Discover why electric vehicles are surpassing petrol cars in long-term durability in the UK. Explore the benefits of simplified mechanical design, longer-lasting batteries and lower maintenance costs for EV owners.
EV durability is a crucial factor when considering a vehicle purchase. Research from Consumer Reports indicates that electric vehicles (EVs) typically outlast their fossil-fueled counterparts.
One reason for EVs’ impressive long-term durability is their simplified mechanical design. With fewer moving parts than traditional cars, EVs experience less wear and tear in critical areas, translating to fewer unexpected breakdowns.
Long-term savings
Contrary to popular belief, EVs aren’t just environmentally sustainable, they’re economically sustainable too.
Additionally, maintenance and repair costs for EVs are significantly lower. The growing market and increased competition now offer a variety of EV models, some even as affordable as their petrol equivalents, making the switch to EVs an economically wise choice.
Maintenance tips for EV owners
Maintaining an EV doesn’t require the same routine checks as a combustion engine vehicle. This can be attributed to fewer moving parts and a brake system that lasts longer thanks to regenerative braking.
However, things like tyre rotations and inspections, checking brake fluid, and battery care are still important. Regularly checking your EV charging equipment and keeping the vehicle clean are a few more simple but effective ways to potentially extend an EV’s lifespan.
How long do electric car batteries last?
A common myth associated with electric vehicles is they need a new EV battery pack every few years. In reality, most modern EV batteries are designed to last for a long time. A 2019 survey by Plug In America on Tesla Model S cars found that the batteries lost about 5% of their capacity in the first 50,000 miles, but the decline slowed significantly afterwards.
Degradation entirely depends on usage and maintenance. Moreover, manufacturers are offering longer warranties on their batteries, ensuring their durability, and reflecting confidence in their longevity and their battery management systems. Jeff Dahn, a leading researcher in lithium-ion batteries and Tesla’s main scientific advisor, mentioned, “The goal is to ensure that the batteries can outlast the lifespan of the vehicle.”
Extending the battery longevity of your electric vehicle
There are many effective measures an owner can take to extend an EV’s lifespan. This includes mindful driving to limit battery depletion, regular servicing, and limiting exposure to extreme temperatures as much as possible with the use of liquid cooling.
Using slow charging options whenever feasible can also help, as rapid charging can stress the battery and contribute to faster degradation. Another crucial tip is to avoid regularly charging and discharging your EV to its maximum and minimum battery capacity. Most manufacturers suggest charging between 20% to 80% for optimal battery health.
A Peek into the maintenance of an EV
One of the chief benefits of choosing an electric vehicle over a conventional one is the lesser maintenance it requires. A report from Ford Motor Company states that an EV typically has only around 20 moving parts, as compared to around 2,000 in a traditional petrol car.
The lack of exhaust systems, radiators, fuel injection systems, and many other components means fewer parts to wear out or service. Regular maintenance primarily includes battery servicing, brake fluid replacement, and inspections for safety systems. The absence of oil changes, spark plug replacements, or timing belt replacements can make owning an EV a hassle-free experience.
Real-world examples
Real-world examples of electric cars surpassing petrol cars in durability can be found in data and experiences shared by EV owners and industry reports. Here are a few notable examples:
Tesla Model S
Tesla’s Model S is one of the earliest electric cars to gain widespread popularity. Many early adopters of the Model S have reported impressive battery performance even after high mileage. A 2019 survey by Plug In America found that the batteries in Tesla Model S cars lost only about 5% of their capacity in the first 50,000 miles, and the decline slowed significantly afterwards. This indicates that the battery durability of the Model S surpassed expectations and remained reliable over time.
Nissan LEAF
The Nissan LEAF, one of the most popular electric cars globally, has also demonstrated excellent durability. In 2019, a group of Norwegian taxi drivers achieved remarkable mileage with their LEAFs, clocking over 186,000 miles on their vehicles without significant battery degradation. This showcases the long-lasting performance of the LEAF’s battery and overall durability.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV has been praised for its robustness and reliability. Many owners have shared their experiences of minimal maintenance needs and long-lasting batteries. One example is a Bolt EV owner from California who drove over 200,000 miles on the original battery pack with no significant loss in range.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 is another electric car that has demonstrated impressive durability. In 2019, a Norwegian taxi driver achieved over 186,000 miles on his BMW i3 without any major issues. This showcases the vehicle’s resilience and suitability for heavy-duty commercial use.
Reliability issues
Most automakers have launched fully electric models only in recent years, giving them less time to address and iron out potential issues that can impact reliability.
Additionally, various cutting-edge features are added to these exciting vehicles but this can introduce new potential problems as they act as testbeds for innovation.
However, the industry is constantly learning and Hybrids, for instance, have proven to be among the most reliable in the study, thanks to their longer presence in the market, allowing automakers to refine and improve their performance over time.
Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Mazda, and Honda top the list of reliable brands, with seven of the top 10 most reliable brands coming from Japanese and Korean automakers. Tesla remains a standout in terms of electric powertrains.
Overall, while there are some challenges in EV reliability, automakers are continuously working to improve their offerings, making electric vehicles an increasingly viable and durable choice for environmentally conscious consumers. As technology evolves and automakers address these concerns, the future for reliable EVs looks promising. Read more about EV reliability in our post here.
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