Login
My Garage
New hero

EVs written off half as often as petrol cars since 2015, study reveals

By Mathilda Bartholomew | September 19, 2024

Share

Why not leave a comment?

See all | Add a comment

CAP’s study, which looked at cars under five years old from 2015 to August 2024, found that only 0.9 per cent of EVs were written off, compared to 1.89 per cent of petrol and diesel cars.

EVs written off half as often as petrol cars since 2015, study reveals

Electric cars have faced their fair share of insurance challenges—from unexpectedly high premiums to write-offs due to concerns over slightly damaged batteries, and even some Chinese brands failing to meet UK repair standards, making certain models nearly uninsurable.

Despite these issues, data from CAP HPI, shared with Auto Express, shows something surprising: since 2015, petrol and diesel cars have been written off at nearly double the rate of electric vehicles (EVs). CAP’s study, which looked at cars under five years old from 2015 to August 2024, found that only 0.9 per cent of EVs were written off, compared to 1.89 per cent of petrol and diesel cars. Even for cars just one-year-old, 0.2 per cent of EVs were written off, versus 0.4 per cent for their petrol and diesel counterparts.

However, before anyone uses these stats to fuel the ongoing EV debate online, it’s important to note that these numbers don't tell the whole story.

CAP HPI spokesman Jon Clay explained, “The study challenges one of the many misconceptions about electric vehicles. The data clearly shows that EVs are written off at half the rate of petrol and diesel vehicles,” he said, but added there are likely several factors influencing this.

For one, EV drivers might have different habits than those with gas-powered cars. Plus, EVs often come with more advanced safety tech. The stats also don’t factor in the total number of claims that might lead to write-offs.

“There are quite a few variables in there, which we need to investigate to actually understand,” added Clay.

Related Articles

England’s most hated motorway revealed for 2025
England’s motorway satisfaction is dropping. Find out which roads rank lowest and what drivers are really saying.
Jul 11, 2025
Range Rover just got a bold new logo
Range Rover has a fresh new look. Here’s what’s changing, what’s staying, and why it matters as the brand goes electric.
Jul 10, 2025
The Rimac Nevera R just became the fastest electric car ever
Looking for the world’s fastest electric car? The Rimac Nevera R just hit 268 mph and crushed 24 records. Check out its jaw-dropping specs...
Jul 10, 2025
Emerging Electric Vehicle Brands: Essential Insights
If none of these names sounds familiar, well done: you’re precisely the kind of individual these brands are eager to attract
Jul 10, 2025