BYD has joined forces with Thatcham Research to make EV ownership more sustainable and cost-effective.

The fast-growing Chinese auto brand will work with Thatcham to ensure its expanding UK model range meets the highest standards for damageability and repair.

The collaboration runs for 12 months and will focus on repair-friendly design, supporting affordable insurance and reducing the total cost of ownership.

EV insurance costs are often higher than for ICE cars due to the specialist technology and repair complexity, along with battery replacement costs and higher initial purchase prices. But Thatcham Research has long been advocating for the automotive and insurance sectors to work collaboratively to reduce the cost of battery repair or replacement, creating a sustainable ecosystem for EVs.

BYD’s new partnership with Thatcham takes effect from 1 January 2026, building on their existing relationship, and highlights BYD’s dedication to delivering vehicles that are lower risk and more insurable.

A central part of the new agreement is Thatcham Research’s consultancy in the early stages of vehicle design, helping BYD develop models that minimise damage and repair costs from low-speed collisions, so vehicles can be returned to the road quickly and cost-effectively.

Repair-related costs represented 64% of total claims in Q3 2025, amounting to £1.9bn. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, repairs often require specialist skills and equipment. By embedding ‘insurability’ as a design attribute, the partnership aims to reduce unnecessary write-offs and maximise vehicle lifespan.

Additionally, Thatcham Research will advise on repair methods and training to support BYD’s investment in UK-approved repair networks and technical programmes, facilitating safe, efficient repairs for BYD’s advanced EV platforms.

The collaboration will also include consultancy on meeting appropriate New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA) requirements, with Thatcham Research experts supporting BYD in the adoption of advanced anti-theft measures and robust mechanical security features.

Throughout the agreement, Thatcham Research’s Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) system will continue to play a key role, providing insurers with robust, independent data to support confident risk assessment and underwriting for BYD’s UK models.

The partnership reinforces BYD’s ambition to become a leading force in Britain’s transition to electric mobility; in September 2025, the UK became the company’s largest market outside China for the first time.

“The UK is a priority market for BYD,” said Steve Beattie, deputy country manager, BYD UK. “Our goal is to make electric mobility accessible and affordable, while collaborating with trusted British institutions such as Thatcham Research, whose decades of expertise in safety, security and repair set the benchmark for the industry.”

Jonathan Hewett, chief executive, Thatcham Research, added: “As new entrants accelerate into the UK and European markets, prioritising repairability is critical for insurer confidence and long-term sustainability.”