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Are Electric Cars Reliable?

If you’re looking for a new vehicle that uses fuel in a cost-efficient way or you want to reduce your CO2 emissions, you might be looking at an electric car for your next big purchase. But the ultimate question people have in mind when they’re considering electric vehicles (EVs) is whether they’re reliable.

Electric vehicles are surprisingly reliable. The average EV battery has a lifespan of about 200,000 miles, and you can drive an average of 195 miles on each full charge. Furthermore, EVs generally have fewer moving parts than traditional options, which means less maintenance and upkeep!

When determining whether a car is reliable, we must keep in mind that the car’s model is the most significant factor. Reliability can vary widely, with some performing quite well and others less so. Let’s take a look at the factors to consider and some of the EV options out there so that you can make a wise choice.

How Reliable Are Electric Cars?

Man Charging Electric car at outlet at home

Since electric vehicles are still relatively new to the mainstream market, you may have doubts about their reliability. However, the number of electric vehicles on the road around the world is increasing, reflecting the popularity of these cars.

Growing concerns about climate change have fueled this increase in popularity, as the globe attempts to wean itself off fossil fuels, which are wreaking havoc on the Earth’s climate.

According to experts, electric cars create less carbon footprint throughout their lifespan as compared to cars powered by traditional combustion engines. This technology is a game changer indeed.

But beyond being environmentally friendly, how long do electric vehicles last? Consumer Reports estimates the average EV battery pack’s lifespan to be at around 200,000 miles, which is nearly 17 years of use when driven about 12,000 miles per year.

Undoubtedly, they have also proven to be energy efficient. This is because the engine of an electric car is the only moving part, whereas a gasoline-powered vehicle contains countless parts.  A 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey found that electric cars achieved an average score of 92.9%.

2 Reasons Why Electric Cars Are Reliable

Electric Car

Whether one drives an electric or gas-powered vehicle, car reliability is crucial to any purchasing decision. After all, no one enjoys being stranded on the side of the road due to a vehicle malfunction.

Since electric vehicles have fewer moving components and are generally less complex than cars with internal combustion engines, they should also be more reliable.

Due to their numerous benefits, electric vehicles are gaining popularity every day and the most noteworthy of these benefits is their reliability. Here are the top two reasons why electric vehicles are reliable.

Electric Vehicle Range

You’ve probably heard rumors regarding electric vehicles’ lack of range while researching about them. After all, what is the use of a reliable car if it can’t travel long distances?

Electric vehicles have a better range than you might have guessed. At present, electric vehicles have a range of 195 miles on an average full charge.

Although the average range of an electric car is less than that of fuel alternatives, it is considerably greater than the typical daily or even weekly range that most of us drive, which is approximately 12 miles.

Performance Reliability

Electric vehicles’ motors produce a rapid torque with each movement of the accelerator pedal, resulting in an immediate increase in road speed. These motors are also to credit for the near-silent driving experience that everyone notices when driving an electric vehicle for the first time.

Moreover, batteries of electric vehicles are typically positioned in the vehicle’s floor. This results in great weight distribution and balance for smooth cornering. In addition to that, driving an electric vehicle contributes to building a more sustainable future.

Two of the Most Reliable Electric Cars

If you’re worried about the reliability of electric cars, fret not! Fortunately, they have shown to be quite dependable, with most models obtaining outstanding ratings in the reliability survey we mentioned ealier. Here are two of the most dependable electric vehicles:

1. Nissan Leaf (2011-2018)

With a reliability rating of 98.6%, the Nissan Leaf was the greatest option in the limited market for a long time. At present, the competition is tougher than ever, but if you’re looking for an amazing EV on a budget, the Leaf remains a great option.

Only 12% of owners reported problems, and all repairs were completed the same day and at no expense to the car owners. Undoubtedly, the Leaf has helped to spark the electric vehicle revolution by bringing electric vehicles from niche to the mainstream.

2. MG ZS EV (2019- present)

The ZS EV has improved from one of the least reliable electric cars to the second most reliable, with a reliablity rating of 96.5 percent (7 percent better than last year). 

While 13% of owners reported problems owing to bodywork issues, most cars could still be driven. However, over half of the owners had to wait for more than a week for their car to be repaired, despite the fact that none of the owners had to pay for the repairs.

Two of the Leadt Reliable Electric Cars

Electric vehicles are cutting-edge technology, but does that make them immune to mechanical failure? Unfortunately, no! Electric vehicles’ reliability is frequently questioned. Here are two of the least reliable cars:

1. Jaguar I-Pace (2018-present)

The sole advantage the I-Pace has is that it is an electric vehicle. According to the reliability survey, the Jaguar I-Pace has the lowest reliability rating of all electric vehicles, with 30% of owners experiencing issues.

The battery was stated to be un-roadworthy and out of commission for more than a week at a time due to issues.

2.  Renault Zoe (2013-present)

The air conditioning, electric motor, and non-motor electrics, as well as the steering column motor control, were all reported as causing concerns by 24% of Zoe owners. Furthermore, 25% of owners were not contacted and left to pay hefty costs for repairs.