Electric Car Reliability: Insights from Long-Term Owners and Analytics

Electric cars have been gaining popularity in recent years, driven by their eco-friendly nature, improved performance, and technological advancements. In this article, we will explore the reliability of electric cars through insights from long-term owners and contemporary analytics.

Personal Experiences with Electric Cars

I have been a long-term owner of electric cars for quite some time, and I can attest to their reliability. Just last year, I purchased my third Tesla Roadster in 14 years. While the first model I owned, the Roadster, had some issues over its 10-year tenure, these were all resolved under warranty. A bad rear wiring harness was replaced for free, and a faulty 400V controller was also covered. Overall, the Roadster provided a reliable drive for 50,000 miles of use.

My second car, a 2018 Model 3 LR with 130,000 miles, also had a relatively smooth ride. The only serious issue was a creak in the front suspension and a problem with the seat belt harness, which were both quickly fixed for around $490. This car remained in good condition for 6.5 years, with minimal maintenance.

So far, out of the 12 cars I have owned, these have been among the best in terms of reliability.

Data-Backed Evidence on Electric Car Reliability

According to recent data, electric cars are mid-league in terms of reliability, scoring around 90.4 in 2022 and 90.9 this year. This places them on par with many internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. As demonstrated by specific models, reliability can be as high as 98.6, as seen with the Kia Sportage SUV.

The Mini Electric stands out for its reliability, reporting the lowest number of issues among its respondents. Only 7 out of 100 reported any issues, with none of these being severe enough to render the cars undriveable. This underscores the high reliability standards set by the Mini brand.

The Kia Sportage is another impressive model in terms of reliability. Only 6.8% of its owners reported any issues, with most problems relating to the gearbox, engine brakes, or suspension. These issues were minor, with all cars remaining driveable and easily fixed under the manufacturer's robust seven-year warranty.

Conclusion: Reliability in New vs. Used Electric Cars

Over the past decade, I have owned four electric cars with no recall issues, no warranty issues, and no reliability issues. It's important to note that these experiences pertain to new cars, which are no less or more reliable than their fossil fuel counterparts.

Modern cars, whether electric or conventional, are designed to be largely trouble-free. As technology advances and manufacturers continue to refine their designs, we can expect even higher standards of reliability in the future.