41 non-EV vehicles.

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “This rise aligns with the growing adoption of EVs in the UK. However, despite this increase, EVs still generate fewer complaints per vehicle compared to their non-EV counterparts.

“Most EV complaints stemmed from customer service issues, followed by technical problems with the vehicles themselves.

“As the EV market matures, addressing these concerns will be critical for manufacturers and retailers to build consumer trust and satisfaction.”

John Colinswood, CEO of Warranty Solutions Group, said: “EV warranty claims are significantly higher than ICE vehicles mainly due to costly EV-specific components that demand specialised tools and expertise.

“Addressing repair affordability and ensuring battery durability are pivotal to supporting the broader adoption of EVs.

“Dealerships offering comprehensive EV warranties play a pivotal role in addressing consumer concerns, fostering greater confidence and peace of mind in the transition to electric mobility.

“While EVs offer environmental benefits and potential long-term savings, UK motorists continue to express concerns over high insurance premiums, expensive repairs, and battery degradation.

“Addressing these challenges is essential to accelerating EV adoption and ensuring consumer confidence.

“In our report, we explore these critical industry developments, underscoring the importance of robust warranties and innovative solutions.

“Together, we aim to empower our dealer partners, meet increasing customer expectations and deliver sustainable success in a dynamic and ever-changing market.”