Electric vehicles have almost 80% more problems than gas-powered ones, Consumer Reports says

Consumers have been slower to adopt Electric Vehicles (EVs) than initially predicted – due in part to the higher cost of maintenance and charging equipment. As the government begins to mandate the use of more electric vehicles, many consumers report that their EVs are not as reliable as gas-powered vehicles.

According to a comprehensive study by Consumer Reports, EV owners have highlighted challenges related to battery and charging systems, along with various technical issues in the vehicle’s body. The findings reveal that electric vehicles experience nearly 80% more problems than vehicles propelled by conventional internal combustion engines or hybrids.

EV manufacturers continue to learn how to build better systems, suggesting their reliability should improve with time. However, with the current findings about poor reliability, many buyers are hesitating to switch to the new technology.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are more problematic than EVs and conventional gas-powered vehicles. The complexity of combining electric drive and internal-combustion engines leaves room for even more that can go wrong. However, hybrids that don’t rely on plug-in technologies scored average or above average on reliability.

“This story is really one of growing pains,” said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports. “It’s a story of just working out the bugs and the kinks of new technology.”