Electric car myth: Used electric cars are unreliable

Many people believe that used electric cars are unreliable or break down quickly. The truth? The opposite is true.

Electric cars are technically much simpler than petrol or diesel cars – they have fewer moving parts, no oil changes, no clutch and no exhaust. And that's exactly what makes them more reliable, durable and cheaper to maintain.

In this chapter, you will find out why this is the case – and why a used electric car is particularly worthwhile.

• Myth 4: Used electric cars are unreliable and break down quickly.

• Used electric cars are more reliable than petrol and diesel cars

• Why are used electric cars more reliable than combustion engines?

• Which parts that are susceptible to wear and tear in petrol and diesel cars are not found in electric cars?

• Summary: Used electric cars are reliable and low-maintenance

Myth 4: Used electric cars are unreliable and break down quickly.

In short:

• Used electric cars are more reliable than used petrol and diesel cars.
• Used electric cars are cheaper to maintain.
• An electric car has 90% fewer parts in its drive system. This means that there is less that can break down.
• No timing belt. No exhaust. No clutch. No oil. These parts do not exist in electric cars and therefore do not incur any costs.
• Even the brakes wear out more slowly because they are used less thanks to recuperation.

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Used electric cars are more reliable than petrol and diesel cars

Electric cars, whether new or used, are more reliable than combustion engines. Period.

So why do many people think that electric cars are unreliable? The origin can be found in the media narrative.

As a thought experiment: every time a plane crashes, it is widely reported. Car accidents are hardly ever reported. Therefore, one might think that flying is unsafe, but that hardly anything happens when driving a car.

‘Electric cars are a relatively new technology and are therefore more in the public eye than combustion engines. This increased attention means that recalls or technical problems with electric cars often receive more attention.’

The situation is similar with electric cars. Technical defects and recalls are widely publicised, but in reality they are proportionally rare. However, there is little reporting on problems with petrol cars, even though recalls are constantly happening and technical problems are being discovered. This distorted reporting creates a bias and scepticism towards electric cars and used electric cars that does not correspond to reality.

Why are used electric cars more reliable than combustion engines?

The answer is quite simple and logical: an electric car has 90% fewer parts that move and wear out in the drive system. This means there are 90% fewer things that can break or need to be replaced due to wear and tear.

An electric motor is technically quite simple and consists of only around 200 components. Petrol or diesel engines, on the other hand, are mechanical marvels with up to 2,000 parts, but they are also more prone to faults or wear and tear. This is why combustion engines require more maintenance.

"Electric cars are more reliable than combustion engines. Fact. Because they have fewer parts that can break down. There are no timing belts, clutches or exhaust systems, so they never need to be replaced or repaired."

This is where electric cars have the advantage. Less mechanical complexity pays off for you. Fewer parts, fewer visits to the garage, lower costs for you. And it stays that way for hundreds of thousands of kilometres.

It is not without reason that public transport is mostly electric. Trams, trains and buses have been running on electricity for decades, and not (only) for environmental reasons. With an electric motor, they require less maintenance. For example, an ICE train covers around 500,000 kilometres a year, but only needs to be serviced once a year. In contrast, a diesel locomotive requires minor wear and tear repairs after just 10,000 kilometres.

Which parts that are susceptible to wear and tear in petrol and diesel cars are not found in electric cars?

Don't worry, we're not going to go through all 1,800 moving parts that are not found in electric cars. But the most important parts that incur maintenance or repair costs (due to normal wear and tear or damage) are:

• Oil change + oil filter
• Spark plugs
• Air filter + injection system
• Exhaust and catalytic converter
• Clutch
• Timing belt and V-belt

None of these parts exist in an electric drive system. This is particularly good news if you are considering buying a used electric car. This is because the usual concerns about longevity that you have with a used car with a petrol or diesel engine are unnecessary with an electric car.

With Gowago, you drive a better used electric car

We are fed up with half-truths and lack of transparency when it comes to used cars – especially used electric cars. That's why we give you full transparency. With a Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Electric Car, you ALWAYS get a tested car with a battery certificate and at least a 12-month warranty. The battery and drive system come with a minimum 3-year warranty on exclusive offers. Wow.

Discover Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Electric Cars

Summary: Used electric cars are reliable and low-maintenance

Electric cars are technically simpler in design, have up to 90% fewer parts in the drive system and therefore fewer potential sources of faults. While combustion engines regularly need timing belts, exhaust systems or oil changes, this effort is completely eliminated with electric cars. Even the brakes last longer because recuperation protects them. A used electric car means fewer visits to the garage, lower costs and worry-free driving – even after many kilometres.

Let's debunk the other myths! Let's go.

That was just one of many myths surrounding used electric cars.
There are several other preconceptions that persist – but have little to do with the facts. Discover the other myths now and find out why a used electric car is often the better choice.

To the overview of electric car myths