If you’re yet to decide if EVs are for you, there might be a few common questions you’re looking for answers to before making the switch. From key differences between petrol and electric to how reliable EVs actually are, we’ve got you covered.
In this article:
Key differences between electric and petrol cars
Electric cars are made up of much fewer parts than petrol or diesel cars, thanks to having no engine. Going electric removes the need to replace parts like the clutch or engine oil.
A petrol car works using an internal combustion engine (ICE), which sends power to the wheels through a gearbox. The petrol or diesel is converted into energy to power the car, and the driver needs to rev the engine to access all the car’s power and torque with the gearbox, enabling a range of speeds.
An EV operates without an engine and uses electricity rather than fuel to power the car, with all torque available immediately. Unlike a car with an engine, an electric car releases zero emissions and is much cheaper to run in the long term thanks to low charging tariffs and lower maintenance costs.
Common reliability concerns with electric cars
- Do EVs break down more often than petrol cars?
Smart Rescue reports that electric cars are 59% less likely to require breakdown assistance compared to cars with an engine. The engine in a petrol car has over 200 parts, whereas an electric car has no engine and the system used to power the car has about 20 parts. Fewer parts at risk of failing means less maintenance and less chance of call-out costs. - Are electric car batteries long-lasting?
If you continue to look after your car battery, then yes, it will last. There are two types of EV battery ageing – calendar and cyclic. Calendar ageing is an inevitable degradation of the car battery over time as its capacity to hold power reduces. Cyclic ageing is a result of not charging your battery in the most efficient way. By speaking to your EV dealership or a specialist EV charging point electrician, you can make sure you’re charging your car in the safest, most efficient way possible and maintaining the life of the battery itself for as long as possible. Many car manufacturers also offer long car battery warranties, so new EV drivers can have peace of mind that if they need any extra support as they get to grips with a new driving routine, it’s there. - Is maintaining an EV more expensive than a petrol car?
Electric cars require a different kind of servicing and maintenance to petrol or diesel cars. Due to fewer parts within the EV’s drivetrain compared to an internal combustion engine, maintaining an electric car is much easier and cheaper.
Long-term reliability of an electric car
Like any car, maintenance is key to keeping your EV on the road for as long as possible. Although it’s recommended you have your car serviced as frequently as a petrol or diesel car, fewer parts mean checks will be quicker and fewer repairs will be needed to keep you up and running.
Nature Energy also reported that research teams from the University of Birmingham, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of California San Diego and University of Bern in Switzerland had confirmed that battery powered electric vehicles now have an average lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles.
When it comes to car batteries, the industry has reported less than 0.5% failure rate since 2016. A recent study also found that 97.5% of EVs still function using their original batteries, with the replacement rate under 1% from EVs manufactured since 2016. The technology used to design and create car batteries continues to evolve year on year, and thus batteries are only becoming more reliable.
How reliability compares in everyday use
- Tyre pressure
EVs can be heavier than cars with an engine due to the weight of the battery – this can increase wear and tear on the tyres over time, but can be minimised by regular checks from the driver. - Coolant
Coolant is used to manage the temperature of the battery and will need topping up sometimes according to your owner’s manual – this should only be done by a qualified technician. - Oil
No oil changes, spark plugs or timing belt changes are needed, but the oil inside the reduction gear boxes will need to be changed occasionally. - Brakes
As well as conventional brakes, EVs use regenerative braking, which directs lost energy from slowing down back to the battery. Every now and then brake fluid, pads and discs might need replacing.
The final charge
- Fewer parts mean fewer problems – electric cars have far fewer moving components, reducing the chances of mechanical failure.
- EV servicing is simpler – with no oil changes or complex engine systems, servicing and maintenance routines are straightforward and often more affordable over time.
- Batteries built to last – modern battery technology continues to improve, supported by the reassurance of long warranties.
- In many ways, a car is still a car – whether ICE or EV, tyres, brakes and cooling systems still need attention.
- A dependable and green choice – electric cars are a reliable, practical option for daily life, with the added benefit of lower emissions.
