The UK’s car parc is changing fast. With electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerating thanks to government targets, corporate fleet transitions, and growing consumer demand, the automotive industry is facing a new frontier but not everyone is ready for it.
While the spotlight often falls on manufacturers and charging infrastructure, one critical area is being overlooked: the growing complexity of EV repairs and the evolving role of vehicle assessors.
At Laird, we’re seeing this change up close; the message is clear: expertise in EV technology is no longer optional, it’s essential.
The EV Challenge: More Than Just New Motors
EVs may look similar to their combustion-engine counterparts on the outside, but under the bonnet lies a completely different story.
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Battery systems and high-voltage architecture present serious safety and cost challenges
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Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) require precision calibration after even minor impacts
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Specialist parts and labour are driving up repair times and costs
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A growing skills gap means not all bodyshops, or assessors, are equipped to make the right call
In short, assessing EV damage isn’t just a step in the process. It can define the entire outcome, from repair viability to customer satisfaction and insurer cost control.
Why Independent EV Assessors Are Critical
Too often, we see decisions made without sufficient insight into the nuances of EV damage. The result?
Premature total loss decisions that could have been avoided
Overestimated repairs due to lack of technical understanding
Missed safety risks when key components are assumed to be unaffected
That’s where independent assessors with contemporaneous EV training and real-world experience make all the difference.
At Laird, our expert team is already engaged in regular EV-specific training and hands-on casework, ensuring our assessments are accurate, current, and defensible.
The Laird Difference: Modern Tools, Human Expertise
EVs demand a modern approach. That’s why Laird Assessors combines deep vehicle knowledge with digital tools and AI-powered platforms to:
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Streamline the claims process
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Collaborate efficiently with repairers and insurers
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Maintain the human oversight needed for complex, high-value vehicles
We don’t just inspect. We interpret, advise and protect, helping CMCs, fleets, and repairers navigate the evolving landscape with confidence.
The Bottom Line
EVs are here to stay, and the gap between “standard” and “specialist” is only getting wider. As this technology continues to evolve, the risks of getting it wrong, financially, legally and from a safety perspective, grow with it.
Now more than ever, accurate, independent, EV-competent assessment is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
If you’re dealing with EV claims or repairs, make sure you’ve got experts in your corner.