EVs No More Reliable Than ICE Models, Data Shows

• EVs and ICE vehicles show similar fault rates, but BEV repair costs are considerably higher.

• Tesla Model S records highest warranty claim rate, while Nissan Leaf ranks as most reliable EV.

• EV insurance premiums and resale values also impact long-term ownership costs.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no more reliable than internal combustion engine (ICE) models and incur higher average repair costs, according to new data from a UK-based warranty provider.

Warranty Solutions Group (WSG), which analyzed 800 warranty claims for EVs across the UK, found claim rates were nearly identical between EVs and ICE vehicles: 13.21% and 13.74%, respectively. However, EV repairs averaged £858.50 ($1,605 CDN) per incident, compared to £668.45 ($1,250 CDN) for ICE vehicles.

The Nissan Leaf ranked as the most reliable EV, posting a 3.06% claim rate. At the opposite end, the Tesla Model S recorded a 50% claim rate. Other high claim-rate models included the Volkswagen E-Golf at 33.33%, the Kia E-Niro at 25%, and the Jaguar I-Pace at 21.43%, which also incurred one of the highest average repair costs at £1,353.69 ($2,530 CDN).

The report attributes the higher repair costs of EVs to the need for specialist parts and trained technicians capable of handling high-voltage systems. Among the most frequently failing components were charging ports, tire pressure monitoring systems, air conditioning compressors, and 12-volt backup batteries.

WSG also noted wider-ranging cost implications for EV ownership. In 2024, insurance premiums for EVs in the UK were approximately 26% higher than for ICE vehicles. In addition, resale values of BEVs continue to trail ICE counterparts, further impacting total ownership costs. Canadians are typically faced with the same realities, with resale values tumbling especially for premium EVs.

Martin Binnee, operations director at WSG, stated that while breakdown rates between EVs and ICE vehicles are similar, “EV repairs are more expensive.” He added that consumers should factor in these long-term costs beyond savings at fuel stations.