EV vs Gas Vehicle Crash Repair: What You Need to Know at Red McCombs Superior Body Shop in San Antonio, TX

Scrapes and bumps happen whether you drive a gas-powered SUV or an electric sedan. But when it comes to repairing the damage, not all vehicles are created equal. Red McCombs Superior Body Shop in San Antonio, TX, does both conventional and electric vehicle collision repair work and understands what makes each type of job unique.

If you're wondering what really separates an EV repair from a gas vehicle repair, fasten your seatbelt. Below is what separates them and why it matters.

It All Starts Under the Hood (or Floor)

• Gas vehicles run on combustion engines that have been worked on by body shops for decades. Parts like radiators, exhaust, and fuel lines are familiar territory, and the technicians have a well-worn playbook to work from when it comes to repairs.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) employ high-voltage battery packs and electric motors, so less oil is used, there are fewer moving parts, and more wire. If an EV is involved in a crash, technicians need to be trained to safely handle the battery pack appropriately, especially if there is potential electrical or thermal instability damage.
• Important takeaway: EV repairs require specialized certificates and safety measures. Our team at Red McCombs Superior Body Shop is equipped and ready.

Damage Diagnosis Isn't the Same

Collision damage is typically easily visible on a gas vehicle – think frame damage, cracked bumpers, or broken suspension. Most issues are visible and can be physically inspected.

With EVs, a lot of the worst damage can be hidden. Even if the surface damage doesn't look too bad, the internal electronics and battery can be damaged from impact. Our shop uses advanced diagnostic tools to test internal components that can't be seen so we don't miss anything.

EVs require diagnostic scans before and after repair, which vehicles don't always need.

Parts, Panels, and Plastics

Although both gas vehicles and EVs have body panels, lights, glass, and trim, EV parts are often made of lightweight materials like aluminum or composite plastics to increase range.

Aluminum repair, as a metaphor, is a whole other ballgame. It can't be repaired the same way that steel is. Specialized equipment, clean working surfaces, and heat control are all keys to ensuring aluminum parts are properly maintained, and our techs have learned how to handle that.

Safety First (and Second and Third)

There isn't any room for error when safety is concerned with EVs. That's why repair work on electric vehicles must undergo strict shutdown procedures before a single bodywork piece is begun. We isolate the high-voltage system, drain zero current, and double-check all connections before we even raise a wrench.

Gas vehicles have safety protocols, too, but EVs maintain a higher standard due to the risk of electrical shock or thermal accidents.

At Red McCombs Superior Body Shop, we take safety seriously. Your repair should never entail additional risk.

Certifications Do Matter – And We Have Them

EVs are new and changing quickly. That's why our technicians are up to speed on new manufacturer procedures and certifications. We have the training, the equipment, and the expertise to service all popular EV models along with conventional gas-powered vehicles.

Whether you drive an electric or gasoline-powered crossover, count on us to do it right the first time.

Need Collision Repair? We've Got You Covered

If your vehicle's been involved in an accident – electric or gas – we're here to help. At Red McCombs Superior Body Shop, we treat every vehicle as if it were our own, using the latest equipment and training to have you up and running safely and quickly.

Contact us today to schedule an estimate or speak with one of our collision repair specialists. We’re proud to serve San Antonio and the surrounding areas with auto body work that goes the extra mile.