- Our Warrantywise Reliability Index data shows that common-held scepticism surrounding EV powertrain durability and longevity is unfounded.
- Both Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 offer similar levels of reliability to their parent brands’ ICE models.
- Our data shows that EV powertrains are robust and reliable over time with only fractional number of EV powertrain repairs required for cars between three- and 10-years old.
- Nissan Leaf secures Top 10 position in our overall reliability tables.
Our latest analysis of long-term EV powertrain reliability attempts to disprove the common misconceptions that used battery-electric vehicles are widely undependable and offer poor longevity.
Our research is focused on three of the UK’s most recognisable plug-in models – the Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 – and looks at the frequency of repairs, common faults, cost of repair and age at the time of repair. We have also evaluated is the rate of repair and the average cost of repair for similar combustion models.
Of the three models, the most reliable was the spacious and comfortable Nissan LEAF. Widely regarded to be one of the first truly mass-market electric vehicles, just two of these pioneering family hatchbacks required repairs from all the active policies for this model. One fix was made to a vehicle’s mirror assembly, while the other addressed an electrical fault. Comparably, Nissan’s ICE-powered compact crossover, the Juke, recorded a not-insignificant repair percentage of 14%.
The intelligently packaged and immensely desirable BMW i3 also scores well in the reliability standings overall. With a respectable repair percentage of 18% against the total number of active EV Car warranties currently held on the model by Warrantywise. Some of the most common repairs being due to issues with the air conditioning system and the car’s electrical systems. BMW’s closest combustion-engined equivalent, the 1-Series, saw a higher 21% repair rate.
Our CEO, Lawrence Whittaker, said:
While the Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 delivered strong results in our Reliability Index, the long-term performance of the Tesla Model S does fall behind that of the more established manufacturers. The first mass-produced EV by the Californian technology giant, 41% of the vehicles required remedial work, however the majority of the recorded repairs centered around electrical faults rather than any major repairs to the electric motors and batteries.
NOTE: All Warrantywise data based on a minimum sample size of 100 vehicles per make and per model. All data contained within the Warrantywise Reliability Index relates to repairs between 01/01/2018 and 30/04/2020 and may not represent the reliability of new vehicles as the cars Warrantywise has on cover are all over three years old.