Electric cars are still somewhat in the pioneer phase. A frequently heard argument for going for an EV anyway is the already well-known reliability. But what about the current offer in that regard?
The UK website WhatCar identified common or notable problems with popular electric cars currently on the market. The experiences of 13,000 EV drivers were bundled for this. Ultimately, six EVs emerged as the best choice, the majority of which are also very popular at the moment. The usual suspects are therefore generally an excellent choice according to this study. There are certainly teething problems, but apart from a neatly arranged recall or some finishing problems, according to this study, you do not have to fear really major problems (for the time being).
MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV has few problems and can therefore join the group of front runners. Only 7 percent had to visit the dealer. Whoever did that would have lost his car for a while. Battery and electric motor issues caused drivers to lose their car for more than a week. However, this did not cost them anything, as everything was covered by warranty.
Nissan Leaf
Almost 15 percent of Nissan Leafs had problems with electrical systems, which are not linked to the engine or the infotainment system. Most cars were repaired in a day, three quarters of them under warranty. Those who were not entitled to this paid roughly € 150 for the repair.
Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace nestles in the middle bracket and actually had only one problem: the brakes, and specifically the system that recovers braking energy to generate electricity. That problem was solved in less than a week and the repair was covered by warranty.
BMW i3
There are hardly any problems to report with the BMW i3 either. The German manufacturer’s first electric car had some problems with the GPS system and the interior. Most cars stayed in the garage for a week before that.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona also scores well, with only a battery problem that affected about 7 percent of the respondents. The cars were all repaired under warranty and all are still around, but the problem kept the Kona’s in the garage for a week.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla is the highest in the ranking with the Model 3. The Model 3 had hardly any problems. “Only 5 percent of Model 3s had to visit the garage unexpectedly, all due to interior problems. They were all repaired in less than a day and are still in use,” says WhatCar.