Electric vehicles are appealing to consumers compared to petrol or diesel cars because of their low environmental impact. But how reliable are they?
There are some myths perpetuated in the auto industry that electric vehicles break down more easily than conventional cars, but this is largely untrue. Gas-powered vehicles are estimated to be able to last until around 200,000 miles, or about 12 years on average, whereas some electric vehicles (EVs) are said to last 300,000 miles.
However, when shopping for a new car or purchasing an EV, this isn’t always the case with every model. GOBankingRates spoke to automotive experts to get the scoop on which EVs are likely to fail to outlive gas-powered cars and why that is.
When you think of electric cars, Tesla is probably one of the first models to come to mind in the EV market. They’re instantly recognized on the street by their chic exterior. Once you get in, you’re treated to a futuristic technology package that makes you think we’re not far from flying cars.
However, Joyce Ann Gutierrez, an automotive expert at 4WheelOnline.com, warns that the Model X isn’t without its issues. She said, “One common concern is the battery draining quickly, which can be frustrating for owners who rely on their vehicles for daily use.”
The Model X has a 348-mile range, which is above average for electric vehicles, but if you’re traveling long distances daily, this might not be ideal. Especially since the battery is only covered for 150,000 miles or eight years under warranty.
That’s not where the issues with the Tesla Model X end.
“Additionally, some owners have experienced strange noises from the suspension system, causing unease and potentially indicating a need for maintenance or repairs,” said Gutierrez. “It is worth noting that in 2022, Tesla decided to cut the Model X’s price due to reliability concerns.”
Because of this, consumers might be visiting the mechanic more often, and Tesla’s are notoriously expensive to fix. This means that cost is added to an already expensive down payment, especially if you’ve opted for the most recent model.
Coming in at quite a bit cheaper than the Model X is Hyundai’s Kona. However, what you spend on maintenance might offset the money you save.
It’s an SUV, so you’ll get a lot of space, but taking road trips in it might not be the best, as it only has a 261-mile range which means you need to familiarize yourself with the charging network available. Plus, some mechanical issues with the electric motor have plagued prior models.
“One primary concern some owners reported is battery and motor failure,” Gutierrez warned. “While these incidents are relatively rare, they can be costly to repair or replace.”
According to Gutierrez, the battery in particular has caused Kona owners a lot of heartache due to “catastrophic charging issues. Some owners have experienced difficulties with charging, including slow charging speeds or even complete failure to charge.”
There’s no point in desperately searching for a charging station if your EV won’t charge. It’s one thing to be energy efficient, but another to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by just not running.
Customers praise this model for being easy on the eyes and having great electric drive features. The Mustang Mach-E has a Ford-estimated range between 226 and 312 miles. However, this is another example where Gutierrez says battery problems cause buyers more issues than tax credits.
“Some owners have experienced issues with battery drain or sudden drops in range, which can be frustrating and inconvenient,” she explained. “These issues can impact the overall driving experience and raise concerns about reliability.”
In addition, the Mustang Mach-E has had issues with heat control.
As Gutierrez put it, “Electric vehicles rely on efficient cooling systems to maintain optimal performance and prevent overheating. However, there have been reports of the Ford Mustang Mach-E experiencing temperature regulation problems that could affect its longevity and performance.”
This tiny EV is easy to park, but that’s one of its few advantages. According to John Ellmore at ElectricCarGuide, the range is so small (58 miles on average), that buyers reported having to repeatedly charge their vehicle throughout the day. So if you’ve chosen this over internal combustion cars for convenience, you may feel short-changed.
“The frequent recharging of an EV battery can impact how quickly the battery degrades,” said Ellmore. “Repeated fast charging and deep discharging can contribute to a faster decline in battery health over time. In the case of really small compact EVs like the Smart EQ Fortwo, which has a small battery and limited range, owners may find themselves charging the vehicle more frequently, potentially increasing the wear on the battery.”
Ellmore warned that frequent charging can also decrease the range on the battery, so you’ll end up charging the vehicle even more.
“As the battery degrades, the overall electric range of the vehicle can decrease, exacerbating concerns related to running out of charge and potentially making it more susceptible to breakdowns due to insufficient battery capacity.”
