The rising sales of Chinese electric vehicles in Europe have intensified discussions about their repairability. At first glance, low prices and rapid market expansion might seem to foreshadow problems down the road. However, research indicates that repair complexity is determined not by a car's country of origin, but by its technical design and the quality of its after-sales support network.

Modern electric cars, regardless of brand, are becoming increasingly complex. This is due to integrated body structures, numerous sensors, and expensive batteries. Any damage can lead to a major repair. Replacing battery modules can cost between €1,200 and €7,000, while a full battery pack replacement can reach up to €30,000. The key factors are the platform design, access to modules, the possibility of segmental repair, and the openness of data for independent service centers.

Gigacasting, a method already used by European manufacturers, simplifies production but can reduce repairability by up to a third if partial component replacement isn't designed into the process. In practice, this means a minor collision could necessitate a major structural replacement. Meanwhile, many Chinese brands, including BYD and SAIC, have proactively established repair and battery recycling supply chains. Their vertical integration helps lower maintenance costs.

For European buyers, the main challenge is already on the ground: a shortage of trained service centers, limited access to software and diagnostic tools, and long parts delivery times. Therefore, the question for consumers should be reframed: is the car built to be repaired over its entire lifespan?

Overall, the picture is straightforward: future European regulations concerning data access, mandatory parts availability, and recycling standards will ultimately define how repairable all electric vehicles—both Chinese and European—will be.