Analysis of used electric vehicle repair data by warranty provider Warrantywise has found that faults with high-voltage batteries — often the biggest worry for prospective buyers — are relatively uncommon, and did not appear among the top five reported repair requests. Instead, most claims relate to non-powertrain and electrical components, suggesting that concerns about second-hand EVs need not centre on their batteries. The findings matter as used EV sales continue to climb, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reporting a 32 per cent annual rise in used EV transactions in the first quarter.

Drawing on repair requests assessed between January 2023 and January 2026, the most common fault was electrical sensor issues, averaging £809.59 to repair, followed by central locking failures at £899.44 on average. The on-board charger system came third and proved costly, averaging £2,158.75 with a top recorded repair of £10,454.98. Suspension wishbones ranked fourth (£1,229.64 average) and the 12V auxiliary battery fifth (£532.94 average). Warrantywise's managing director, Antony Diggins, urged buyers to carry out the usual used-car checks plus a closer look at charging systems, and noted EV warranty sales rose 68.2 per cent from 2024 to 2025 as buyers seek protection against unexpected costs.