Improved Reliability of Electric Vehicles in Latest Consumer Reports Survey

In a recent study conducted by Consumer Reports, it has been indicated that the reliability of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids has significantly enhanced, thus reducing the previously existing reliability gap with traditional gas-powered cars.

According to the survey results, which were gathered from Consumer Reports subscribers throughout a significant portion of 2024, electric vehicles are reportedly facing 42% more issues compared to their gasoline counterparts. This figure marks a notable improvement from the 79% disparity noted in the previous year’s survey. This evaluation primarily focused on cars from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 model years and showcased the progress made in EV reliability.

Plug-in hybrids, which operate mainly on battery power before switching to a hybrid powertrain, were found to have 70% more problems relative to gas vehicles. Fortunately, this represents a substantial improvement when compared to the previous year’s report, which showed more than double this gap.

Jake Fisher, who leads the automobile testing division at Consumer Reports, attributed this positive trend to the maturation of EV and plug-in technology. He mentioned that as manufacturers gain more experience with these newer technologies and platforms, the overall reliability is expected to continue to rise.

However, Fisher did express a cautionary note. He highlighted that automakers often test innovative features, including automation, on EVs, which can lead to more glitches in performance. He remarked, “Until we reach a point where electric vehicles simply function as reliable cars, just like those with traditional powertrains, catching up to gas vehicles entirely may remain a challenge.”

The shifting consumer landscape is also noteworthy, with Fisher emphasizing that as the market transitions from early adopters to mainstream buyers, there may be a demand for more straightforward, practical vehicles. He noted that many prospective buyers prioritize ease of maintenance over advanced features, preferring cars that fulfill basic transportation needs without the complexities of new technologies.

Consumer Reports observed that worries about the quality of electric and plug-in vehicles contribute to buyer hesitance towards abandoning gasoline-powered engines. This hesitation is further compounded by factors like high initial costs, a scarcity of charging stations, and extended charging periods.

Gas-electric hybrids continue to fare well in terms of reliability, comparable to traditional combustion engine vehicles. Fisher noted that this technology has been refined over the last 25 years, largely due to Toyota’s leadership in the market. He added that customers often find hybrids quieter, quicker, and generally more enjoyable to drive than conventional gas vehicles.

As of September 2023, electric vehicle sales saw an increase of 7.2%, while plug-in sales grew by 11.6%. However, hybrids experienced the most substantial rise, witnessing a 32.6% increase, according to recent market data.

The latest survey findings from Consumer Reports, which involved approximately 300,000 vehicle owners, showed Subaru emerging as the most reliable automotive brand for the first time, followed by traditional leaders Lexus and Toyota. Honda and its luxury division, Acura, rounded out the top five. It was the first instance since 2020 that neither Toyota nor Lexus occupied the leading rank.

On the contrary, the five least reliable brands among the 22 assessed included the new electric manufacturer Rivian, along with GM’s Cadillac, GMC, Jeep, and Volkswagen.

Notably, the survey lacked sufficient data to evaluate several luxury and specialty brands, such as Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Mercedes, among others. In a surprising turn, Tesla, the front-runner in electric vehicle sales, dropped to the 17th position, sliding down three ranks from last year.

Observing the success of Subaru, Fisher highlighted their conservative approach to vehicle updates as a key to their reliability. By maintaining existing parts and avoiding dramatic changes in engine or transmission designs, Subaru minimizes potential issues, offering improved performance without excessive overhaul.

Fisher pointed out that as a new entrant to the market, Rivian’s electric models are grappling with more challenges due to their lack of established designs to build upon. He explained, “When a company does not have prior models, it’s normal to encounter a plethora of issues.”

Among the survey’s findings, the Toyota RAV4 small SUV topped the list for reliability, followed closely by the Toyota Corolla compact car. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid and the gas-electric RAV4 also ranked highly.

It’s essential to note that the findings from Consumer Reports do not represent the entire U.S. vehicle-buying demographic or specific vehicle segments. The survey was introduced during a meeting of the Automotive Press Association in Detroit.