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By now, you’ve probably seen more electric cars on the roads as petrol prices remain high because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
And while EV sales have risen sharply across Australia’s new and used car markets, some budget-conscious drivers are turning to repairable EVs to accelerate their transition to fully electric models.
According to Pickles general manager of salvage Nick Johnson, Aussies are showing an appetite for repairable EVs as an affordable transport option amid the petrol crisis.
“We are seeing a strong demand for repairable EVs resulting in a 35 per cent price increase across March compared to February, particularly where buyers can see a clear pathway to putting the vehicle back on the road,” Johnson wrote in the company's latest quarterly automotive report.
While he could not confirm the average cost of bringing a repairable EV back to roadworthy condition, Johnson said some consumers are considering the long-term ownership savings.
"Repairable EVs are increasingly being seen as a lower-cost entry point into EV ownership," he told Drive.
"Buyers are looking at the upfront purchase price, but they're also looking at the fuel and maintenance benefits that come with EV ownership. That's why the category is attracting such strong attention."
According to some experts, yes, most damaged EVs can be written off for numerous reasons.
While a fender bender or small dent on a petrol or diesel car is generally an easy fix, insurance experts previously said that serious damage to an EV can lead to it being deemed a write-off due to the high cost of repairs.
Finder personal finance and insurance expert Taylor Blackburn previously said it’s still costly to repair a smash on an electric car in 2026, especially if the damage has compromised the battery.
“EV batteries are integrated into the chassis, so even a moderate smash can damage the battery casing,” he told Drive in January 2026.
“In 2026, it’s still often cheaper for an insurer to write off the car than to attempt a battery repair or replacement. As a result, insurers price their premiums to cover the high probability of a total write-off for minor accidents,” Blackburn explained.
But according to Johnson, not all damaged EVs are equal, and the demand for repairable write-offs stems from some consumers finding long-term value.
“The key issue is whether the vehicle is economically viable to repair. That comes down to the extent and location of the damage, the likely repair pathway, the age and value of the vehicle, and whether the cost of repair stacks up against the vehicle’s market value,” Johnson said.
“The strongest demand we’re seeing is for repairable EV stock where the damage is manageable, and buyers can see a clear path to getting the vehicle back on the road. Buyers are not treating all damaged EVs the same way – they’re looking closely at the condition, the likely repair pathway and the value equation."
In late March 2026, the auction house sold more than 30 damaged BYD electric cars that were written off due to external damage.
“30 of the 32 [BYD] vehicles sold for between 77 and 88 per cent of equivalent new car pricing. That tells you buyers are seeing real value in the right repairable EV stock,” Johnson said.
Compare the Market economic director Eric Koch said labour and spare part issues were the main factors behind high insurance premiums among electric cars.
“The rising cost of labour and parts continues to push premiums higher, and this particularly affects electric cars due to battery replacement costs and specialised training needed for repairs,” Koch said in an April 2026 media statement.
Ethan Cardinal graduated with a Journalism degree in 2020 from La Trobe University and has been working in the fashion industry as a freelance writer prior to joining Drive in 2023. Ethan greatly enjoys investigating and reporting on the cross sections between automotive, lifestyle and culture. Ethan relishes the opportunity to explore how deep cars are intertwined within different industries and how they could affect both casual readers and car enthusiasts.
