Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) has launched a new direct-to-consumer electric vehicle warranty as record numbers of used EVs move beyond their manufacturer warranties and the cost and complexity of specialist repairs continue to rise.

The direct-to-consumer EV warranty provides straightforward protection against unexpected repair bills, giving motorists greater confidence when purchasing or owning a used electric vehicle after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.

Designed to support drivers throughout the ownership journey with transparent cover and a simple claims process, the warranty arrives at a critical time. Thousands of former company cars and leased EVs are now entering dealerships as manufacturer warranties begin to expire, creating a growing market of motorists seeking protection against long-term ownership costs.

The new warranty has been developed following extensive feedback from dealers, EV specialists and motorists, and forms part of WSG’s wider direct-to-consumer expansion, which now includes warranty products for petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric vehicles and motorcycles.

The platform gives drivers straightforward access to protection at a time when vehicle ownership is becoming increasingly expensive and complex.

Recent analysis from WSG’s EV Market View Report found that specialist labour now accounts for almost one-third of the average EV repair bill, with labour rates averaging £92.04 per hour. Battery failures are no longer the biggest concern for used EV owners, representing only around 2% of warranty claims. Instead, repairs involving charging systems, electronics and vehicle sensors are becoming increasingly common as electric vehicles mature.

In particular, charging system repair costs are surging. Although charger port faults accounted for only a small proportion of warranty claims, they generated average repair bills of £1,881.66, making them one of the most expensive recurring repairs identified by WSG’s claims data.

WSG data also shows that buyer priorities are shifting. Unlike the first generation of EV owners, today’s buyers are asking different questions. Five years ago, the conversation centred on battery range and charging infrastructure. Today, buyers want to know which models are proving reliable, what faults they are most likely to experience, and how much repairs are likely to cost once the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.

Dennis Brett, claims director at Warranty Solutions Group, said: “Electric vehicles have matured enormously over the past decade, but so too has the conversation around ownership. Today, buyers are asking what happens once the manufacturer’s warranty expires, how much repairs are likely to cost and which vehicles are proving dependable in the real world.

“Our new EV warranty has been developed to give motorists straightforward protection at exactly the point where ownership becomes more uncertain. Whether it’s a charging system fault, vehicle electronics or a major electrical repair, drivers want confidence that unexpected repair bills won’t undermine the benefits of switching to electric.

“As more used EVs enter the market over the next few years, independent claims data and specialist warranty protection will become increasingly important in helping motorists buy with confidence.”