Study Shows More EV Claims, Higher Repair Costs
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Summary
- A peer‑reviewed 2024 study found EV drivers had more at‑fault crash claims than gas cars.
- The same study saw no statistically significant increase for hybrids after full modeling.
- EV repairs cost more on average, adding financial risk even for minor collisions.
- Main takeaway: EVs show a small but real at‑fault claim uptick; training and tech can help.
Yes—one large, peer‑reviewed study reports that electric‑vehicle (EV) drivers are slightly more likely to be at fault in crashes than drivers of gasoline cars. Researchers analyzed 125 million commercial‑fleet trips from 14,642 vehicles in the Netherlands and matched them to insurance claims. They found EVs had about a 4% higher rate of at‑fault claims than internal‑combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, while hybrids showed no statistically significant increase after modeling. EV repairs were also 6.7% more expensive on average. These findings matter for safety policy, driver training and insurance costs.
What Is this EV Crash Study and What Did It Measure?
It’s a 2024 open‑access paper in Accident Analysis & Prevention from the University of Limerick and Universitat de Barcelona researchers. It compared EVs, hybrids and ICE vehicles using telematics (in‑car sensor data) plus insurance records and modeled the odds of an “at‑fault claim” (when the driver is judged responsible). EVs showed higher at‑fault claim exposure despite driving fewer miles; hybrids did not remain higher after statistical controls.
- University of Limerick (research lead) and Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software (data/analysis).
- Universitat de Barcelona (co‑authors).
- Accident Analysis & Prevention (Elsevier journal, November 2024 issue).
How Did the Researchers Study Whether EV Drivers Cause More Crashes?
They used a three‑part approach:
- Data: 125 million trips from 14,642 commercial fleet vehicles (Jan–Oct 2022, Netherlands) plus matched insurance claims.
- Modeling: Logistic regression to estimate the likelihood of an at‑fault claim by vehicle type after controlling for driver and trip factors.
- Behavior metrics: Telematics showed EV and hybrid drivers recorded fewer harsh events (hard braking, rapid acceleration, speeding) than ICE—yet EVs still had more at‑fault claims.
Definition box
- EV: Battery‑electric vehicle.
- Hybrid (HYB): Combines an internal‑combustion engine with an electric motor.
- ICE: Internal‑combustion engine vehicle.
- Telematics: On‑board sensors that log driving behavior (speed, braking, acceleration).
- At‑fault claim: Insurance claim where the driver is deemed responsible for damages.
Why Might EV Drivers Be More Often at Fault?
The most important point: the study shows correlation, not a single cause. Several plausible factors appear in the literature:
- Driving dynamics. Instant torque and one‑pedal regenerative braking can surprise following drivers, leading to more rear‑end collisions of EVs and different interaction patterns. Industry analyses note EVs may be rear‑ended more often, possibly due to unexpected deceleration profiles.
- Quiet operation around people on foot. Prior U.K. research found EVs and hybrids were more likely to hit pedestrians per mile in towns, suggesting audibility plays a role at low speeds. (Most newer U.S. EVs now include mandatory low‑speed noise.)
- New‑tech learning curve. Switching vehicle type can change behavior; the 2024 paper observed different telematics patterns after drivers moved to EVs or hybrids, even though “harsh events” fell.
In summary, multiple small factors can add up and–even when EV drivers appear smoother on average–accidents can happen. Should that happen, it is advised to seek legal help from a trusted professional such as a car accident in attorney Houston.
What Does the Study Say about Repair Costs and Insurance?
- Repair costs: EVs showed a 6.7% higher significant first‑party damage cost than ICE in the study’s insurance data.
- Broader market data: U.S. claims sources report EV collision repairs cost around 15–20% more than comparable gas vehicles, due to battery, parts and procedures—pressuring premiums.
Statistics callout
- +4%: At‑fault claim frequency for EVs vs ICE in the 2024 study.
- 14,642 vehicles, 125 million trips: Dataset size and scope.
- +6.7%: Higher repair cost for EVs vs ICE in claims data.
How Does This Affect Safety Policy and Everyday Driving?
Policy is shifting toward tech that reduces crashes with or around EVs and all cars:
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB) will be required on nearly all new U.S. passenger vehicles by 2029, with updated government safety ratings adding pedestrian tests and driver‑assist checks.
- Regulators already mandate low‑speed sound for EVs to help pedestrians detect quiet cars.
- Pedestrian risk research shows taller front ends (common on SUVs and pickups) increase injury risk at a given speed—separate from EVs, but key for mixed traffic.
As discussed, matching tech, training and design can narrow the gap.
EV vs. Gas Cars: What Are the Key Differences in Crash Risk?
Comparison snapshot (study and industry data)
- At‑fault claim likelihood: EVs +4% vs ICE; Hybrids not statistically higher after full modeling.
- Average mileage: EVs and hybrids drove fewer miles than ICE in the dataset.
- Driver behavior metrics: EVs/hybrids had fewer harsh events than ICE.
- Repair costs: EV repairs +6.7% in the study; U.S. market reports ~15–20% higher on average.
- Pedestrian interactions: Prior research links EVs/hybrids with higher pedestrian crash rates per mile in urban settings; mandated sound aims to reduce that.
When to use each
- EV: Great for lower operating costs and smooth torque; plan for a learning period and higher repair complexity.
- ICE: Familiar dynamics; lower average repair costs; higher tailpipe emissions.
What Are Best Practices for Safer EV Driving?
Step 1: Learn your car’s regen behavior
Practice one‑pedal driving in low‑traffic areas; leave extra following distance to avoid abrupt slowdowns for others behind you.
Step 2: Calibrate acceleration
EV torque is instant. Roll onto the pedal instead of jabbing it when merging or turning across traffic.
Step 3: Optimize advanced driver‑assist systems
Keep AEB and pedestrian detection on; update software; understand alerts and limits. U.S. rules will make AEB standard, so get used to it now.
Step 4: Mind low‑speed zones
Your EV is quiet; scan for walkers and cyclists in parking lots and city streets. Low‑speed sound helps, but you still need clear eye contact and slower approach.
Step 5: Refresh training after switching powertrains
If you moved from ICE to EV, schedule a short skills session with a local instructor; treat it like driving a new platform.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Tailgating while using strong regen; it invites rear‑end confusion behind you.
- Over‑relying on driver‑assist; these systems reduce risk but don’t replace attention.
- Ignoring low‑speed pedestrian zones because the car “feels” slow; quiet EVs still surprise people.
- Skipping software updates; many safety features improve over time.
Key Takeaways
- The key difference is a modest but real increase in at‑fault claims for EVs versus ICE in a large 2024 study. Hybrids did not show a statistically significant increase after modeling.
- EVs had fewer harsh driving events, so smoother telematics alone doesn’t guarantee fewer crashes.
- Repair costs trend higher for EVs, influencing insurance and ownership math.
- Best practices suggest targeted training and smart use of safety tech to close the gap.
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