Electric Vehicles Struggle with Reliability Due to Charging and Battery Issues – Consumer Reports Survey
Electric vehicles (EVs) are facing significant challenges with reliability related to charging and battery issues, according to a recent survey conducted by influential U.S. non-profit organization Consumer Reports. Despite the soaring popularity of EVs among consumers, the study revealed that new EVs experienced 79% more problems compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. Hybrid vehicles generally had fewer issues than traditional gasoline vehicles, while plug-in hybrids encountered 146% more problems.
The survey’s findings also indicated that electric pickups were the least reliable, whereas compact cars, sports cars, and small pickups emerged as the most dependable options among the 19 categories analyzed.
Jake Fisher, senior director of Auto Testing at Consumer Reports, explained the challenges faced by legacy automakers, stating, For the legacy automakers, (EVs) are really new technologies, so they don’t have a lot of experience with batteries, charging, and motors. Fisher recommended that consumers consider leasing EVs as the technology in North America is still evolving.
Notably, Tesla ranked 14th in terms of issues related to body hardware, paint, trim, and climate systems in its battery-powered vehicles. The American automaker was the second-best among U.S. brands, trailing behind General Motors’ Buick, based on the overall vehicle reliability rankings.
However, Tesla fared better in categories such as motor performance, charging technology, and battery reliability, with fewer reported problems.
Brand rankings revealed that Asian carmakers dominated the top spots, with Lexus taking first place followed by Toyota. Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis’ Chrysler brands found themselves in the lower rankings at 29th and 30th places, respectively.
Consumer Reports’ extensive survey covered 20 problem areas, including engine performance, electric motors, transmission, and in-car electronics. Data was collected from more than 330,000 vehicles spanning from the 2000 to 2023 model years, with some newly introduced 2024 models considered.
Even with monumental shifts in the auto marketplace, what matters most to consumers remains the same: finding safe, reliable cars, stated Marta Tellado, President and CEO of Consumer Reports.
Addressing the ongoing challenges faced by electric vehicles, automakers will need to prioritize enhancing the reliability of EVs’ charging infrastructure and battery technology. As consumer demand for EVs continues to surge, the industry’s ability to address these concerns will play a vital role in shaping the future of electric mobility.
Edited by Shweta Agarwal
