Frustrating to hear that none of the EVs tested lived up to their promised range. Anyone else have concerns about the long-term reliability of these vehicles? It’s hard to make a switch if they’re not going to deliver on their advertised specs
The longevity of EVs is typically good, arguably better than a ICE. I don’t think that there’s a relationship between outsize mileage claims and reliability.
There are some studies that have data that show the batteries tend to outlive their expected lifespan (except for the early Leafs) even when DCFC is used, looking at cars used for taxi/uber.
I’m optimistic. There are so few moving parts in an EV motor that it’s not really a concern, but the electronics are a bit of an unknown. I don’t think you can really say that EVs are going to last X years any more than you can say that about ICE cars. I expect to see failing modules in some models, just the same as we see it in specific ICE cars. “Oh, your car is doing X? Yup, the 2018 Opewagen XEP has a weak solenoid in the transfer case that would explain it.”
That said, I’m not sure about the smaller startups like Rivian. They’re new and cars are super complex.
Tesla motors are infamous for early failure. I would not go near a used Rivian or Lucid, they are impossible to repair.
I feel the ability to take off like a rocket is the primary issue. The manufacturer does their advertised range tests with some strict limits to get their numbers. It’s like computer benchmarks or VW emissions tests. Also ambient temperature has a huge role in the results too.
In the real world or independent testing they don’t drive exactly like the manufacturer so the numbers are wildly different. I find I get about 30 miles less than the advertised range even with ECO on and especially in the cold.
It’s no different that fuel mileage estimates for ICE. None are true. EV range really is affected by cold temperatures.
As for reliability…very few EVs are made by car companies and we are not at the point where you can take an EV to a corner garage, so you suffer the larceny of dealerships.
Chinese EVs? Get back to us in 5 years.