EVs less reliable than ICE vehicle, says new study
The results showed that regular hybrids were the most reliable drivetrain type, fairing better than even the ICE-only powertrains.
According to a new study, electric vehicles are far less reliable than conventional ICE-powered models.
The study is said to have taken into account over 3,30,000 vehicles ranging from 2000 – 2024 model years. As per the results, on average, EVs are 79% less reliable than ICE-powered vehicles – despite having fewer moving parts and simpler drivetrains. The results also show that plug-in hybrids fare even worse and are 146% more problematic compared to conventional ICE models. However, traditional hybrids were ranked the best – producing 26% fewer problems than even ICE models.
The study states that the technologies arising from the development of EVs are the reason for the low reliability score. Having said that reliability will improve once the initial kinks are sorted out.
Jake Fisher, Senior Director of Auto Testing, Consumer Reports, stated, “The longer a vehicle or a technology is in production, the more the bugs are worked out.” He added, “The automakers that have produced EVs earlier, they’re improving the reliability.” Stating an example, Fisher suggested that Tesla buyers should buy a Model 3, which has been in production for years & has fixed most of its flaws, compared to the Cybertruck.
Fisher added, “When it comes to reliability, the slow and steady are winning the race. The manufacturers that are making quick moves, those are the ones struggling with some of the new technology.”
The results showed that regular hybrids were the most reliable drivetrain type, fairing better than even the ICE-only powertrains.
Opposite to this, the electric truck segment faired the worst, with the likes of the Ford F-150 Lightning & Rivian R1T struggling with batteries, charging, build quality and other functions. This proves that neither legacy automakers nor start-ups are immune to problems that come with EVs.
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