Electric vehicles face a reliability challenge, with a new report revealing that they have nearly 80% more issues than conventional gasoline-powered cars.
In a new extensive ranking highlighting vulnerabilities in the transition to EV adoption, Consumer Reports surveyed over 330,000 vehicles spanning 2000 to 2023 and a few models from next year. EV owners reported 79% more problems than gas cars, while plug-in hybrids have 146% more problems. In comparison, ordinary hybrid cars exhibit a more positive trend, having just 26% more issues than their gas-powered counterparts.
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Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, said it’s not a shock that EVs are experiencing “growing pains.”
“Most electric cars today are being manufactured by either legacy automakers that are new to EV technology, or by companies like Rivian that are new to making cars,” Fisher said. “It’s not surprising that they’re having growing pains and need some time to work out the bugs.”
Tesla, a leader in EV sales, scored in the middle regarding reliability, ranking alongside brands such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Dodge. Consumer Reports recently added Tesla's Model Y to their recommended status, joining the Model 3. Factors that bring down the reliability of Elon Musk’s company include quality concerns such as faulty door handles, trim, irregular paint, and issues closing the trunk.
“While Tesla is still a relatively new car company, it has more experience producing EVs than any other automaker,” Fisher said.
Owners of EVs most often report battery issues, climate control concerns, and long recharge times as some of their top concerns. A majority of Americans said they’re unlikely to purchase an EV as their next car due to the overall cost compared to gas vehicles, a lack of charging stations, and a limited driving range, according to a Yahoo Finance/Ipsos poll from October.
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Among those that are most likely to consider purchasing an EV include Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, people living in urban areas, and adults under 30, according to a survey from the Pew Research Center.
The latest report comes on the heels of the Biden administration issuing new federal EV tax credit guidance. Starting in January 2024, those who choose to purchase a new vehicle can get up to $7,500 the sticker price at the dealer if they make less than $150,000 — or $225,00 for heads of households and $300,000 for married couples filing a joint tax return. Buyers of used electric vehicles can get $4,000 off a car priced at less than $25,000 if they make under $75,000 — or $112,500 for heads of households and $150,000 for married couples.