A recent study conducted by independent US firm Consumer Reports has shed light on the reliability of electric cars compared to their petrol-powered counterparts. The findings reveal that petrol-powered vehicles, particularly those from the renowned brand Lexus, outperform electric cars in terms of dependability. This article aims to delve into the key insights from the study and explore the reasons behind the varying levels of reliability.
Electric Cars Face Reliability Challenges
Consumer Reports' annual investigation into new-car reliability analyzed data from 330,000 vehicles, highlighting a concerning trend. Electric vehicles were found to have 79% more problems than petrol and diesel vehicles. Plug-in hybrid vehicles fared even worse, with a staggering 146% more issues than conventional vehicles.
The report identified specific problem areas for electric vehicles, including the EV drive system motors, EV charging systems, and EV batteries. As more electric vehicles enter the market and production numbers increase, these issues become more apparent. It is important to note that the study differentiates between low-power 12-volt batteries that power accessories and the larger EV batteries.
Hybrid Cars Emerge as Reliable Alternatives
While electric cars struggled in terms of reliability, hybrid vehicles, excluding plug-in hybrids, showcased a different story. Models like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid were found to be the most reliable new cars in the study. Hybrids experienced 26% fewer problems compared to their non-hybrid petrol and diesel counterparts.
Consumer Reports' Methodology
Consumer Reports gathered data from its six-million membership base of new vehicle buyers to conduct the study. The organization examined 20 trouble areas and combined this information with owner satisfaction surveys to establish a comprehensive reliability score for each vehicle. The study also used these ratings to determine the most reliable brands in the market.
Lexus Tops the Reliability Rankings
According to Consumer Reports' analysis, Lexus emerged as the most reliable brand overall. The renowned Japanese automaker was followed closely by Toyota, Mini (owned by BMW), Acura (a US brand owned by Honda), and Honda itself. Mazda secured the seventh position, just behind Subaru, while Kia and Hyundai ranked 10th and 11th, respectively.
Notable Mention: Tesla's Reliability
In terms of electric-car-only brands, Tesla stood out as the most reliable, securing the 14th position in the rankings. Rivian, another exclusive electric vehicle manufacturer, placed 28th in the study. These rankings indicate that while electric cars face challenges in terms of reliability, certain brands within this segment are making commendable strides.
Summary
The recent study by Consumer Reports highlights an important aspect of the automotive industry – the reliability of electric cars compared to petrol-powered vehicles. While electric cars still face some hurdles in terms of dependability, hybrid models have emerged as a reliable alternative. As technology continues to evolve and automakers address these challenges, we can expect to see improvements in the reliability of electric vehicles. In the meantime, consumers can rely on established brands like Lexus and Toyota for their proven track record of dependability.
(This article is sourced from drive.com.au and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
