Government officials are exploring how to handle damaged electric vehicles after a vehicle recovery service warned island motorists against buying them.

Mann Recovery Services recently issued a warning to EV drivers over the expense incurred if their vehicle breaks down or needs to be scrapped.

The issue was raised in the House of Keys two years ago when then Department of Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall admitted there is no statutory provision for disposing of or scrapping electric vehicles in the island.

Posting on social media, Mann Recovery Services said: ‘Thanks to Mezeron for its continued support in shipping our salvage EVs. That’s three Leafs in a week, fingers crossed the owners have seen sense and haven’t replaced them with more EVs.

‘Wrote off EVs are becoming more frequent as more and more are appearing on our roads.

‘Everyday people who purchase such vehicles probably don’t give a thought to what happens with the vehicle when it’s broken down and needs specialist repairs, accident damaged or end of life and needs shipped off island costing hundreds/thousands of pounds.

‘With the regulations Isle of Man Steam Packet have put in place regarding the transport of broken down, damaged, salvage and scrap EVs, we are struggling to see how it is financially viable from an owner, insurance and business perspective.

‘We are also not entirely sure what the government’s plan is in the event of an EV with a compromised battery. It’s not happened yet but it’s only a matter of time.’

However, the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) and Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) are working alongside a range of stakeholders to improve arrangements for damaged electric vehicles.

A government spokesperson said: ‘The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has developed a draft policy that would allow damaged EVs, which have been assessed as being low risk, to be transported intact. The policy is subject to a successful trial.

‘The Steam Packet can also transport damaged EV batteries that have been removed from vehicles, in line with relevant international shipping requirements.

‘Meanwhile, Mezeron is able to arrange the shipment of damaged EVs and hybrid vehicles off-island where the damage is restricted to bodywork only.’

The spokesperson also said work is underway to boost the number of garages and mechanics that can fix EVs.

They said: ‘In terms of education, work is continuing to build knowledge and skills around repairing EVs in the island. Over the past 13 months, six specialist courses have been delivered at UCM, attended by 30 technicians from 17 businesses and organisations. ‘More advanced Level 4 training has also been provided to island technicians in the UK.’

Latest figures revealed during a Tynwald sitting showed there were 1,306 registered electric vehicles in the island and 133 electric vehicle charging points. The Isle of Man Government has previously said that in six years’ time, it’s ‘likely that there will be more than 13,000 electric vehicles in the island’.

Businesses wishing to check the regulatory requirements for the export of EV vehicles to the UK should contact DEFA’s Environmental Protection Unit on 01624 685535 or email [email protected]