9 Reasons EVs Can Be Unreliable Cars

Electric vehicle sales are slowing a bit. In the first quarter of this year, 7.9% of new vehicle registrations were for EVs, down 0.3% from the last quarter of 2023, according to Experian Automotive.

Owning an EV has its advantages. But reliability is still a worry for consumers hoping to make smart car owner moves . Here are some reasons EVs can be unreliable.

1. Battery issues

Batteries are the most important component of a battery-powered vehicle. However, they can also be an EV owner’s biggest worry.

Many electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, which can be a fire hazard. Saltwater can also damage batteries through corrosion and short-circuiting.

2. Finding a charging station isn't easy

According to U.S. Department of Energy statistics, the number of EV charging stations in the U.S. has doubled since 2020.

There are now more than 61,000 charging stations for drivers, and more than 95% of Americans live in a county with at least one public charging station.

On the other hand, according to the American Petroleum Institute, there are around 145,000 gas stations in the U.S., which means it’s still much easier to fill up your gas tank than to charge your car.

3. Some have poorer build quality

Companies like Tesla are challenging traditional auto manufacturers, but the build quality of some EVs still can’t match traditional cars.

Tesla, for example, has gotten a bad reputation for poor build quality. Critics have cited issues with bad paint and trim quality.

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4. Climate control can reduce range

You probably appreciate your gas-powered car in the winter, when the excess heat generated by your engine can get used to warm your car’s interior.

But an electric car doesn’t have a gas-powered engine and, therefore, doesn’t have excess heat to keep you warm. EV climate control has been shown to reduce an EV’s range in cold weather.

5. Technology features can fail

Electronic features have been taking over both traditional cars and electric vehicles. However, electronic gremlins may be more noticeable in an EV.

Electric vehicles rely more heavily on technology. In some EVs, any small issues or changes to these tech features can cause issues.

6. Charging takes longer than filling up with gas

Charging times continue to come down as EV technology improves and more fast chargers come online.

But it can still take you from 30 minutes to many hours to fully charge a battery. That's much longer than it takes you to refill a gas tank.

7. Extreme temperatures can affect batteries

Unlike gas-powered engines, batteries can be more sensitive to hot and cold weather.

Heat waves in places such as Florida, Texas, or Arizona can cook your batteries and cause issues with how long they remain usable. Cold weather can cause short-term issues, such as how long it takes to charge your vehicle or how many miles you can get per charge.

8. Plug-in hybrids bring added issues

Perhaps you are not ready to go completely electric and instead want to try a plug-in hybrid. That type of vehicle allows you to plug in and charge like an EV while also offering the flexibility to use a small gas-powered engine when battery power is gone.

But having both a battery and an internal combustion engine means there's more potential for problems.

9. Repair issues can take time

It’s tough to be without a vehicle while waiting for a repair, and EV fixes can take a while.

EVs often require more complicated repairs if you're in an accident or something breaks. Fewer repair technicians know how to fix these vehicles, which can lead to more downtime than would be true for a typical vehicle. Getting parts can also be an issue.

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Bottom line

An electric vehicle might be a good option for you, but there can also be some downsides to this type of car. So, think long and hard before buying an EV.

Whatever type of vehicle you buy, try to save on car insurance so you'll have more money in your pocket when you have to take a vehicle to the garage for a small fix or a major repair.

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