5 Common Problems with Electric Vehicles
1. Battery Aging
The main drawback of electric vehicles is battery life. Like all batteries, capacity decreases over time. Researchers estimate that battery capacity decreases by about 2.3% each year.
Battery life is highly dependent on temperature. One study found that in Florida, where temperatures are high, a battery lasts an average of 5.2 years. In Alaska’s cold climate, it can last up to 13.3 years.
But other evidence suggests that electric vehicle batteries actually last much longer than originally thought. Industry experts believe that in many cases, the battery will last longer than the car itself. If you’re unsure about the terminology, check out our electric vehicle glossary.
2. Air conditioning in electric cars can reduce range
Inefficient electric air conditioning systems have been shown to reduce a vehicle’s range. This is particularly problematic when starting the car in cold ambient temperatures. Drivers may therefore notice a reduction in the efficiency of their car heaters in winter.
Air conditioning systems in petrol and diesel cars are generally not the most efficient, but they do have the advantage of utilising large amounts of waste heat to heat the interior of the car.
3. On-board electronics failure
From faulty temperature sensors to broken power doors, many electric car drivers have complained about problems with on-board electronics. Tesla launched a recall in May 2022 for display defects affecting four car models. Cars were also recalled to fix widespread issues with automatic windows.
Some of these issues are annoying, but they don’t affect your ability to drive the car safely. However, other electronic components such as temperature sensors are important to ensure the battery is operating within a safe range. Therefore, any issues with electronic sensors must be identified and resolved quickly.
Note that many of these issues happen to be related to individual brands or models of electric vehicles. They are not really EV-specific issues.
4. Bad seals can cause leaks
Reports suggest that defective seals are a problem for drivers of electric cars, especially Teslas. Faulty seals cannot prevent water from entering the car, which can be dangerous when there are many electrical components to consider.
Poor sealing can lead to drafts and air leaks, as well as excessive noise inside the car, which is also a drawback of some electric car models. This can significantly reduce the comfort and enjoyment of driving.
5. Electric cars will catch fire… or will they catch fire?
That’s a myth. Current data suggests that electric cars are no more likely to catch fire than gasoline or diesel cars, but there are rumors to the contrary.
However, there is a caveat to this statement: if a lithium-ion battery catches fire, it can be, and is, very difficult to put out, so much so that some manufacturers advise firefighters to allow the car to burn out in a controlled manner rather than trying to put out the fire. However, the risks involved are still incredibly low. We believe this should not be a factor when choosing an electric vehicle.
Most Reliable Electric Cars
While electric vehicles still have some technical issues, there are still plenty of reliable electric cars on the road. Here are the most reliable electric cars in 2024.
If you are concerned about the reliability of an electric vehicle, we recommend trying one out before deciding to buy one. Electric car subscriptions allow you to rent a car for as long as you like, so you can test its functionality and address any concerns you may have about its reliability before purchasing it.