The reliability of electric and plug-in hybrid cars is improving, but they still tend to experience more issues than their non-plug-in counterparts, according to a recent survey by Consumer Reports.
On average, electric vehicles had 70% more problems than internal combustion engine vehicles, as per the survey. Electric cars, electric SUVs, and electric pickup trucks were among the least reliable vehicle categories surveyed. Plug-in hybrids averaged 146% more problems than non-hybrid vehicles.
A previous survey pointed to the more complex interfaces and technological features that automakers tend to add to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as the primary source of reliability issues. This time, it also concerns batteries and charging systems, according to Consumer Reports.
Hybrids, on the other hand, were more reliable than non-hybrid internal combustion vehicles, with 26% fewer problems, according to the survey. This continues a trend reported in previous surveys.
The reliability of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles varied by brand and model. Some of the less reliable plug-in hybrid models included the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and the Audi Q5. But other brands exceeded expectations.
Tesla ranked as the second-best national brand (in 14th place), with the Model 3 and Model Y receiving “average” reliability scores. The Model S and Model X received a “below average” rating.
Other bright spots in plug-in reliability included the Nissan Ariya and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which has improved to the point where it is now on Consumer Reports’ recommended list. Consumer Reports also notes that the Toyota RAV4 Prime bucks the trend of plug-in hybrids for reliability issues and is “well above average.”
Buick, a brand without plug-in vehicles in the United States, tops the list of national brands in reliability. General Motors announced last year that Buick will transition to an all-electric lineup by 2030, and Buick’s first electric vehicles are set to arrive in 2024. Before this new version of electric vehicles, Buick offered buyouts to dealers not interested in making the switch.
