EVs struggle with reliability due to charging, battery issues – Consumer Reports survey

Electric Vehicles Face Reliability Issues, According to Consumer Reports Survey

Nov 29 (Reuters) – Electric vehicles continue to grapple with poor reliability due to charging and battery issues, a survey by an influential U.S. non-profit organization showed on Wednesday, even as consumers are buying them at a breakneck pace.

On average, new EVs had 79% more problems than gasoline-powered vehicles, according to Consumer Reports’ 2023 Annual Auto Reliability survey. Hybrid vehicles had fewer issues than gasoline ones, while plug-in hybrids had 146% more problems.

Reliability Rankings by Vehicle Category

• Electric pickups were found to be the least reliable.
• Compact cars, sports cars, and small pickups were among the most reliable.

“For the legacy automakers, (EVs) are really new technologies, so they don’t have a lot of experience with batteries, charging, and motors,” said Jake Fisher, senior director of Auto Testing at Consumer Reports, in an interview with Reuters.

Fisher advised consumers to lease EVs as their technology is still evolving in North America.

Brand Rankings

The survey ranked Tesla (TSLA.O) at 14th place on issues related to its body hardware, paint and trim, and climate system used in its battery-powered vehicles. However, Tesla was the second-best among U.S. automakers, behind General Motors’ (GM.N) Buick, in terms of overall brand reliability.

Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis’ (STLAM.MI) Chrysler brands were ranked 29th and 30th, respectively.

Asian carmakers dominated the top 10 places, with Lexus ranking first and Toyota ranking second in terms of brand reliability.

Survey Methodology

Consumer Reports’ survey covered 20 problem areas, including engine, electric motors, transmission, and in-car electronics. The organization gathered data on more than 330,000 vehicles from the 2000 to 2023 model years, with a few newly introduced 2024 models.

“Even with monumental shifts in the auto marketplace, what matters most to consumers remains the same: finding safe, reliable cars,” said Marta Tellado, President and CEO of Consumer Reports.

Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Shweta Agarwal

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The issues highlighted in the article are related to the reliability of electric vehicles (EVs) due to charging and battery issues. This connects to SDG 9, which focuses on promoting sustainable industrialization, fostering innovation, and building resilient infrastructure. It also relates to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the article mentions that EVs are a new technology, indicating the need for further development and improvement in the industry. This aligns with SDG 13, which addresses climate action and the transition to sustainable energy sources.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article highlights the need to address charging and battery issues in EVs to improve their reliability. This aligns with Target 9.4, which focuses on upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable. The article also mentions the importance of safe and reliable cars for consumers, which connects to Target 11.2, aiming to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. Furthermore, the transition to EVs is part of climate action efforts, linking to Target 13.2, which emphasizes integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emissions per unit of value added
• Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan

The article does not explicitly mention indicators related to the identified targets. However, progress towards Target 9.4 can be measured using Indicator 9.4.1, which tracks CO2 emissions per unit of value added in industries. Indicator 11.2.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 11.2 by assessing the proportion of the population that has convenient access to public transport. Indicator 13.2.1 can measure progress towards Target 13.2 by tracking the number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan for climate change.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: reuters.com

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