An assessment of EV and hybrid vehicle reliability in the UK, drawing insights from ‘What Car?’s extensive consumer reports EV survey. Discover the top-performing gems and those that need a pit stop more often than you would like.
The automotive industry is amidst a colossal shift. Traditional petrol engines are slowly but surely yielding ground to the futuristic hum of electric vehicles (EVs). With the heightened interest in EVs, an impending question emerges, just how reliable are electric cars?
Your Ultimate Guide to the Most Reliable Electric and Hybrid Cars in the UK
Dive deep into EV and hybrid vehicle reliability in the UK. Powered by insights from the What Car? detailed survey, we spotlight the electric superstars and those that might need a bit more T.L.C.
The car world is buzzing with change. Petrol engines are giving way to the sleek and silent promise of electric vehicles (EVs). As electric car adoption accelerates, everyone’s asking: What are the most reliable electric cars?
‘What Car?’s Reliability Survey shines a light on this. Hybrid cars are racing ahead, often outpacing their fully electric siblings with a remarkable average reliability score of 95.4%.
Survey Scope & The General Landscape
Collating responses from a vast pool of 24,927 car enthusiasts, the survey meticulously dissected the reliability of 248 models spanning 32 iconic brands. At the summit, four vehicles boasted an unblemished 100% reliability score: the Hyundai Tucson, Mini Convertible, the Kia Soul from 2014-2019, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross from 2017-2021.
The 2022 Mini Convertible emerged as a beacon of modern engineering combined with unmatched reliability. For a modest £25,000, buyers get a car known for its “legendary go-kart handling” and rave reviews from satisfied owners. However, not every car rode on this wave of acclaim. The Land Rover Discovery, for instance, found itself grappling with a mere 70.7% reliability score, even falling behind the likes of the Audi Q5 and A3.
On a broader spectrum, Lexus exemplified dependability, clocking an impressive 98.4%, followed closely by the always-reliable Toyota at 97.2%. On the flip side, Jeep seemed to grapple with its models, scoring a concerning 77%.
Top Electric Picks
If you are looking to find the most reliable EV then you don’t need to look much further than these:
Mini Electric (2020-present): A star with a reliability rating of 97.6%. Owners celebrate the Mini’s seamless transition from petrol to electric, maintaining the brand’s sterling reputation for dependability.
Volkswagen e-Golf (2014-2020): Scoring 97.2%, the e-Golf notably surpassed its petrol counterpart in reliability, signifying Volkswagen’s effective transition to the electric realm.
Nissan Leaf (2019-present): An old player in the EV market, the Leaf proudly holds a 96.9% score, with minimal owners echoing any significant grievances.
Electric SUVs: The Reliable Giants
Ford Mustang Mach-E (2020-present): Ford’s maiden venture into the modern electric domain couldn’t have been better, with the Mach-E earning a flawless 100% reliability rating.
BMW iX3 (2021-present): Demonstrating BMW’s consistent excellence, the iX3, at a 99.3% score, outperformed even its petrol-driven sibling.
Tesla Model Y (2021-present): With a 97.4% score, this model signals Tesla’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its cars’ reliability.
Top Most Reliable Hybrids and EVs Based on the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey:
Ford Mustang Mach-E (2020-present)
The Ford Mustang Mach-E reliability rating is 100%
The all-electric Mustang Mach-E is a great bet if you want a dependable electric SUV.
Lexus NX (2014-2021)
The Lexus NX reliability rating is 99.8%
Only .2% of the cars reported had any issues and all were resolved quickly by dealers under warranty.
Suzuki Ignis (2016-present)
The Suzuki Ignis reliability rating is 99.4%
Lexus UX (2019-present)
The Lexus UX reliability rating is 99.3%
BMW iX3 (2021-present)
The BMW reliability rating is 99.3%
The infotainment system was the only area to give any grief.
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (2016-2022)
Reliability rating 99.2%
Tesla Model Y (2021-present)
The Tesla Model Y reliability rating is 97.4%
Mini Electric (2020-present)
Reliability Rating: 97.6%
Minimal issues were reported, and those that arose were swiftly addressed by Mini.
Volkswagen e-Golf (2014-2020)
Reliability Rating: 97.2%
Surprisingly, it encountered fewer problems than its petrol counterpart.
Nissan Leaf (2019-present)
The Nissan Leaf’s reliability Rating is: 96.9%
Maintains its reputation as a long-standing reliable electric vehicle.
MG5 EV (2020-present)
Reliability Rating: 96.1%
A newcomer making a strong mark in reliability rankings.
Cupra Born (2022-present)
Reliability Rating: 95.6%
Despite being a relatively new entry, it has garnered positive reviews for dependability.
Kia Niro EV (2019-present)
Reliability Rating: 94.6%
Continues Kia’s commitment to building sturdy and reliable electric cars.
Volkswagen ID.3 (2020-present)
Reliability Rating: 94.3%
Another testament to Volkswagen’s growing strength in the EV segment.
Tesla Model 3 (2019-present)
The Tesla Model 3 reliability rating is: 93.9%
A global favourite, showing that popular doesn’t mean compromise on reliability.
Skoda Enyaq iV (2021-present)
Reliability Rating: 93.8%
MG ZS EV (2019-present)
Reliability Rating: 93.5%
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2017-present)
Reliability Rating: 92.6%
Polestar 2 (2020-present)
Reliability Rating: 92.0%
As Volvo’s electric performance brand, it showcases reliability with a touch of luxury.
Peugeot e-208 (2019-present)
Reliability Rating: 91.2%
A compact electric hatchback proves that size doesn’t dictate reliability.
The Road Ahead
The transition to electric is more than a trend, it’s our driving future. As automakers race to electrify, ensuring car reliability is crucial. No one wants to be stuck with frequent garage visits.
If you’re debating the electric plunge, data-driven guides like the ‘What Car?’ survey are invaluable. It steers you towards the most reliable EV choices. The message to car manufacturers is clear: Reliability must steer the EV revolution. Read more about EV reliability in our post here.
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