Some thoughts here from Copart on EV and Hybrid vehicle storage;
Electric and hybrid vehicles are now a familiar sight across UK roads, and their rapid growth is changing the way insurers approach recovery and storage.
While protecting vehicle values and controlling costs remain key priorities, safety has become an even greater focus for our insurance partners than ever before.
Electric and hybrid vehicles require specialist handling, enhanced storage procedures, and trained professionals who understand the unique risks associated with high-voltage systems and lithium-ion batteries.
At Copart UK, we recognise that insurers need a trusted partner with the infrastructure, expertise, and processes in place to safely manage electric and hybrid vehicles at scale.
That’s where our continued investment in training, facilities, equipment, and nationwide operational standards makes a real difference.
Understanding the Challenges of EV and Hybrid Vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles differ significantly from traditional petrol and diesel models, particularly following an accident or breakdown.
EVs are typically much heavier due to their battery systems, and that affects everything from roadside recovery methods to loading techniques and transportation requirements.
Most importantly, damaged or compromised batteries can present serious risks, including fire or electric shock. Unlike conventional vehicle fires, battery-related incidents can develop slowly and may not become apparent until hours or even days after the original incident.
Because of these risks, specialist knowledge is essential at every stage of the vehicle journey.
At Copart UK, we understand how EV and hybrid models behave following an incident and have developed the expertise to identify and manage potential hazards before they escalate.
From the moment a vehicle is collected, our teams follow carefully designed procedures that prioritise both safety and operational consistency.
Investing in Specialist EV Training
We have invested tens of thousands of hours into specialist electric and hybrid vehicle training across our teams. This investment ensures that our drivers, engineers, and yard operatives can identify and manage risks from the very first point of collection.
We are proud to have IMI-approved accreditation centres, delivering IMI TechSafe electric and hybrid training across our nationwide Operation Centres.
This has resulted in nearly 150 teammates being qualified to IMI Level 2 (EV Routine Maintenance), Level 3 (System Repair and Replacement) and Level 4 (Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Vehicles and Components) standards.
Alongside these qualifications, hundreds of our Copart transporter drivers have also completed the specialist Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR) VR27 Electric & Hybrid Vehicle training programme, enabling them to safely recover, load, and transport electric and hybrid vehicles. These training programmes are delivered by our ten in-house ITSSAR/IVR accredited trainers.
In addition, our Copart transporter drivers are equipped with specialist temperature sensing devices to monitor and digitally record the vehicle temperature on collection. They are trained to identify any potential electrical/fire risks associated with the vehicle, allowing them to complete a comprehensive safety assessment prior to loading.
This extensive training programme, together with a range of other safety initiatives, means our teams can confidently assess vehicle conditions, identify high-voltage risks, and apply the correct handling procedures throughout the recovery and storage process.
For our insurers, this provides reassurance that vehicles are being managed by knowledgeable professionals who understand both the operational and safety implications associated with modern EV technology.
Building Infrastructure for a Growing EV Market
As the UK car parc evolves, it’s essential that recovery and storage infrastructure evolves alongside it.
Electric vehicles require significantly more space during post-accident storage than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. We recognised this early on and have continued to strengthen our nationwide infrastructure to support long-term EV growth.
We have expanded our landbank to include dedicated EV handling and storage zones across our connected nationwide Operation Centres. These areas are specifically designed to support safe vehicle isolation, inspection, and management following collection.
We have also upgraded transporters, loaders, and supporting equipment to safely manage the increased weight and handling requirements associated with electric and hybrid vehicles.
Every Copart UK Operation Centre is now equipped with specialist EV safety equipment, including high-voltage insulated tools, specialist PPE, fire suppression equipment, spillage kits, rescue hooks, warning signage and enhanced battery risk management controls.
These measures help ensure that vehicles can be safely handled at every stage of the process, while also protecting our teammates, customers, and facilities.
Importantly, these investments are not reactive. They are part of a long-term strategy to ensure our operations remain fully prepared for the continued rise in EV adoption across the UK.
Safe and Consistent Storage Standards
For our insurers, safe and consistent vehicle storage is critical.
Whether a vehicle is repairable, salvage, or awaiting assessment, insurers need confidence that it will be handled carefully, stored securely, and managed according to robust safety procedures.
We operate standardised processes across our nationwide network to ensure every EV and hybrid vehicle is managed to the same high standard, regardless of location.
One of the key elements of our storage approach is the use of ground-level vehicle storage in a uniform herringbone layout. This removes the additional risks associated with multi-level stacking while improving accessibility and operational control.
Our commitment to safety is also reinforced through ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety certification across our operations. This internationally recognised certification demonstrates our focus on maintaining safe, compliant, and consistently managed working environments.
We have also invested in specialist vehicle handling equipment to reduce the risk of accidental damage during movement. Bespoke equipment used for vehicle handling are fitted with custom heavy-duty padding, helping protect vehicles during transportation and positioning.
In addition, our transporter fleet is equipped with forward, rear, and side-facing cameras, creating full transparency and accountability throughout loading, transportation, and unloading.
These systems provide valuable visibility into vehicle condition and handling processes while supporting quality assurance and operational consistency.
Supporting Insurers Through Every Stage of the Vehicle Journey
As EV adoption accelerates, insurers are increasingly looking for operational partners that are already fully EV-ready.
This means more than simply having space to store electric vehicles. Insurers need partners with expertise, scalable infrastructure, specialist equipment, trained teammates, and consistent nationwide processes. That’s why we ensure that safety runs through every single stage of the vehicle journey.
From first notification and roadside recovery through to storage, assessment, and final processing, our teams are focused on managing electric and hybrid vehicles safely, professionally, and efficiently.
Combining specialist EV knowledge with robust operational infrastructure and insurer-focused solutions, we help our partners reduce risk, maintain confidence, and adapt to the changing demands of the modern vehicle market.
The transition to electric is only continuing to grow, and with that growth comes increased responsibility for everyone involved in vehicle recovery and storage.
At Copart UK, we remain committed to staying ahead of the curve, through continued investment, innovation, and industry-leading safety standards.
For our insurance partners, that means confidence that electric and hybrid vehicles are being recovered, stored, and processed safely at every stage — today and in the future.
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