According to data collected by Consumer Reports (CR), electric vehicles (EVs) may have more reliability issues compared to conventionally powered cars.
Here are the issues with Electric vehicles
- Reliability Issues: On average, EVs had 79% more reliability problems than gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) fared even worse, with 146% more issues on average than conventional alternatives. However, simpler non-plug-in hybrids had 26% fewer reliability problems than conventionally powered vehicles.
- Potential Trouble Areas: PHEVs had the greatest number of potential trouble areas, with 17 main problem areas for conventional vehicles and additional challenges related to electric motors, high-voltage traction batteries, and charging for PHEVs. Hybrids had 19 potential trouble areas, while EVs had the least at 12.
- Specific Reliability Complaints: Electric motors, charging, and battery problems were highlighted as the main reliability complaints for EVs. The relative newness of most Electric vehicles on the market was identified as a significant factor in these issues.
- Advice for Buyers: Consumer Reports advises potential EV buyers to avoid brand new vehicles in their first model year, emphasizing that Electric vehicles are still in their relative infancy as mainstream vehicles.
- Hybrids vs. EVs: Despite being more complex with a combination of gas-powered engines and electric drive systems, hybrids were reported to have better reliability than both Electric vehicles and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Hybrid technology is cited as being over 25 years old and primarily offered by reliable automakers.
- Maintenance Costs vs. Reliability: While a previous study by CR in 2020 showed that Electric vehicles and PHEVs had lower lifetime maintenance costs compared to internal combustion-powered vehicles, the recent data focuses on reliability issues rather than costs. The earlier study noted that many repairs were covered under warranty for EVs and PHEVs, contributing to lower costs for owners.
- Tesla’s Performance: Despite various horror stories, Tesla was described as being in the middle of the pack in terms of overall reliability. Tesla’s EV powertrains were noted to be dependable, but the company faced challenges in areas such as bodywork, paint/trim, and climate systems.
It’s important to note that data and perceptions about vehicle reliability can vary, and individual experiences may differ. Additionally, the automotive industry is dynamic, and improvements in technology and manufacturing processes may address some of the reliability concerns over time.
For any Further Query visit https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023
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