Electric vehicle (EV) makers have been making promises left and right about the benefits of owning an electric car. From low maintenance costs to easy repairs and even battery swaps, the future of EVs seemed bright. However, the reality has been quite the opposite. Electric cars have proven to be less reliable and more expensive to fix than initially anticipated.
One of the main reasons for the high repair costs of EVs is the lack of trained professionals. In the UK, for example, only 10% of mechanics are licensed to work on battery electric cars. As the number of EVs on the market continues to rise, the shortage of skilled professionals is becoming a bigger issue. This shortage drives up repair costs, making it even more expensive for EV owners to get their cars fixed.
Collisions also pose a significant problem for EV owners. Even minor accidents can cause major damage to electric cars, particularly to the battery housing. In many cases, the entire housing or battery needs to be replaced, leading to expensive repairs. Additionally, the lack of spare parts in the EV universe further complicates the repair process, making it even more costly for owners.
Another challenge for EV owners is the time it takes to repair their vehicles. Repairs for electric cars can take weeks, adding to the already high costs. Insurance companies often choose to write off damaged EVs rather than pay for expensive repairs, further increasing the financial burden on owners.
Damaged Teslas, in particular, often end up as commodity cars due to the high repair costs and lack of support from the manufacturer. Many owners choose to sell their damaged Teslas for scrap value, as there is little demand for fixing them. This trend may continue in the future, leading to a surplus of used electric cars with limited resale value.
In addition to high repair costs, EVs are also challenging to fix due to their complex systems and software updates. Electric cars require regular software updates to maintain optimal performance, which can be time-consuming and costly for owners. The integration of various systems in electric cars makes diagnosing and fixing issues a challenge for mechanics, further driving up repair costs.
Despite the promises of reliability, recent surveys have shown that electric cars are actually less reliable than gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles have been found to have 80% more reliability problems compared to gas-powered cars, with issues ranging from electric drive motors to charging components. This lack of reliability has contributed to the slower growth of EVs in the market, with hybrids now surpassing electric cars in market share.
In conclusion, the reality of owning an electric car is far from what EV makers have promised. High repair costs, a shortage of trained professionals, and reliability issues have made owning an electric car a costly and challenging experience for many. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how EV makers address these challenges and improve the overall ownership experience for electric car owners.
