Summary

1. Insurance companies lack infrastructure and expertise to handle EV repair, leading to total write-offs for minor damage. This results in significant financial losses for EV owners.
2. MLM Diagnostics and other third-party repair shops play a crucial role in keeping EVs on the road by troubleshooting and repairing them, even without OEM diagnostics.
3. The case of the Rivian R1T truck highlights the importance of thorough inspection and understanding of EV systems. The insurance company missed bent studs on the battery tray, leading to an unnecessary total write-off.
4. There is a need for industry certifications and support for third-party repair shops to ensure that EV owners have options beyond OEM repair services.
5. IMI is working towards establishing industry certifications for EV repair, providing a solution for customers who want to keep their EVs on the road. This collaboration between insurance companies and third-party repair shops can lead to cost-effective repairs and reduced insurance rates for EVs.
6. The conversation with Rivian shows a shift towards more support for third-party repair shops, indicating a positive direction for the EV repair industry.
7. The overall lack of expertise and infrastructure for EV repair leads to a higher likelihood of EVs being deemed “junk” and sent to scrap yards, which is detrimental to the environment and the EV industry as a whole.