According to a recent annual automotive reliability survey by Consumer Reports, electric vehicles (EVs) present a startling 79% more problems on average than their traditional counterparts. This survey highlights that EV owners report a significantly larger number of issues compared to those driving conventional gasoline or hybrid vehicles over the last three model years.
The research drew input from over 330,000 car owners, examining 20 problem areas such as engines, transmissions, electric motors, oil leaks, and infotainment systems. Despite the increasing popularity of the electric vehicle market, reliability concerns remain prominent. Many Chinese EV owners have shared their experiences of facing various system issues while driving, and the challenge of range anxiety during long trips continues to be a significant concern.
CarSloth, an automotive website, summarized the five common issues faced by EV owners:
1. **Battery Degradation Over Time**
Studies indicate that electric vehicle batteries lose about 2.3% of their capacity each year. Environmental conditions play a crucial role; for example, in warmer regions like Florida, the average lifespan of a battery is only around 5.2 years. However, emerging evidence suggests that EV batteries might actually last longer than previously believed.
2. **Climate Control Impacts Range**
Ineffective climate control systems can severely impact an EV’s driving range, especially during colder months. Many owners report that their heating systems are less efficient than expected, resulting in shorter driving distances.
3. **In-Car Electronics Failures**
Many EV owners encounter problems with in-car electronics, including malfunctioning temperature sensors and issues with power doors. For instance, Tesla had to recall four models in May 2022 due to failures in their display screens, alongside extensive recalls for automatic window problems.
4. **Poor Sealing Leading to Water Leaks**
Owners of Tesla vehicles have frequently pointed out inadequate sealing in their cars, leading to water leaks inside. Given that EVs house numerous electrical components, this issue poses particular risks. Poor sealing can also increase cabin noise and create uncomfortable drafts, negatively impacting the overall driving experience.
5. **Fire Risk in Electric Vehicles**
There’s a common misconception that electric vehicles are more susceptible to catching fire. Data shows that the fire risk for EVs is not greater than that for traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles. Nevertheless, once an electric vehicle does catch fire, extinguishing the lithium batteries can be quite challenging; some manufacturers even advise firefighters to let the vehicle burn in a controlled setting.
