EVs Lead in Reliability

by

The Unseen Edge: EVs Outperform Combustion Cars in Reliability

EV Reliability

The ongoing debate between electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars isn’t just about power or emissions anymore. Reliability has become a major talking point, and according to insights from the renowned German Automobile Club (ADAC), electric cars are taking the lead in this area.

Dependability Data

ADAC, known for their extensive roadside assistance service, attended over 3.6 million breakdowns last year. Their findings revealed that EVs had a significantly lower breakdown rate compared to combustion cars. Of all the service calls, only about 43,678 – a mere 1.2% – were for electric vehicles.

Breakdown Rates

Electric cars registered between 2020 and 2022 recorded just 4.2 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, whereas their combustion counterparts experienced 10.4 per 1,000. Clearly, the stats hint that EVs might be more reliable than traditional vehicles, shedding new light on the electric vs. combustion dilemma.

Common Issues

While EVs show resilience in many areas, both EVs and ICE cars share a common Achilles’ heel: the 12-volt battery systems. These systems account for about 50% of the breakdowns for EVs, while ICE cars see them responsible for 45% of incidents. However, EVs are outperforming ICE in categories such as electrical systems, engine management, and lighting.

Driving Feel

Driving an electric vehicle offers a unique experience. Compared to the rumbling of an engine in a traditional car, EVs deliver a quieter ride, almost like gliding on the highway. The instant torque availability in electric motors provides a smoother, more responsive driving experience, making even everyday commutes feel sprightly. Contrast this with the delayed throttle response in many gasoline-powered cars and the difference is palpable.

While the tire issues in EVs might seem a drawback, these problems often relate to the higher torque that can lead to quicker tire wear. Still, the overall driving comfort remains impressive, with many drivers preferring the clean, efficient acceleration that EVs provide.

The Future of Reliability

Given the reduced complexity of electric powertrains—lacking the oil changes and the intricate mechanical systems found in ICE vehicles—there’s potential for fewer breakdown points overall. As the technology continues to mature, the future seems bright for electric vehicles, not just in terms of eco-friendliness but also in everyday reliability.

The challenge remains in gathering long-term data as electric vehicles have only recently gained significant presence on the roads. However, the early evidence suggests that EVs will likely become a mainstay for dependable daily drivers, combining modern tech with robust performance.

Leave a Comment