One of the most prevalent claims made by advocates of electric vehicles (EVs) is that they require less maintenance and are more cost-effective to operate than traditional gasoline vehicles. However, the latest 2024 Initial Quality Study conducted by J.D. Power suggests that EV owners actually report more problems than those who own gasoline-powered vehicles.
J.D. Power rates vehicles based on the number of reported issues per 100 units (PP100). In the most recent study, gas and diesel vehicles averaged 180 PP100, while EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) averaged 266 PP100. Even Tesla, a prominent player in the EV market, did not fare well in this year’s study, with customers reporting issues such as unconventional turn signals and wiper controls.
In terms of brand rankings for initial quality, Ram secured the top spot overall, while Porsche was recognized as the top luxury brand.
It is worth noting that electric vehicles often come equipped with more advanced technological features compared to gasoline models. This can lead to a more complex ownership experience, as EVs reported a higher number of in-vehicle technology problems, such as issues with controls, infotainment systems, and more.
Both gas and electric vehicle owners faced challenges with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including false alerts that can be irritating and stressful for drivers. Rear-seat reminders, designed to prompt drivers to check for passengers, pets, or items in the back seat, added 1.7 PP100 to overall vehicle scores in the survey. Some owners even mistakenly believed these reminders were related to seatbelt usage, rather than back-seat occupants.
Furthermore, popular features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ranked among the top 10 problems reported by new vehicle owners. Difficulties connecting or maintaining connections with smartphones proved to be a significant issue for users of these technologies, especially considering the high usage rates among Apple and Samsung users.
While the study highlights that EVs are not without their challenges, it is important to note that the electric powertrain itself may not be the root cause of these issues. Automakers often incorporate cutting-edge technology and innovative designs into electric models to enhance their futuristic appeal, which can inadvertently complicate the ownership experience. This trend towards tech-heavy vehicles shows no sign of slowing down, but the findings of the J.D. Power study suggest that automakers may benefit from a more measured approach to technological integration in their vehicles.
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