Over Time, EVs Are More Reliable Than Petrol Cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) are more reliable than their petrol counterparts as they gain more miles on the clock, according to a new analysis.
A study of 47.4 million tests in the UK found that for vehicles below 60,000 miles there was little difference in reliability between the two engine types at similar ages and mileages. However, after 90,000 miles they diverged significantly, with electric cars 25 percent less likely than petrol ones to fail their annual test, known in the UK as an MOT. These tests examine statutory roadworthiness.
The finding by consultancy New Automotive and industry group the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) comes as there are growing numbers of electric cars on sale in the second-hand market and, with oil prices going stratospheric, becoming increasingly attractive to buyers.
BVRLA’s CEO said electric cars tended to fail less at higher mileages because they had “far fewer moving parts” and were therefore less exposed to faults or wear and tear, adding that “there’s no combustion engine, no exhaust system and no conventional gearbox, so you remove a lot of the mechanical complexity and wear that traditionally starts to matter as a car racks up the miles. What is fascinating about this research is that the difference becomes clearer as mileage increases. That suggests the simplicity of the electric drivetrain may become an advantage over the longer term.”
“What this data shows is that mileage alone should not put consumers off. A well-maintained, higher-mileage electric car can be an extremely durable used vehicle."
