Consumer Reports has published an extensive vehicle reliability rating, and the results pour cold water on the reliability of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The survey says that electric vehicles suffer 79 percent more maintenance problems than gasoline or diesel vehicles, while plug-in hybrids have 146 percent more problems. The issues portray the industry’s growing problems with the relatively new technology as the planet reaches record temperatures and scientists warn of fast-approaching deadlines to thwart a global climate catastrophe.
The Survey Respondent C.R.to members about problems with their trips last year, collecting data on 330,000 vehicles. The publication’s data included models from 2000 to 2023, along with some 2024 models (early released). C.R. It studied 20 “problem areas,” including relatively minor issues like squeaky brakes or broken interior trim, and more problematic ones related to the electric vehicle’s transmission, motor or battery. The number of potential problem areas varies depending on the type: internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have 17, electric vehicles have 12, traditional hybrids have 19, and plug-in hybrids have all 20.
The publication combined the data with its own track testing, owner satisfaction survey results and safety information. He then averaged it to assign each brand a numerical score (out of 100).
Non-plug-in hybrids performed well, with the survey indicating that they suffer 26 percent fewer problems than gasoline and diesel vehicles. C.R. highlighted the most trusted brands in that space, including Lexus’ UX and NX Hybrid and Toyota’s Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid.
If only plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) could enjoy those ratings. Instead, its longer list of trouble spots generated 146 percent more problems than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Highlights include the Chrysler Pacifica, which earned an abysmal score of 14 out of 100, and the Audi Q5. However, several PHEVs defied category expectations, including “standouts” like the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Kia Sportage. Several others, including the BMW X5, Hyundai Tucson and Ford Escape, scored “average” for reliability.
All-electric cars and SUVs, the vehicles many automakers aim to fill their dealerships with by 2030, have mediocre average scores: 44 and 43, respectively. Electric vans, the newest technology of the bunch, perhaps unsurprisingly scored worse with an average of 30.
Lexus took the lead among electric vehicle brands. All but one of their models scored above average or better on C.R.The ratings of. And the one exception, the NX, still scored average. Toyota also did well, including the 4Runner SUV, which CR describes as “among the most reliable models in the survey.” However, its electric Tundra pickup scored poorly. Other EVs with above-average scores include Acura’s RDX and TLX.
Tesla, once virtually synonymous with electric vehicles, earned overall scores in the middle of the pack (along with brands like Chevrolet, Buick, Ram, Cadillac and Dodge). C.R. says the Elon Musk-led company’s electric vehicle powertrains tend to perform better than those from traditional automakers. However, Ars Technique grades The company’s reliability scores had more problems with things like the body, paint/trim, and climate systems.
Regionally, Asian automakers enjoyed the highest average scores in the survey with a healthy 63. European companies came in second with an average of 46, while American brands slumped with a somewhat disappointing score of 39.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/evs-are-way-more-unreliable-than-gas-powered-cars-consumer-reports-data-indicates-212216581.html?src=rss
