More electric and hybrid cars are on Free State roads every year. After an accident, most of the repair looks like any other car’s: panels, paint and structure. But the high-voltage system underneath changes how the car must be handled, from the roadside to the paint booth. Here is what to do, and what to ask your panel beater.
Lees hierdie artikel in Afrikaans: Elektriese en hibriedmotors ná ’n motorongeluk in Bloemfontein: wat is anders by die herstelwerk?.
What should I do straight after an accident in an electric or hybrid car?
- Switch the car off completely. Put it in park, pull up the handbrake, switch off the “ready” mode and move the key or key card a few metres away, so the car cannot start by accident.
- Stay clear of high-voltage parts. High-voltage cables are usually orange. Do not touch orange cables, a damaged battery area or anything underneath the car.
- Watch for warning signs. Smoke, hissing or popping sounds, an unusual chemical smell or heat from under the car mean everyone should move well away from the vehicle. Call emergency services (112 from a mobile phone).
- Tell everyone it is electric or hybrid. Emergency services, the tow operator and your insurer need to know, because it changes how they handle the car.
- Ask for a flatbed tow. Many manufacturers advise against towing electric and hybrid cars with the drive wheels on the road. Check your owner’s manual.
- Choose an EV-ready repairer. Before you agree where the car goes, ask how they make the high-voltage system safe and whether they follow the manufacturer’s repair methods.
For the other steps at the scene, such as photos and the other driver’s details, see our guide on what to do after a car accident in Bloemfontein.
What is different about repairing an electric or hybrid car?
Dents, panels and paint are repaired much like on any other car. What is different is everything around them:
- The high-voltage system is made safe first. Before body work starts, the manufacturer sets out how the system must be isolated and checked. Trained staff do this following the manufacturer’s procedure.
- Heat needs care. Paint is cured with heat, and many manufacturers set temperature limits for the battery pack. The repair plan has to respect them.
- Heavier cars, mixed materials. Batteries add weight, and many electric cars use aluminium and high-strength steel in the structure. That affects how parts may be cut, joined and straightened. Our article on aluminium body repair explains why.
- More electronics to check. Cameras, radar and sensors for driver assistance often need a diagnostic scan and calibration after a repair. See our diagnostics and 3D measuring service.
Will the high-voltage battery be checked?
After a hard impact, the manufacturer may require the battery and high-voltage system to be inspected, even when there is no visible damage. Battery testing and repair is specialised work done under the manufacturer’s requirements.
Ask your repairer how it will be handled and who will do it. A good repairer explains this before the work starts, not after.
Does my insurance cover an electric or hybrid car repair?
Most comprehensive policies cover accident damage to electric and hybrid cars in the same way as other cars, but cover for the battery, towing and a courtesy car can differ. Check your policy, and tell your insurer the car is electric or hybrid when you report the claim.
Our car insurance claims guide explains how the claim and repair process works, step by step.
Does it matter who repairs my electric or hybrid car?
Yes. A repair done without the manufacturer’s methods can look right on the outside but hide problems in the structure, the electronics or the high-voltage system. That can affect safety, and if the car is still under warranty, it can affect your warranty too.
Read more on why a manufacturer-approved panel beater matters.
How does Technicolour handle electric and hybrid repairs?
Technicolour has been repairing cars in Bloemfontein since 1994. Our workshop is electric-vehicle ready, and we repair to the manufacturer’s methods.
- Approved by 25+ vehicle manufacturers, including Toyota, Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Haval, Chery, Hyundai and Kia
- Full aluminium structural repair certification for Audi, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz
- Diagnostics and 3D measuring to check the structure before and after the repair
- SAMBRA member (part of the RMI) with SAMBRA Major Structural grading
- A 7,000 m² workshop, with a median repair time of 5 days from arrival to ready for collection
- We handle the insurance claim with you, and offer courtesy cars, pick-up and drop-off, and mobile quotations
Have more questions? Our FAQ page covers the most common ones, and every repair comes with our warranty.
Get a quote
Send us photos of the damage on WhatsApp and we will help you with the next steps.
- WhatsApp: 066 121 8489
- Phone: 051 435 5375
- Email: info@technicolour.co.za
- Visit us: 13 Mill Street, Hamilton, Bloemfontein, 9301 (Mon–Fri 07:30–17:00)
