What are common problems with electric cars? 2024 (Top Issues Revealed)
Common problems with electric cars, such as fire risks, safety concerns, and charger incompatibility, can be challenging for owners. Additionally, electric car insurance can be up to 23% higher than for gas vehicles. Get the right auto insurance to cover potential electric car problems.
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Jimmy McMillan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent insurance brokerage. His company specializes in insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast Modern Li...
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UPDATED: Nov 4, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We partner with top insurance providers. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We partner with top insurance providers. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
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Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, but there are still common problems with electric cars that potential buyers should be aware of. From battery life and charging infrastructure to technology-related concerns, these issues can affect the overall driving experience.
Whether you’re considering your first electric car or looking to upgrade, being informed about these challenges is crucial. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to find affordable auto insurance for electric cars.
Read more: Cheap Auto Insurance Companies
Understanding the most significant problem with electric vehicles is essential for making informed decisions. In this article, we’ll explore these problems with EV cars and provide insights into how to address them effectively.
- Common electric car problems are high costs, limited range, and slow charging
- Issues with electric cars often lead to higher insurance rates
- Compatibility and technology concerns are common challenges for EV owners
Common Problems with Electric Cars
Because of greenhouse gas emissions, there has been an increase in sales of electric cars to help fight against climate change. But, unfortunately, electric cars are new technology, are frequently misunderstood, and may need some tweaking to make them more feasible for the average American driver.
Let’s take a look at some of the problems with electric cars.
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#1: Electric Cars Have Fire Risks
An electric vehicle (EV) battery operates in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 45°C. In contrast, the batteries in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle operate in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 50°C. The lower range in temperatures in an EV makes it more likely that the flammable components will catch gas and electric car fires.
Some manufacturers tried breaking the battery into smaller cells with firewalls, while others tried making batteries with less flammable components. However, no solutions have been entirely risk-free.
In addition to the higher risk of fire, it is also harder to put electric car fires out than in an ICE vehicle since EV batteries are inaccessible to use fire suppressants.
#2: EV Technology Presents Safety Concerns
EVs may be more vulnerable to cyberattacks. While some ICE vehicles also have the technology that makes hacking possible, more EVs are equipped with high-tech key fobs, internet access, and more. Therefore, it’s more likely that a hacked vehicle will be an EV than an ICE vehicle.
Some cars risk data leaks, theft and vandalism, and may even be controlled remotely. As a result, manufacturers have been trying to keep up with software updates to prevent hackers.
#3: Not All EVs Are Compatible With the Same Chargers
While fuel-powered vehicles have universal access at gas stations, EVs do not all use the same types of chargers. For example, while most EVs use the SAE Combined Charging System, Nissan and Mitsubishi use CHAdeMO, and Tesla uses the Tesla Supercharger.
Therefore, when you come across a charging station, you would have to make sure that they have chargers compatible with your vehicle, which creates barriers to access.
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#4: Electric Cars Struggle With Long-Distance Travel
While the range for EVs has improved since manufacturers introduced the first models, one of the problems with electric cars remains the issue of how far they can travel on a charge. Unfortunately, EVs are not known for going as far as ICE vehicles. In addition, AAA auto insurance found that an EV’s range could drop by 41% when temperatures go below 20°F or when you use the heater.
On average, an EV can travel approximately 80-120 miles before recharging. In comparison, an ICE vehicle can travel about 300 miles per tank.
#5: Charging EVs Take Considerable Time
Depending on your EV’s battery capacity and charger speed, charging your electric car can take much longer than the five minutes it takes to fill the gas tank on an ICE vehicle. For example, using a Tesla Supercharger to charge a Tesla Model S could take about an hour, but it could take up to eight hours to charge a Tesla Model S using a standard wall charger. For more information, read our “Tesla Auto Insurance Rates”
Many chargers take at least two hours to charge your vehicle. With that being said, there are some instances in which you could charge your car while doing other tasks. For example, you could charge it overnight at home, or you could use chargers that are available at shopping centers while you’re running errands.
#6: Electric Cars and Charging Stations Come With High Costs
While the cost of an electric car has decreased over the last few years, the average price for an EV is still around $30,000-$40,000. In addition, the materials and processes used to build an EV make them more expensive than other vehicles.
In addition, it can be costly to install electric car chargers. For example, a level two charger can start at $2,500, while a DC fast charger could cost $35,800.
On the other hand, experts suggest that electric car drivers could save between $4,500 and $12,000 in the long run as these drivers won’t have to pay for gas.
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Understanding Cheap Electric Car Insurance and Common EV Problems
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, many drivers are seeking cheap electric car insurance to protect their investments. However, before choosing an electric auto insurance company, it’s essential to consider both the benefits and potential challenges associated with EV ownership.
One of the most common concerns is addressing common EV problems and electric car issues that may arise. These issues range from battery degradation to charging infrastructure limitations. To get the best coverage, it’s advisable to compare electric automobile insurance options and carefully evaluate electric car insurance reviews to find the most suitable policy for your needs.
Selecting the Right Insurance Amidst Electric Car Issues
When exploring electric auto insurance quote options, it’s crucial to understand the problems with electric vehicles that may influence insurance rates.
Issues such as higher repair costs, limited availability of specialized mechanics, and the potential for software glitches are common issues with electric cars that insurers consider.
Common problems with electric cars, such as battery degradation and limited range, are critical issues affecting 25% of EV owners, making informed insurance choices essential.
Melanie Musson Published Insurance Expert
Reading an electric auto insurance review can help you identify the best companies that understand these unique risks and offer competitive pricing. By taking the time to research and compare policies, you can ensure that you’re adequately protected while still securing a cheap electric car insurance policy.
Staying Protected with an Electric Car
One of the best ways to ensure that you’re protected financially with your electric car is to have adequate auto insurance. With new technology, you risk paying for repairs on car parts that manufacturers may not have perfected. Therefore, auto insurance can help cover repair costs.
However, auto insurance rates for electric cars are typically higher than auto insurance for ICE vehicles. Let’s look at the average annual premiums (read our “How does an auto insurance company determine my premium?” for more information) for auto insurance for electric vehicles:
Electric Vehicle Auto Insurance Rates by Make & Model
| Make & Model | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Audi e-tron | $210 |
| Hyundai Ioniq | $149 |
| Fiat 500c | $122 |
| Ford Fusion | $140 |
| Ford Focus | $136 |
| Jaguar I-PACE | $153 |
| smart EQ fortwo prime | $130 |
| smart EQ fortwo pure | $125 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $190 |
| Tesla Model S | $317 |
| Tesla Model X | $277 |
| Toyota Prius | $145 |
Finding an auto insurance company for electric cars is easy since most major auto insurance companies cover EVs, including Allstate, Nationwide, Farmers, USAA, Progressive, and more. Tesla also began offering its own insurance in California and Texas but plans to expand this service to the whole United States.
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If you want to buy auto insurance for electric cars, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to compare auto insurance quotes for electric cars now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest disadvantage of electric cars?
The biggest disadvantage of electric cars is their limited driving range compared to gasoline vehicles. While technology is improving, range anxiety remains a concern for many drivers.
What is negative about electric cars?
Negative aspects of electric cars include higher upfront costs, limited range, longer refueling times, and the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.
What is the problem with electric car batteries?
Electric car batteries can degrade over time, reducing their range and performance. They also involve resource-intensive production processes and raise concerns about recycling.
Read our “Are Tesla batteries prone to catching fire?” to gain further insights.
What are the dangers of electric cars?
Electric cars pose some unique risks, such as battery fires and electric shock hazards. However, they are generally considered safe when proper safety protocols are followed.
Why are electric cars not the future?
Some argue that electric cars may not be the future due to factors like high costs, limited infrastructure, long charging times, and environmental concerns related to battery production.
How long do EV batteries last?
EV batteries typically last between 8 to 15 years, depending on usage, climate, and care. Most manufacturers offer warranties for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
For more information, check our “Cheap Pay-Per-Mile Insurance“.
How long does an electric car motor last?
Electric car motors can last significantly longer than traditional internal combustion engines, often exceeding 15 years with proper maintenance.
Are electric cars better or worse?
Electric cars are generally considered better for the environment due to lower emissions, but they may be worse in terms of range, charging infrastructure, and initial costs.
Do electric cars charge while driving?
Most electric cars do not charge while driving, though some advanced systems use regenerative braking to partially recharge the battery during braking.
To learn more, read our “Anti-Lock Brakes Discount“.
Why are electric cars impractical?
Electric cars can be seen as impractical due to higher initial costs, limited driving range, long charging times, and insufficient charging infrastructure in some areas.
How long does it take to fully charge an electric car?
Charging times vary by vehicle and charger type. On a standard home charger, it can take 8 to 12 hours, while fast chargers can recharge an EV to 80% in about 30 minutes.
What is the lifespan of an electric car?
Electric cars typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, though this can vary based on maintenance, battery health, and technological advancements.
Read our “When is it time for elderly drivers to stop driving?” to gain further insights.
Why is my electric car dying so fast?
If your electric car is dying quickly, it could be due to a degraded battery, driving habits, extreme temperatures, or other technical issues that may need professional inspection.
What happens if EV car battery dies?
If an EV battery dies, the vehicle will become inoperable until the battery is recharged or replaced. Some EVs may also have roadside assistance options.
Do electric cars have 80 more problems?
Electric cars do not necessarily have “80 more problems,” but they do face unique challenges such as battery maintenance, charging infrastructure, and higher initial costs.
How much is insurance for electric cars?
Insurance for electric cars can be higher than for traditional vehicles due to higher repair costs and specialized components. Rates vary based on the vehicle model, location, and your driving history. It’s best to compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate.
What are the common problems with EV cars?
Common problems with electric vehicles (EVs) include limited driving range, longer charging times compared to refueling, higher initial costs, and potential issues with charger compatibility.
For more information, check our “Average Auto Insurance Cost“.
What are the cons of electric vehicles?
The cons of electric vehicles include higher upfront costs, limited range on a single charge, longer recharging times, and the current lack of widespread charging infrastructure.
Can electric cars make you sick?
Electric cars are generally safe and not directly linked to health issues. However, some people may experience discomfort due to the materials used in the car’s interior or in rare cases, electromagnetic fields.
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Jimmy McMillan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent insurance brokerage. His company specializes in insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast Modern Li...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.