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Challenging popular myths surrounding the durability of the EV powertrain.

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.
Advice Insights

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.

The 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.

Key facts at a glance:

  • 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 3 and 10 years old.

  • Nissan Leaf secures Top 10 position in our overall reliability tables.
Nissan Leaf

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:

Scepticism surrounding the reliability and powertrain longevity of EV technology – particularly the ability of the batteries to consistently hold full battery charging capacity – has been a concern in the early uptake of plug-in electric vehicles. It is really encouraging to see that the major EV components such as the powertrain, outperform petrol and diesel counterparts after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Overall numbers of repairs and the severity and complexity of them are encouragingly low for anyone eyeing up a second-hand EV bargain. Our reliability data index provides the most accurate snapshot of real-world data anywhere in the market and helps to prove that plug-in EVs can be a great used buy. With a Warrantywise plan in place, buyers have complete peace-of-mind against any major mechanical defects for the duration of their plan.
Lawrence Whittaker
Warrantywise CEO

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.

Our latest data shows that used EVs like the Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 are proving more reliable than many petrol and diesel equivalents, with low repair rates and robust powertrains. Even where issues occur, such as with the Tesla Model S, they are typically minor electrical faults rather than costly battery or motor failures. This confirms that second-hand EVs can be a smart, dependable, and future-proof choice for buyers.

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