Fully electric vehicles are around 22% cheaper to service compared to equivalent internal combustion-engined (ICE) cars and vans, thanks to reduced labour times and fewer moving parts.

According to Fleet Assist’s 2022 data, the average transaction value of a BEV service is currently approximately 22% less than an equivalent ICE car

But Fleet Assist, which has provided the analysis, warns that the SMR price reductions are not guaranteed in the longer term due to the rising operating costs of garages.

Its research of the 850,000 fleet cars and vans that use its 5,200-strong franchised and independent garage network looked at the average transaction value of a BEV service and found that the much of the lower cost is due to reduced labour times, which are currently 33% shorter for BEVs than ICE cars.

It also uncovered that the parts component of a BEV job is typically 28% cheaper than an ICE car due to them having fewer working parts, with brake wear far lower. When considering parts prices – which have risen by around 10% in the past 12 months – the BEV/ICE SMR cost gap widens further.

The SMR data shows that currently the most common BEV parts being replaced are pollen filters, bulbs, key fob batteries, wipers and brake fluid.

But Fleet Assist also warns that BEV servicing prices could rise as dealers look to raise SMR costs to retain their profitability. It says that dealers are starting to feel the pinch of reduced servicing revenues as drivers cover fewer miles, which coincides with a rapid rise in operating costs, particularly technician salaries.

Vincent St Claire, Fleet Assist’s MD, said: “Fleet and retail drivers cannot take it for granted that BEV SMR prices will remain cheaper than ICE cars as, over time, costs could become more comparable.

“Garages are already starting to come to terms with how EVs will impact their servicing revenues and workshop traffic in the longer term. We may see more garages looking at ways to address how the paradigm shift of BEV aftersales is going to challenge their service provision and fees they charge,” he added.

The company cites the notable case of a franchised garage that has been considering implementing a specific BEV servicing labour rate of £125, an 89% increase over the equivalent labour cost of servicing ICE cars.

And while Fleet Assist has said it doesn’t support “such a knee jerk pricing action”, it notes the reality that garages need to factor in future investment and growing overheads into account – including technician training, ongoing collection and delivery services and courtesy vehicles, and workshop upgrades to manage BEVs – all of which cost time and money.

A recent survey by the Motor Ombudsman revealed that six in 10 garages expect to raise their prices in 2022 to remain profitable against the background of rising overheads.

For its part, Fleet Assist will continue to work to ensure all parties’ needs are met, including its fleet industry customers but also its garage network.

“We are looking to navigate our way through these complex times, ensuring ouar customers continue to benefit from Fleet Assist’s annual SMR spending power of in excess of £150m whilst ensuring garages invest and support our customers’ proposition,” summed up St Claire.