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Collision Claims for Battery Electric Vehicles Shrink While Hybrid Vehicle Claims Surge - Hybrid Vehicles? Get Smart: See Hybrid Vehicle Tutorial +Video


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SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2025 -- Mitchell, a leader in the development of innovative auto physical damage technology solutions, today announced the release of its latest Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights report. The Q2 2025 edition examines the decrease in collision claims frequency for repairable battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the U.S. and increase in mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) claims across North America. It also explores how changes to government incentive programs are impacting consumer adoption of BEVs on both sides of the border.

"We're experiencing a significant shift in the electric vehicle landscape as the number of BEV claims in the U.S. dropped for the first time last quarter by 7%," said Ryan Mandell, Mitchell's vice president of strategy and market intelligence. "This decline coincides with a 6% year-over-year reduction in new BEV purchases despite strong sales in early 2025. Meanwhile, claims for MHEVs continue to rise, reaching approximately 5% in the U.S. and 4% in Canada. That is a jump of 2% and 9% respectively over the previous quarter and 21% and 29% over the previous year."

With U.S. federal tax incentives set to expire in September and a proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency to repeal current greenhouse gas emission regulations, consumer demand for BEVs is being tested. To boost sales, auto manufacturers have expanded BEV pricing discounts, which reached an all-time high of nearly $8,500 per vehicle in the second quarter.

Among the report's other notable findings:

  • Total Loss Market Values: Total loss market values were relatively stable, averaging $30,172 for BEVs and $13,850 for automobiles with an internal combustion engine (ICE). That represents a decrease of approximately 2% and less than 1% respectively over the first quarter. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also experienced a 3% decline in average total loss market value while MHEVs increased in value by close to 2%.
  • Claims Severity: Average severity for repairable automobiles remains the highest for BEVs at $5,903 in the U.S. and $6,633 (CAD) in Canada. PHEVs were a close second at $5,254 and $5,916 (CAD), respectively, followed by gasoline-powered vehicles in the U.S. ($4,938) and mild hybrids in Canada ($5,742 CAD).
  • Repairable Parts: Although the percentage of parts repaired on BEVs increased slightly over the previous quarter (12%), it still fell short of ICE automobiles (14%). OEM parts remain more frequently used in BEV repairs with 83% of the parts dollars on estimates for repairable vehicles designated for OEM parts versus 63% for ICE alternatives.

Download the Q2 2025 Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights report for more detail on the latest BEV and hybrid vehicle claim trends. You can also access previous issues or subscribe to future publications by visiting www.mitchell.com/plugged-in.

For more information, follow Mitchell on Facebook or LinkedIn.

About Mitchell, an Enlyte Company
Mitchell International, Inc. is a leader in the development of innovative auto physical damage technology solutions. Combining decades of experience with an open platform, proprietary data and intelligent, cloud-first applications, we help insurance carriers, collision repairers and vehicle manufacturers protect dreams and restore lives. Each day, more than 20,000 organizations turn to Mitchell for support efficiently managing claims and safely returning consumers to the road.

SOURCE Mitchell International

What Are Mild Hybrid Vehicles?

What Are Mild Hybrid Vehicles?

Mild hybrid vehicles (MHEVs) are a type of hybrid vehicle that use a small electric motor and battery to support—but not replace—the gasoline or diesel engine. Unlike full hybrids, mild hybrids cannot drive on electricity alone. Instead, they assist the engine during acceleration, improve fuel economy, and enable smoother stop-start operation.

🔧 How Mild Hybrids Work:

A mild hybrid system typically includes:

  • A 12V, 24V, or 48V battery
  • A belt-integrated starter-generator (BISG) or motor-generator unit
  • Regenerative braking to recharge the battery

The electric motor helps the engine in key ways:

  • Boosts acceleration by assisting the engine
  • Improves fuel economy by shutting off the engine when coasting or stopped
  • Reduces engine load to enhance efficiency

🟢 Key Benefits of Mild Hybrids:

  • Better fuel economy than traditional combustion engines
  • Lower emissions
  • Smoother driving experience (especially start-stop)
  • Less expensive than full or plug-in hybrids

🔴 Limitations:

  • Cannot run on electric power alone
  • Fuel savings are moderate, not dramatic
  • No EV tax incentives in many regions

🚗 Popular Mild Hybrid Vehicles:

  • Honda Civic e:HEV (select markets)
  • Ford F-150 PowerBoost (includes hybrid variants)
  • Ram 1500 eTorque
  • Mazda3 M Hybrid (Europe)
  • Audi A6 45 TFSI Mild Hybrid

🧠 Quick Summary:

Mild hybrid = Small electric assist + no electric-only driving.
It's a step up from gas-only cars in efficiency, but not a full hybrid.

Vehicle Power Options Side by Side Comparison Table

Feature / Type Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Mild Hybrid (MHEV) Full Hybrid (HEV) Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCEV)
Vehicle Type ICE Vehicle Hybrid Vehicle Hybrid Vehicle Hybrid Vehicle Electric Vehicle Electric Vehicle
Fuel Source Gasoline / Diesel Gasoline + small battery Gasoline + battery Gasoline + larger battery Electricity (grid) Hydrogen gas
Electric-Only Drive? No No Sometimes (low speed) Yes (short range) Yes Yes
Recharge via Plug? No No No Yes Yes No (refueled at hydrogen station)
Typical Electric Range 0 miles 0 miles 1–2 miles 20–50+ miles 200–400+ miles 300–400 miles
Refueling / Charging Time 3–5 min 3–5 min 3–5 min 1–4 hrs (Level 2) 30 min–12 hrs (L3–L1) ~3–5 minutes
Tailpipe Emissions High Lower than ICE Lower than ICE Very low None Water vapor only
Driving Experience Traditional Slightly smoother Smooth, quiet EV feel in electric mode Silent, instant torque Silent, strong torque
Maintenance Needs High Moderate Lower than ICE Lower than ICE Lowest Comparable to BEV
Infrastructure Availability Widespread Widespread Widespread Growing Growing Very limited
Best Use Case Long range, rural areas City + highway efficiency Balanced driving Short commutes + gas backup Daily driving, low emissions Eco-driving w/ fast refill
Example Vehicles Ford F-150, Toyota Camry Audi A6 55 TFSI MHEV Toyota Prius Toyota RAV4 Prime Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo

Forget Hybrids = NEXT HYDROGEN POWER: