Study finds EVs experience breakdowns at a similar rate to gas cars

Evs and gas cars are now similar

A recent study by the UK-based Warranty Solutions Group looked at warranty claims. The data shows that the chance of an electric car needing a repair is very similar to that of a gas car. For EVs, the claim rate was 13.21%.

The rate for gas and diesel cars was 13.74%, a tiny difference. This information goes against what some people believe. While some people believe EVs are more reliable, this study shows that they break down similarly. This means many of the car’s issues are unrelated to the engine type.

The high cost of fixing EVs

While the breakdown rate is similar, the cost of fixing an EV is significantly higher. The same study found that the average EV repair cost was about £858.50. In comparison, the average repair for a gas or diesel car was a lower £668.45.

This indicates that the newer, more complex components of an EV are more expensive to repair. The U.S. dollar conversion of these numbers changes with the exchange rate, but the core numbers in pounds are accurate. The higher cost of parts and the specialized knowledge required to repair them are the primary reasons for the price difference.

What causes electric vehicle problems

Many EV problems do not involve the main electric motor or battery. Studies consistently show that many issues with parts are shared by both EVs and gas cars. For example, the car’s 12-volt battery is the most common cause of breakdowns.

Other frequent problems include the car’s software, display screens, and air conditioning systems. These issues are often electronic or sensor-related, not mechanical. This is a key difference from the problems encountered in traditional gas engines.

Battery degradation is not a problem

One of the biggest worries for people buying an EV is the battery’s lifespan. A study from Recurrent found that 87% of EVs made in 2015 or earlier still have their original battery. This demonstrates that EV batteries have a remarkably long lifespan.

For cars made since 2016, less than 1% have needed a new battery. Data from a study by Geotab show that the average EV battery loses only about 1.8% of its power each year. So, a battery stays almost as strong for many years.

The gap is getting much smaller

The gap in reliability between EVs and gas cars is closing. Consumer Reports’ 2024 analysis found new EVs reported 79% more problems on average than gasoline vehicles, though reliability is trending upward for EVs. This represents a significant improvement from the previous year’s survey, which found that EVs had 79% more problems.

This trend shows that cars are becoming more dependable as carmakers build more EVs and get better at it. The quick improvements are much faster than those seen in gas cars over the same period.

What new car launches have in common

New car models, whether gas or electric, tend to have more problems. J.D. Power’s 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study reports an industry average of 202 PP100, the highest since 2009; infotainment and tech issues remain the leading problem areas.

This is because new models have new technology and designs that many drivers haven’t thoroughly explored. The problems typically involve issues such as software and infotainment systems. These issues are often resolved with software updates over time.

High-end EVs have the most issues

J.D. Power’s 2025 studies have found that luxury brands have more problems than mass-market brands. This is because high-end EVs often incorporate a significant amount of new and complex technology that is still being refined.

This surprises some, as you might expect more expensive cars to have fewer issues. However, the advanced electronics and systems in these luxury vehicles can be the source of more glitches and bugs for early owners.

The Mercedes-Benz EV experience

Mercedes-Benz has been a major player in the luxury EV market with its EQ models. The company offers a strong battery warranty. For EQS/EQE, Mercedes-Benz specifies a 10-year/155,000-mile warranty for the high-voltage battery; PHEV terms vary by model and state.

This is a significantly extended warranty compared to what is required by law. This shows that Mercedes has a lot of confidence in the quality of its most expensive EV batteries. This gives buyers peace of mind that the most critical part of the car will be covered.

The Ford F-150 lightning

Ford brought its popular F-150 pickup truck into the electric world with the F-150 Lightning. In 2025, Ford received more segment wins than any brand in JD Power’s Initial Quality Study, including F-150, Super Duty, Mustang, and Escape.

This is a big deal because it brings electric power to drivers who have never tried EVs. The F-150 Lightning is a key model in the market because it is a fully electric truck.

The Kia Niro EV and its ratings

The Kia Niro EV has a good reputation for reliability. While it does not have a specific score of 54, it has been a strong performer in reliability studies.

For example, it received a high score in the 2025 Consumer Reports annual report. It is part of the Kia family, with a strong reputation for making dependable cars. The brand ranked third among all mass-market brands in the 2025 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 performance

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has been recognized for its performance and quality. While it did not receive a specific score of 50, it was named the highest-ranked mass-market EV in the J.D. Power 2025 EV Ownership Study.

That’s significantly significant because it shows owners are happy with their cars. The Ioniq 6 is a good example of a new EV with strong performance in owner satisfaction studies.

The Tesla Model 3 and its reliability

As a brand, Tesla has been improving its reliability in recent years. In the 2025 Consumer Reports study, the Tesla Model 3 received an average reliability rating. This represents a significant improvement for a car that has had some issues in the past.

The Model 3 has been on the market for a considerable time, allowing Tesla to address any issues that may have arisen. This indicates that the longer an EV model remains on the market, the more reliable it becomes as the company works out the kinks.

What about Tesla’s high-end cars?

While the Model 3 has improved, Tesla’s other models have had more issues. A UK study found that the Tesla Model S had a very high warranty claim rate of 50%. This means one out of every two Model S owners had a claim.

This shows that even a costly brand can have some less dependable models. The study suggests that buyers should consider the total cost of ownership, not just the amount they save on gas.

The Jaguar I-Pace’s early issues

The Jaguar I-Pace is another example of a luxury brand’s first EV with higher-than-average problems. A UK study found a claim rate of 21.43%. It also had one of the highest repair costs.

As a new model, the I-Pace had some issues that needed to be resolved over time. This is a good example of how the first version of an EV from a carmaker is not always as reliable as later versions or models.

Curious which models are driving the numbers? Take a look at Hyundai and Kia report strong EV sales in August.

Future reliability is improving fast

The facts from multiple studies indicate that EV reliability is improving more rapidly than that of gas cars. Multiple datasets show EV reliability is improving as designs mature, but a specific ‘12% per year’ figure couldn’t be confirmed.

This is much better than the 6.7% improvement for gas cars. Experts expect this trend to continue. As companies build more EVs and perfect the technology, the cars will become more dependable. The data proves that while early EVs had issues, newer models are quickly closing the reliability gap.

Wondering why investors are pulling back? Dive into chinese EV stocks under pressure as sales momentum slows.

Do you think EVs are truly more reliable than gas cars?

Read More From This Brand:

• The hidden repair issues EV buyers should know about
• Are gas trucks gaining ground as EV adoption slows?
• Is Ford abandoning gas engines? new moves suggest so

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.