Saka corrects battery news coverage on electric vehicles

Claims have been made in public about the future of electric vehicles and battery repair costs, suggesting that battery repairs are coming to an end. As Finland's largest used car chain, we want to correct these misconceptions.

"Electric vehicle battery repairs are not coming to an end. On the contrary, clarifying the rules of the industry benefits consumers and the entire sector. Transparency and reliability are the cornerstones of our operations, and we want to ensure that our customers can trust the quality and safety of vehicles in every situation," comments Saka's Chief Commercial Officer Jaakko Poukkula.

Recent news coverage has not negatively impacted electric vehicle sales — quite the opposite, as growth figures remain strong. During the media frenzy, sales of used electric vehicles have grown by +39% compared to the same period last year.

Saka's statistics over the past three years also show that the relative repair costs for electric vehicles are by far the lowest compared to other powertrains. Claims about runaway costs do not reflect reality. The relative costs for electric and hybrid vehicles are nearly half those of traditional powertrains.

Recent guidance from the Permit and Supervisory Authority, Tukes, and Traficom on the handling of traction batteries clarifies and regulates battery maintenance. This significantly improves workplace safety at repair shops and road safety on public roads.

Key impacts for consumers and the industry:

Batteries can and will continue to be repaired: a faulty battery cell can be replaced with a new part equivalent to the original, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Safety always comes first: in the event of a collision or fire where there is uncertainty about battery safety, the precautionary principle applies and the battery is treated as waste. This prevents batteries with hidden damage and fire risk from entering traffic.

Professional and certified handling: waste batteries from end-of-life vehicles are handed over to the official system. Batteries suitable for further use are placed in the hands of certified operators.

Regulating battery repairs eliminates unnecessary risks from the industry, and electric vehicles will continue to be an affordable, reliable, and safe choice on Finnish roads in terms of total cost of ownership.

"At Saka, we sell up to 300 cars a day, and all of Saka's electrified vehicles are tested with Aviloo battery tests, with reports available to customers. Many of the cars we sell still have the manufacturer's battery warranty remaining. If desired, customers can also purchase additional coverage at the time of purchase, providing peace of mind and long-term security in owning a vehicle," concludes Poukkula.