[reidacdc]

I noticed that too.

I was also surprised that they called out the complexity of EV drivetrains (and charging systems, but I don't know anything about those) as a factor. My prior understanding was that EV drivetrains are significantly simpler than ICE ones, the number of moving parts is comparatively low for EVs, and you don't have the large temperature gradients and intense mechanical impulses that come from repeatedly igniting fuel/air mixtures.

I don't dispute the empirical claims, but as the parent comment implies, I think this is mostly about the maturity of the repair ecosystem, and it's reasonable to expect that that will improve as EVs become more prevalent. It's not a reason to stop, it's a reason to keep going.

[wakawaka28]

At least theoretically, EV drive trains should be more durable than their gasoline counterparts. But the batteries are the weak point. Nobody is making modular batteries that can be easily diagnosed and swapped, and those batteries are essentially incendiary devices that even an expert cannot assess. It's an opaque canister of chemicals that could be damaged internally without anyone being aware. External damage almost always causes spectacular fires that can't be extinguished. If you have an EV and get in a wreck, GTFO as soon as you can, especially if there are any fumes in sight.

[bcrl]

The Ionic 5 has a quite modular battery array that looks far more repairable than other electric cars. Have a look at a teardown over here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PASNQU5RSw

[wakawaka28]

I was talking about the Ioniq 5 in a different comment: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/yikes-the-60000-hyundai-i...

If Hyundai won't fix it for less than $60k, and they total the car for scuff marks on the bottom, where does that leave you? Maybe you can get that Youtuber to fix it for you?

[bcrl]

Dealers are known for being expensive. Furthermore, $60k is mostly a "go away" price from the dealer signalling that they don't have the skills and don't want to take on the risk on learning the skills needed to make the repair. The end result is that the article says more about the dealer than the manufacturer. There are plenty of decent third party mechanics in the world that are willing to try.

There's a similar video on youtube about repairing a dent in a Rivian truck. The official repair by a dealer was quoted at more than $40k as it involved replacing the entire single piece panel that was "damaged". Instead, a small auto body shop spent the 2 days needed to gently pull out the dent, fill in the scratches and touch up the paint for something like $3k.

Not all mechanics are created equal. Find one that's willing to work with you, which will become easier as electric vehicles become more common.

[wakawaka28]

If you have a warranty, you may be obligated to go to the dealer or forfeit the warranty if I'm not mistaken. I never had this issue though. If the dealer wants you to gtfo with that garbage, a nearly new vehicle with their name on it, why do you think anyone else would be better able to do the job? I think a particular dealer not able to do the work would refer you to another dealer who could, if it was just a skill issue.

The problem with the Rivian was the body is all in one piece and made of aluminum, which is not easily reworked. Making the bed of a truck out of a soft metal that is hard to rework is a bad idea. But perhaps there is someone out there who could do it cheap.

[bcrl]

Dealerships are like any other business: some of them are incompetent at certain tasks. My entire point is that if one dealer is not doing a good job, then go to someone else that is willing to try to do a better job.