Tesla Inc’s electric vehicles are expensive to repair - so much so that the automaker and insurers are addressing the issue in sharply different ways.
Chief Executive Elon Musk says Tesla is making design and software changes to its vehicles to lower repair costs and insurance premiums.
Insurance carriers, meanwhile, are writing off low-mileage Tesla Model Ys that have been in crashes, and sending them to salvage auctions after deeming many too expensive to repair.
“It’s remarkable how small changes in the design of the bumper (and) providing spare parts needed for collision repair have an enormous effect on the repair cost,” he said. “Most accidents are actually small — a broken fender or scratched side of the car.”
Indeed Mr Musk. Obtaining spare parts for you vehicles is very difficult. Something potential buyer should consider.
The reason repairs for Teslas are so expensive is because many of the parts aren’t as mass-produced as those made for far more high-production vehicles.
Potential EV buyers must remember that the world of EVs, in general, is still relatively new, which means both parts and labor will cost more than they do for internal combustion engine cars. They should also note that Tesla cars are ultimately considered luxury cars, which means they are more expensive to repair than the lowest-price EVs on the market, as well as the vast majority of traditional gasoline vehicles.
With so many low mileage Tesla being totaled by insurers one might think there is a money making opportunity. Well no. Rich Benoit wanted a Tesla but didn’t want to spend the money. So he bought a wreck Tesla S for $15K. He discovered that Tesla would not sell any parts. So he had to buy another wrecked Tesla with the needed parts for $15k. After many hours of sweat he had a function model S Tesla. Rich created a youtube channel [Rich Rebuilds] about his hassles in rebuilding his S model. He has opened 2 shops called the Electrified Garage. He repairs Tesla much more cheaply than a Tesla service center can. He fixed Hoovie’s [of Hoovies Garage youtube fame] used out of warranty Tesla S that would not charge. Tesla wanted to replace the entire battery pack for $22.5k. Rich replaced 2 blocks for $5k. Another customer with an out of warranty Tesla hit some in the road & broke the cooling connection to his battery. Again again said the whole battery would need replacement. Rich’s obtained a copper n*pple and used a tool to make thread on the connection and refilled the coolant. Cost $700.
So there is an obvious need for independent EV shops. There are none in my burg of a 100,000. No hybrid repair shops either. There is only the dealer option in my town.
Nor are there any independent EV repair shops in El Paso. My only option would be Albuquerque.
https://ev.repair/