Electric Vehicles (EVs) are causing more headaches for their owners, and Tesla is a significant contributor to this problem, according to a study by J.D. Power. The study, which tracks responses from nearly 100,000 purchasers and lessees of 2024 vehicles within the first 90 days of ownership, reveals that EVs have more problems and higher severity of repairs compared to traditional autos.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles averaged 180 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), while Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) averaged a whopping 266 PP100, 86 points higher than ICE vehicles. This contradicts the common belief that EVs are generally less problematic and require fewer repairs than ICE vehicles due to their smaller number of parts and systems.
Owners of tech-filled BEVs and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are experiencing problems severe enough to take their new vehicle into the dealership at a rate three times higher than that of gas-powered vehicle owners. The study reported no notable improvements in BEV quality this year, and Tesla’s quality score has worsened in the latest model year, contributing to the overall average score for EVs standing at 266 PP100.
The removal of traditional feature controls, such as turn signals and wiper stalks, has not been well received by Tesla customers. This, coupled with quality concerns and high repair costs, could potentially slow down the adoption of EVs in the US, despite the push for electrification of the nation’s fleet of vehicles being a top priority for the White House.
Read more: finance.yahoo.com