Surge in EV Collision Repairs: Ikeuchi Sees 1,000 Annual Inquiries as Popular Models Prove Larger Than Expected

Ikeuchi Co., Ltd., a company specializing in automotive body painting and repair, announced a significant increase in the number of electric vehicle (EV) repair cases across its 32 directly managed factories nationwide.

As the domestic EV market expands, the demand for EV repairs is rising rapidly. Ikeuchi has been steadily accumulating repair track records, systematically building internal knowledge of EV-specific body structures to ensure high-quality service.

Background: The Rise of EVs and the "Nowhere to Repair" Issue In Japan, the EV market has been growing year by year, with the share of EVs and PHEVs reaching a record 4% as of March 2026. However, many owners find that taking their car to a dealer for even minor scratches results in estimates based on expensive part replacements, leading to complaints about excessive repair costs.

Trends in Repair Inquiries Inquiries have been increasing steadily. Total inquiries rose from 125 in 2023 to 652 in 2025, a 5.2-fold increase in three years. For 2026, the company recorded 381 inquiries in the first five months alone, putting them on pace for over 1,000 for the year.

Inquiry Data (Major brands: Tesla, Nissan, BYD, Mitsubishi, etc.): - 2023: 125 cases - 2024: 344 cases (approx. 2.8x YoY) - 2025: 652 cases (approx. 1.9x YoY) - 2026 (Jan-May): 381 cases (on pace for >1,000 per year)

Surprising Fact: Popular EVs are Wider Than Alphards A major issue for EV owners is collisions due to vehicle size. Many popular EVs in Japan have equal or greater widths than the Toyota Alphard (1,850mm). - Tesla Model Y: 1,920mm - BYD SEAL: 1,875mm - Tesla Model 3: 1,850mm

For example, the Tesla Model Y is 70mm wider than an Alphard, increasing the risk of scratches and door dings in Japan's tight parking lots and narrow residential streets.

Ikeuchi's Strengths: Accumulated EV Repair Knowledge Why Ikeuchi is chosen for EV repairs: 1. Unified Management of Repair Know-how: With 32 directly managed sites, repair data (special paint matching, panel removal) is immediately shared and standardized. 2. Transparent Estimates: Clear explanations for repair content and cost basis. 3. Free Pickup and Delivery: Complimentary service for owners within the service area, eliminating the need to visit the shop.