ADAC Report: Electric Vehicles Experience Fewer Breakdowns Than Combustion Engines

The reliability of electric vehicles (EVs) is reportedly improving, as indicated by the latest breakdown statistics from the ADAC. In a comparison of vehicles registered between 2020 and 2022, the data reveals that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) encountered only 4.2 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, while combustion engine cars faced a significantly higher rate of 10.4 breakdowns per the same number of vehicles.

This trend confirms prior findings from the ADAC, but now the results are based on a more extensive dataset due to the increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads. The ADAC notes that electric cars are not only maintaining their advantage but actually extending it. Although the overall breakdown frequency has decreased, the rate for three-year-old electric vehicles has dropped particularly rapidly. The organization attributes this improvement to manufacturers addressing many of the initial problems and weaknesses that plagued electric vehicles in their early years.

Among the causes of breakdowns, the starter battery emerged as the leading issue once again, affecting both electric and combustion vehicles. However, the percentage of breakdowns caused by starter battery problems is slightly higher in electric cars. This can be explained by the additional demands placed on the starter battery due to features such as climate control and app-based charging management, which are not as prevalent in combustion vehicles.

The analysis was based on cases where ADAC roadside assistance was called for breakdowns that were not caused by the drivers themselves and where further travel was impossible. This data provides a clearer picture of the reliability of electric vehicles compared to their traditional counterparts, suggesting that advancements in technology and manufacturing have positively impacted the performance of EVs.

Overall, the growing presence of electric vehicles on the market seems to correlate with improved reliability, which could influence consumer preferences as the automotive industry continues to evolve.