A new study from CAP HPI, a UK-based automotive data provider, has shed light on a common misconception about electric cars: that they are frequently scrapped due to minor damage, particularly to their battery packs.
According to the study, the reality is quite the opposite.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are actually scrapped less often than petrol and diesel cars, even when accounting for age.
The study, which analyzed vehicle data in the UK from 2015 to August 2024, found that only 0.9% of electric cars were scrapped within five years of purchase, compared to 1.89% of petrol and diesel cars. For cars just one year old, the figures were 0.2% for electric cars and 0.4% for combustion-engine vehicles.
This data directly contradicts the widespread belief that EVs are often written off due to even small issues.
Jon Clay from CAP HPI explained that the findings "challenge one of the many misconceptions about electric cars."
The study also highlighted that electric cars depreciate at half the rate of petrol and diesel vehicles, meaning they hold their value better over time.
Jon Clay criticized the car industry for not doing enough to combat the misinformation surrounding electric vehicles. He argued that consumers need clearer information to make informed choices about their next car.
However, there are still concerns about electric cars being declared total losses due to minor battery damage.
Reuters previously reported that in many cases, battery packs in EVs are difficult to repair, leading to higher chances of the car being written off. Despite this, CAP HPI’s study suggests that these incidents are not as frequent as people believe.
