Electric Vehicles Prove More Reliable Than Gasoline-Powered Cars in New Study
A recent study by the German Automobile Club (ADAC), Europe’s largest roadside assistance organization, has found that electric vehicles (EVs) are far more reliable than gasoline-powered cars. The ADAC, which responded to 3.6 million breakdowns last year, analyzed data from vehicles registered between 2020 and 2022 and discovered that EVs experienced significantly fewer breakdowns than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts.
According to the study, electric vehicles had 4.2 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, while gasoline and diesel cars had 10.4 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. This substantial difference in reliability was observed across various categories, including electrical systems, engine management, and lighting, where combustion cars generally saw more or equal issues compared to EVs.
The most common cause of breakdowns for both EVs and gasoline-powered cars was a dead 12V battery, accounting for 50% of EV breakdowns and 45% of fossil fuel car breakdowns. The study suggests that electric cars are inherently more reliable due to their simpler drivetrains and fewer components prone to failure.
While long-term studies on EV reliability are still forthcoming, the data indicates that electric vehicles are less likely to leave drivers stranded. As the EV market continues to mature, their reliability is expected to remain a significant advantage over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
For now, EV owners can take comfort in their vehicles’ reliability, with the caveat of keeping an eye on the 12V battery’s health. As one EV owner noted, Tesla now provides a warning on the screen when the 12V battery needs replacement, a feature that could become standard practice in the industry.
