Horror stories about slightly damaged EVs being written off appear to be far from the truth, according to a new study by UK vehicle data experts Cap HPI. It has found that internal combustion engine vehicles, are twice as likely to be written off when compared with electric vehicles.  

Based on UK vehicle data from 2015 to 2024, Cap HPI found that the percentage of electric vehicles of less than five years old written off was just 0.9%, compared to 1.89% for of petrol and diesel. 

Speaking about the study, Jon Clay, identification director at Cap HPI, said, “The motor industry has to collectively address the wave of misinformation around EVs that is present online, to enable consumers and fleet customers to make informed and well-balanced decisions about their next vehicle.”

Earlier this year, a UK House of Lords enquiry, drew similar conclusions about misinformation in relation to EVs. It highlighted how many UK media outlets have pushed an anti EV agenda, especially during the past 18 months, often based on mistruths. 

However, there is of course a counter argument which says that both authorities and car makers have been bending the truth, to promote electric as the only future mobility option, when most experts now believe that the future will see a mix of vehicle power sources, likely to include some form of ICE power. There has also been a strong backlash against a timetable for the phase out ICE which many see as unrealistic.