With global sales set to reach 10% of all passenger car sales by 2020, Hybrid and Electric vehicles are the answer to everyone’s needs in the automotive world.  Electric Vehicles (EVs) have zero emissions,  low running costs and the latest vehicles even have a decent range. For those customers who aren’t quite ready for full EV just yet, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) offer the perfect stepping stone.

So everyone should be happy?  Well not if they attract the thieves.

In 2010, the Toyota Prius entered the top ten most stolen vehicles in Japan for the first time – coming in at number 7.  Satellite Navigation systems inside the Prius also became the most stolen item in the “theft from vehicle” category, the average theft costing ¥242,000 (£1,600) in repairs.

It could be said that alternative fuelled vehicles have largely escaped the attention of thieves so far, but this latest data could signal the beginnings of change.  There are around 40 different hybrid and electric models available from around 10 manufacturers. These vehicles have expensive parts and are normally fitted with high-value features such as satellite navigation and audio systems –which are as attractive to thieves as they are to buyers.  As the market size for alternative fuel vehicles increases, so will the so-called black market for thieves to exploit.

For these reasons, in an exclusive Theft Risks for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles report, SBD predicted that theft of EVs, HEVs and their components was likely to rise in the near future.  Less than twelve months later, the first signs of these trends are beginning to show.

The first introductions of HEVs such as the Prius occurred at similar times across Japan, Europe and the USA, where sales to date have been strong.  It can therefore be assumed that similar rises in theft as those seen in Japan (which is usually a safer market) will be observed in other markets within the next few years.

Vehicle manufacturers are currently relying on the ‘utopian’ image of EVs and Hybrid vehicles to help drive customer demand for this new technology.  Security features therefore need to be carefully considered in order to prevent any theft issues causing damage to the customer perception of these vehicles.

To learn more about EV and HEV security or to buy Theft risks for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, please contact Kavitha Kuppuswamy at kkuppuswamy@sbd.co.uk