One of the stumbling blocks towards widespread hybrid and electric vehicle adoption has been concerns regarding auto body repair. Will many collision repair shops have the tools and knowledgeable technicians required to execute electric and hybrid car repair? Thankfully, the answer now is (mostly) yes. You have to find a professional auto body repair shop with experienced technicians, but that’s not too hard to do.

However, for new and aspiring owners of hybrid automobiles and electric vehicles (EVs), learning about the peculiarities and specificities of hybrid and EV repair can be helpful. This way, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect when you take your hybrid or EV to a collision repair shop. You can also learn what kind of maintenance is necessary to keep EVs and hybrid vehicles in good condition.

Hybrid and EV auto body repair

First thing’s first: EV repair is not all that different from repairing an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, and hybrid vehicle repair is even more similar. This is because all three are just different types of automobiles. Auto glass repair is the same for an EV as it is for an ICE vehicle. Each type uses tires, so tire repair is going to be the same (though, as EVs are heavier, some drivers use specially made EV tires).

The biggest difference between hybrid/EV repair and ICE repair revolves around the biggest difference in vehicle composition: the engine. ICE cars use gasoline- or diesel-powered engines; EVs use electrically powered motors. And hybrids have versions of both. This is the main (though not the only) difference between the three, and this is reflected in the differences in auto body repair.

Common challenges repairing electric vehicles

Here are some of the most prominent issues that arise regarding EV repair and maintenance:

Resource scarcity

Tying into the issues mentioned in the opening of this blog, some auto repair shops, and the automotive aftermarket as a whole, are still playing catch-up as regards EV repair. In some regions, there’s limited availability of the necessary parts and tools for EV auto body repair.

Modern EV technology is still relatively new, and the aftermarket isn’t awash in replacement parts the way it is for ICE vehicles. This can lead to longer wait times for repairs as auto body  repair shops may need to source replacement components and tools. Going to a collision repair shop with a history of electric vehicle repairs is your best bet for a swift and comprehensive repair.

Safety and technology

EVs often require more modern repair tools and technology, as well as specialist safety equipment. For example, a successful auto body repair shop today probably needs equipment for reprogramming onboard software, various safety apparatuses, and EV-compatible diagnostic equipment. Modern ICE vehicles also have complex on-board computers too, so this isn’t unique to EVs, but it is a more common issue with EVs.

ADAS

Similarly, EVs have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) fitted as standard. This is true for many ICE vehicles, but not all of them. ADAS software employs a combination of cameras and sensors to monitor the area around the vehicle. ADAS helps prevent collisions by correcting driving errors. Examples include lane correction, emergency braking, and parking assistance.

ADAS requires regular—and precise—calibration. After a collision repair, or even just maintenance, technicians may need to recalibrate ADAS equipment, too. This requires specialized knowledge and tools that auto body repair shops used to repairing older ICE vehicles may not possess.

EV motors

Instead of an internal combustion engine that runs on gas, EVs have electric motors. These are typically sealed, precision-engineered units that contain sensitive parts such as high-strength magnets, copper windings, and electronic controllers. Accessing these components for repairs can require specialized tools and training; even a seemingly minor error during disassembly can lead to expensive damage.

Furthermore, because many manufacturers design their motors as non-serviceable units, replacement rather than repair is often the only option. This raises issues around parts availability, as proprietary designs and limited aftermarket options can delay repairs significantly.

Regenerative brakes

Pretty much all EVs and most hybrid vehicles have regenerative braking systems. These systems differ from standard hydraulic brakes because they convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in the vehicle’s battery. While this improves efficiency and reduces wear on traditional brake components, it adds complexity to repairs.

Auto body repair technicians must understand both the mechanical braking system and the software that controls energy recovery, which can vary significantly between manufacturers. Diagnosing issues often requires specialized diagnostic tools that can interface with the vehicle’s control modules. Furthermore, because regenerative braking alters the feel and performance of the brakes, improper repairs or recalibrations can lead to safety concerns, especially if the brake balance between regeneration and friction braking is not correctly restored.

Hybrid car repair

Many of the above issues affect hybrid cars, too. But it’s worth giving them their own section. Hybrid engines combine an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors, creating a powertrain that is significantly more complex than either system on its own. Repairs require knowledge of both high-voltage electric systems and traditional engine mechanics, as well as how these systems interact.

This dual complexity means troubleshooting can involve multiple interconnected systems—such as battery management, transmission integration, and engine control modules—making fault isolation time-consuming. Furthermore, high-voltage components in hybrids pose electrical hazards, requiring strict safety protocols and protective equipment.

For both hybrids and EVs, repair procedures and parts can differ greatly between makes and models, meaning even experienced auto body repair technicians may need additional training before they can execute hybrid car repairs or electric vehicle repairs.