Are EVs just as reliable as petrol cars as a long-term option for drivers?

According to the new research battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) can match the longevity of traditional petrol and diesel cars and vans, marking a key milestone in the shift toward electric.

Published in Nature Energy, the 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 revealed that, on average, BEVs now have a lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles.

This is more than the traditional petrol car from the same generation.

The researchers analysed nearly 300 million UK Ministry of Transport (MOT) test records spanning from 2005 to 2022, which track the condition and legality of vehicles on the road.

This data helped estimate vehicle lifespans and provide a comprehensive overview of survival rates for different powertrains.

While it was found that early BEVs were less reliable than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), advances in technology have resulted newer BEVs reaching comparable lifespans, even under more demanding conditions.

The study showed that BEVs exhibited the fastest improvement in reliability, with a 12% lower likelihood of failure for each successive year of production.

This is compared to 6.7% for petrol vehicles and 1.9% for diesel vehicles.

The study also highlighted the top-performing brands for vehicle longevity, with Tesla leading the way among BEVs. For petrol and diesel vehicles, Audi and Skoda top the list.

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Co-author of the research, Robert Elliott, Professor of Economics at the University of Birmingham, commented: "BEVs offer significant environmental benefits, especially as Europe switches to a more renewable energy mix.

“Despite higher initial emissions from production, a long-lasting electric vehicle can quickly offset its carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change - making them a more sustainable long-term option.

"Our findings offer consumers reliable data to make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases, whilst policymakers can use our insights to shape regulations and incentives that promote the adoption of durable and environmentally friendly vehicles and plan ahead their end-of-life treatment."

Fellow co-author Dr Viet Nguyen-Tien, from the LSE, commented: “Our findings provide critical insights into the lifespan and environmental impact of electric vehicles.

“No longer just a niche option, BEVs are a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles - a significant step towards achieving a net-zero carbon future.”