A study published by JD Power and Associates highlighted that electric cars encounter more technical defects.
After a period of impressive growth, the segment electric cars now finds itself facing unexpected difficulties. Criticisms are indeed piling up against electric vehicles. Not only the news items involving serious fires with these models have multiplied. But in addition, they pose geopolitical problems in Europe, given the ambitions of Chinese manufacturers like BYD.
Now, the frequency of technical problems is also being highlighted. A report written by J.D. Power and Associates highlighted that electric cars, but also hybrids, are not always of good quality.
Electric cars require more frequent repairs than gasoline cars
Despite the few fires that have struck electric cars in recent years, these vehicles are usually presented as more reliable than other models. The same applies to hybrids. These vehicles tend to be built with fewer parts than gasoline-powered cars. They are also easier to maintain due to the lack of internal combustion engine.
However, the findings of a new JD Power study call into question the reliability of electric vehicles. According to its latest report, electric cars as well as hybrids require no more repairs than gasoline cars. Worse still, all types of electric vehicles would be affected by these defects.
“BEV and PHEV owners experience problems of a severity level high enough that they take their new vehicle to the dealership at three times the rate of gasoline vehicle owners”said Frank Hanley, director of vehicle benchmarking at JD Power.
Electric vehicle brands more reliable than others
The same JD Power study finds that the gap between Teslas and other traditional automakers’ electric vehicles has narrowed. Tesla’s electric cars American manufacturer would actually be less subject to technical defects than in previous years.
More generally, electric vehicles have not seen an improvement in the frequency of technical faults. However, some brands scored better than others. Ram, Chevrolet et Hyundai come out with more satisfactory results. These manufacturers are even getting close to the rates observed for gasoline cars.
JD Power also reported on issues commonly cited by electric car owners. They pointed out that defects in connectivity are regular. The unpleasant smell of the passenger compartment is also frequent.
