The Most Stolen Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the UK: New Study Reveals Key Insights
Which Electric Vehicles Are Most At Risk of Theft? A recent study from automotive data company HPI has revealed which electric vehicles (EVs) are most commonly stolen in the UK. While EV thefts remain relatively rare, some models are more likely to be targeted by thieves. EV Theft in the UK: Key Findings The study, which analyzed over 864,000 EVs, found that just 0.1% of the nation’s electric vehicles were stolen last year, compared to 0.2% of all vehicles. Despite this low overall rate, certain EV models are at greater risk. The Kia E-Niro Electric Estate ranks as the most stolen EV, followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric Hatchback and the Kia EV6 Electric Estate. Other models in the top 10 include the Volkswagen Golf Electric and Jaguar I-Pace. The findings were based on the number of thefts per 100,000 vehicles, helping to identify the most at-risk models. Regional Trends in EV Theft The study also revealed regional hotspots for EV thefts. Outside Greater London, the West Midlands saw the highest number of EV thefts (104), followed by the East of England (59), North West (56), and South East (43). Why Are These EVs Targeted? Jon Clay, Identification Director at HPI, explained that while the overall volume of EV thefts is low, drivers should not become complacent. Thieves are continually adapting to new security technologies, so it’s important to take precautions as the EV market grows. Tips for EV Owners To reduce the risk of theft, consider these security tips: Why an HPI Check Matters If you’re buying a used EV, an HPI Check is crucial. It provides vital information about the vehicle’s history, including whether it has been stolen or has any discrepancies such as mileage tampering. With one in three used cars having hidden histories, an HPI Check ensures you’re making an informed purchase and helps protect you from buying a stolen vehicle. Conclusion While EV theft is a relatively rare occurrence in the UK, some models are more frequently targeted. By staying informed, securing your vehicle, and using tools like an HPI Check when buying used, you can protect yourself and your vehicle from the risk of theft.
How To Tell If A Car Is Stolen
Expert advice on how to spot if a car is stolen. Last year, fewer cars were stolen in the UK than at any time in the last half a century. But there were still almost 70,000 cars separated illegally from their owners, some of which will have been broken for parts or shipped overseas. A large proportion of these stolen cars will have been sold on to unsuspecting buyers – all of whom were likely to be left massively out of pocket. That’s because if you buy a stolen car, it belongs to the insurance company that paid out for it when it was pinched. So fail to do your homework and you’ll end up losing your car as well as your money.
FORD TRANSIT MOST STOLEN VAN
Our latest league table of the most commonly stolen light commercial vehicles (LCVs) confirms that the Ford Transit is still top of the thieves’ shopping list. But close behind are the Mercedes Sprinter and Mitsubishi L200. For those whose livelihood depends on a 4 wheeled workhorse, buying a used van can be a risky business and something that should be approached with care. Stolen, clocked, written-off or still on finance are just some of the many pitfalls to catch-out the unsuspecting van buyer. “It’s not just van owners that need to be concerned about which LCVs are most commonly stolen; used van buyers also need to consider the risks,” explains Daniel Burgess, Managing Director for HPI. “Thieves will be looking to sell vans on to innocent buyers, so the general public and van dealers must be on their guard. Dealers who unwittingly buy a stolen van not only face losing the van and the money they paid for it, should it be returned to the van’s legal owner, but put their reputation on the line should they innocently sell on that van to a customer who then faces financial loss.” “1 in 4 vans checked has something to hide, but used van buyers can avoid risks by simply carrying out an HPI Check, which will uncover the vehicle’s history and confirm if there is anything untoward about the vehicle that needs investigating.” Outstanding finance also continues to be a major risk with around 1 in 8 vans checked with us still on a finance agreement. Again, van owners could find themselves losing both the van and the money they paid for it, if the legal owner reclaims the vehicle. 1 in 17 vans are likely to have been involved in an accident and declared a total loss, otherwise known as a write-off, by an insurance company. Some insurance write-offs can be legitimately repaired by professionals and returned to the road, but many are damaged so badly they should only be scrapped. Sadly, it is not uncommon for the unscrupulous, looking to make a quick profit, to disguise a van that isn’t safe so that they can put it back on the road, and then sell it on to an unsuspecting buyer. Daniel Burgess concludes. “It’s essential that used van buyers are aware of the risks and don’t get taken in by criminals and dishonest sellers. The HPI Check will tell a dealer whether their potential purchase has been stolen, written-off, had a plate change, might be clocked or is on outstanding finance, offering valuable peace of mind for them and their customers.” HPI STOLEN VAN HIT RATES Ford Ford Transit 25% Mercedes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 21% Mitsubishi Mitsubishi L200 13% Nissan Nissan Primastar 4% Peugeot Peugeot Expert 4%