To see into the future the electric motoring landscape, and how the sector will adapt alongside this evolution, all we need to do is look across the North Sea to Norway, writes Elizabeth Fagervik, branch manager of Toyota Insurance Services Norway.
With battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for 97% of new car sales and most electric owners in the region already on their second or third BEV, Norway paints a picture of where the UK could be in the next 5-10 years if the government continues to support the transition.
With this invaluable gift of foresight, franchise dealers could be much better equipped to prepare for the road ahead.
UK EV growth is accelerating
EV sales in the UK have been steadily increasing, and the fuel crisis has boosted online interest.
In May, the SMMT reported that BEV volumes reached a record high, rising 32% in the first quarter of 2026. The SMMT also recorded the two millionth BEV registration in April, with market share now above 26%.
With this trend set to continue, and with the ZEV mandate requiring a sustained uplift in sales, the entire supporting supply chain within automotive needs to be prepared.
Not only do sales teams need expertise on electric motoring; the workshop team must also have the relevant training and skills to safely repair, service and maintain all types of electrified vehicles.
Such upskilling takes time and many businesses have already invested in training, although with the rapid evolution of BEV tech, training needs to be refreshed regularly.
Customers also need to be made aware that there are BEV experts in-house able to work on their vehicle in the event of a collision or for regular service and MOT requirements.
Europe’s most advanced BEV market
At Toyota Insurance Services (TIS) Norway we have spent the past decade at the sharp end of Europe’s most advanced BEV market and have gained a unique perspective on BEV risk and how it impacts dealers, and their workshop and repair operations.
Analysis of our BEV claims data has allowed us to identify factors that could help UK dealers in the coming years.
Our data indicates that BEVs currently show higher claim frequency and repair costs, resulting in a higher overall risk profile, although this narrows when adjusting for key factors.
BEV risk evolves with adoption
When BEVs first entered Norway, they were primarily urban vehicles. High-horsepower cars, used by drivers unaccustomed to instant acceleration, in environments with higher collision frequency. Insurers understandably priced for elevated risk.
Today our data indicates that BEV claim frequency is generally higher than for comparable ICE vehicles, driven by factors such as greater weight, higher power, instant acceleration and the introduction of new in-car technologies that can be unfamiliar to drivers, particularly in early adoption phases.
However, when adjusting for these key factors, BEV risk profiles move closer to those of comparable ICE and hybrid vehicles.
Higher repair costs – new challenges
Repair costs are higher for BEVs. Claims data shows that due to the complexity of electric vehicles, average repair costs are higher than ICE vehicles.
Claim frequency is also higher, contributing alongside higher repair costs to an increased insurance risk and higher premiums for BEVs compared to ICE vehicles.
Revenue opportunities differ
BEVs have fewer moving parts and fluids, which changes how and when they are serviced. Without regular service visits, body and paint collision repair becomes the primary revenue driver for authorised networks, suggesting dealers should review how workshops are designed and operated.
BEVs also carry OEM-specific repair requirements, calibration needs and higher labour hours per repair event. These very specific requirements all impact what skills workshops require.
Plus, higher repair complexity combined with increased claim frequency may place additional pressure on workshop capacity as BEV volumes continue to grow.
Preparing for the next phase of EV adoption
The UK’s ZEV mandate, the rapid growth in BEV registrations and the incoming volume of BEV claims means this conversation is becoming urgent. Many workshops are already upskilling, but with the rapid growth of the battery electric vehicle parc, this may need to be accelerated to meet customer demand.
Author: Elizabeth Fagervik, branch manager, Toyota Insurance Services Norway
Ensure you always receive AM insights. Make us a preferred source of news on Google