Electric cars have fewer moving parts, so they should be more reliable, right? Volkswagen apparently thinks so…
Volkswagen has made a bold statement, claiming that electric vehicles are “much more reliable” than traditional petrol and diesel cars. This comment, made by VW’s sales boss Martin Sander, stirred up quite the debate in the automotive world. He believes EV reliability could be a powerful selling point to get hesitant customers to make the switch. But while Volkswagen is optimistic about its electric future, recent data suggests things might not be as rosy as Sander paints them.
Sander’s confidence comes at a time when VW’s electric models are gaining traction. In Europe, the ID.7 sedan and wagon are already outpacing the Passat in orders. Looking ahead to 2025, Volkswagen expects EVs to account for up to 25% of its sales across the continent. With that kind of growth in mind, VW is pushing hard to expand its electric lineup, including introducing affordable models like the upcoming ID.2, which is expected to cost less than €25,000 ($25,700).
However, not everyone is buying the idea that EVs are more reliable than gas cars. A recent Consumer Reports study in the U.S. shows that EV owners reported 42% more issues than those with petrol or diesel vehicles. While that figure might sound high, it’s actually an improvement from 2023, when EVs had a whopping 79% more problems. The study was based on feedback from around 300,000 car owners and highlighted common issues with EV powertrains, in-car electronics, and accessories.
To make matters worse for Volkswagen, its own ID.4 electric SUV landed on Consumer Reports’ list of least reliable EVs, along with Ford’s F-150 Lightning. Meanwhile, the BMW i4 was praised as the most reliable electric car. Adding to the reliability concerns, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) didn’t fare well either, with owners reporting 70% more issues compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. Despite that, models like the plug-in versions of the Toyota RAV4, Corolla, and Prius stood out as exceptions, being ranked among the most dependable cars overall.
VW’s electric push isn’t slowing down, though. The company has big plans for 2025, including the launch of the ID.2, which Sander has already dubbed a “game changer” for the affordable EV market. There’s also talk of an even cheaper model, the ID.1, which could hit the market by the end of the decade. In Australia, VW fans can soon expect to see the ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs arriving, alongside the ID. Buzz electric vans, with a sporty GTX version set to follow later in the year.
While Volkswagen continues to bet big on electric vehicles, questions remain about whether the company’s reliability claims will hold up. Sure, EVs have fewer moving parts than gas cars, theoretically making them less prone to mechanical failures. But as the data shows, early adopters are still dealing with plenty of issues, especially when it comes to electronics. Whether VW can overcome these growing pains and truly deliver on its promise of reliable EVs remains to be seen. For now, the race is on, and VW is clearly all-in on electrification.
