Will electric car bodies with fewer pieces contribute to an increase in the repair cost body and paint shops?

The strategy by Tesla to manufacture car bodies with fewer pieces is appealing to other electric vehicle manufacturers. In the Model Y, Elon Musk’s company has been able to replace up to 70 pieces of the rear part of the body with just one piece. This achievement, which also introduces important improvements in the efficiency of the assembly line, has been made possible because of the use of giant smelting machines and new alloys of materials, some developments made in collaboration between the car company and Space X, the aerospace manufacturer. However, many industry experts warn of the possible increase in repair costs of this type of bodywork, which is of interest to other electric car manufacturers.

Currently there would be, according to the New York Times, up to six electric vehicle makers that are thinking of designing car bodies with a significant reduction in pieces. This new perspective offers numerous advantages in the fabrication of electric vehicles and clear benefits in the final product such as the considerable reduction in weight. From the point of view of manufacturing, it will become a more simplified process, making it more efficient and profitable, optimizing the production lines with less capital investment

However, everything has its disadvantages. The substitution of numerous pieces of bodywork for only one piece, developed in addition to new material alloys, which are much more sophisticated, could impact the accident repair costs in the body and paint shop. It would require more complex procedures, with more expensive materials, that would eventually increase the bodyshop invoice.