We Predict collects and analyzes real-world information on millions of vehicle repairs, maintenance, service campaigns, and warranty actions, performed at U.S. franchised dealerships, independent service centers and other facilities. The results of their analysis show basically everything that’s not the result of a collision. These figures are based on actual service interactions, and not mere perceptions.

We Predict pointed out that Americans drove 40 percent fewer miles in 2021 model year cars, compared to their 2019 counterparts. As a result, dealerships and accredited service centers saw a 21 percent drop in monthly repair orders compared to pre-pandemic levels.

However, despite fewer driven miles, We Predict’s analysis points to the shocking fact that EVs actually have a higher cost of ownership, especially in the first 90 days. The average service cost for EVs is at US$ 123 (P 5,882) compared to a conventional gasoline car’s US$ 53 (P 2,534) and a gasoline-electric hybrid’s US$ 46 (P 2,200).

The higher cost of EV ownership can be attributed to the higher cost of both specialized parts and labor associated with these zero emission vehicles. Both parts and labor for serving EVs are double that of a gasoline-powered car. While maintenance costs are indeed just half when compared to an ICE-powered car, repairs are twice as expensive, while service campaigns (aka recalls) are four times higher.

They have found that five out of the top 10 most serviced parts in an EV surround its battery and charging systems with issues surrounding the high-voltage battery, battery charger/cable, battery contact, voltage converter/inverter, and drive unit being the common.

In their analysis, the Chevrolet Bolt has the lowest service cost per vehicle in the EV segment, followed by the Nissan Leaf and the Kia Niro. They average US$ 44 (P 2,104) to US$ 94 (P 4,495) in service costs. In the premium EV segment, the Audi e-tron has the lowest service cost, followed by the Audi e-tron Sportback, and then the Tesla Model 3.