The ecological advantages of electric cars are well known. But a recent study highlights another unexpected benefit. This new argument could convince the last skeptics.
Electric cars are often associated with ecology or energy savings. But their reliability is an often-overlooked advantage. Fewer moving parts, fewer fluids to change, and simpler mechanics: all factors that reduce the risk of breakdowns. A recent report confirms that electric vehicles are now more reliable than their gasoline or diesel equivalents.
The study was conducted by ADAC, Germany's leading automobile association. It is based on assistance calls recorded in 2024, representing thousands of actual data points. Result: electric cars registered between 2020 and 2022 had an average of 4.2 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. In comparison, thermal models had a rate of 10.4 per 1,000. And this trend is increasing every year. In 2022, some electric cars like the Tesla Model Y or the Volkswagen ID.4 even came close to zero defects.
Electric cars break down half as often as thermal models according to ADAC
Contrary to popular belief, breakdowns in electric cars rarely involve the high-voltage battery. In 50% of cases, it's the 12-volt battery, also found in combustion-engine cars, that's the culprit. The other problems identified concern the engine, the tires, or the onboard electronics. In combustion-engine models, the issues are more varied and more likely to affect the starting system or the power supply. The reliability gap is therefore very real, especially in recent models.
Even though some electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 still have a high breakdown rate, the general trend is toward improvement. The ADAC notes that the majority of faults encountered in the first generations have been corrected. Manufacturers have learned, and newer models are more robust. Even entry-level vehicles like the Dacia Spring are doing well, with a below-average breakdown rate. Buying an electric car today therefore also means choosing a vehicle that is more reliable on a daily basis. One more argument to convince drivers who are still hesitant.
Source: ADAC
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