Are electric cars more reliable than petrol cars?

Electric cars are often described as simpler, cleaner and easier to live with than petrol or diesel vehicles. But when it comes to reliability, the reality is a bit more nuanced.

In many ways, electric vehicles (EVs) are more dependable day to day. They have fewer moving parts, require less routine maintenance and are less prone to certain types of mechanical failure. At the same time, when things do go wrong, they can be more complex and expensive to repair.

Understanding that balance is key if you’re deciding whether an electric car is right for you. 

How reliable are electric cars in real-world use? 

Reliability can mean different things depending on how you look at it. For some drivers, it’s about how often a car breaks down. For others, it’s about long-term durability, repair costs or how well a vehicle performs over years of ownership. 

EVs tend to perform well in terms of day-to-day reliability. With no engine oil, no clutch and far fewer mechanical systems, there’s simply less that can wear out or fail in normal driving. That often translates into fewer routine issues and less time spent in the garage. 

However, reliability doesn’t mean risk-free. EVs shift the focus from mechanical wear to electronics, software and battery health. Those systems are generally robust, but when faults do occur, they can be more specialised to diagnose and fix.

Electric cars vs petrol cars: what actually breaks? 

Fewer moving parts in electric vehicles 

One of the biggest advantages of electric cars is their simplicity. A petrol or diesel engine contains hundreds of moving components, many of which are subject to heat, friction and gradual wear. 

Electric drivetrains are far simpler. There’s no gearbox in the traditional sense, no exhaust system and no complex fuel delivery system. That reduction in mechanical complexity is a big reason why EVs are often seen as more reliable. 

Common failure points in petrol cars

Petrol and diesel cars have well-known weak points over time. Timing belts, clutches, gearboxes and emissions systems all require maintenance and can fail, particularly as mileage increases. 

These are the kinds of issues that EVs largely avoid altogether. 

What can go wrong in an electric car

EVs have their own set of risks. Most are linked to electronics rather than mechanics. Software glitches, sensor failures or charging system issues can all cause problems, although they’re often less frequent than traditional engine faults. 

The biggest concern for many drivers is the battery, which is both the most expensive component and the one most closely associated with long-term reliability. 

Do electric cars break down less often? 

In general, EVs are less likely to suffer traditional roadside breakdowns. Without an engine to overheat or a clutch to fail, many of the common causes of breakdowns simply don’t apply. 

That said, EVs can still leave you stranded. Running out of charge is the obvious example, and while it’s not a mechanical fault, it still requires assistance. 

NFU Mutual’s car insurance includes breakdown cover by RAC as standard for cars, with support tailored to electric car ownership.

If you do run out of charge, the RAC’s EV Boost vans can give you up to 10 miles of power, helping you reach a suitable charging point or arranging recovery (up to 20 miles) where needed. You’ll just pay for the electricity provided, in the same way you would pay for fuel if you ran out.

The nature of breakdowns is changing, but the need for support hasn’t gone away.

Battery reliability: the biggest question

How long do electric car batteries last?

Most modern EV batteries are designed to last well over 100,000 miles, with many manufacturers offering warranties of around eight years. In practice, many last significantly longer. 

What is battery degradation? 

Over time, all batteries lose some capacity. This is known as degradation. It doesn’t usually mean sudden failure, but rather a gradual reduction in range. 

For most drivers, this happens slowly enough that it doesn’t significantly affect day-to-day use. 

How often do EV batteries fail? 

Complete battery failure is rare, but it does happen. When it does, it can be expensive due to the cost of replacement.

That’s why it’s important to understand what your insurance covers. NFU Mutual’s car insurance includes cover for the EV battery against risks such as accidental damage, fire and theft, whether it’s owned or leased.

What happens if a battery is damaged?

If a battery is damaged in an accident, insurers will assess whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Because batteries are high-value components, this can sometimes lead to vehicles being written off even after relatively minor incidents. 

This isn’t about reliability in the traditional sense, but it does affect the overall ownership experience.

Are electric cars cheaper to maintain over time? 

Lower routine maintenance 

EVs typically require less routine maintenance than petrol vehicles. There’s no need for oil changes, fewer fluids to manage and fewer parts that wear out through normal use. 

This can make them cheaper and simpler to maintain over time. 

Tyres, brakes and wear items 

EVs are often heavier than petrol cars, which can lead to increased tyre wear. On the other hand, regenerative braking reduces the strain on brake components, meaning brake pads and discs can last longer. 

Servicing differences between EVs and petrol cars 

Servicing an EV is usually more about inspections and software updates than replacing worn mechanical parts. That changes the nature of maintenance rather than eliminating it entirely.

Repair challenges: where EVs can be less convenient 

Specialist repair networks 

EVs require trained technicians and specialist equipment. While this is improving, there are still fewer garages equipped to handle EV repairs compared to traditional vehicles. 

Parts availability and repair times 

Some EV components, particularly batteries and electronic systems, can take longer to source. That can extend repair times after an accident. 

Why some EVs are written off more easily 

Because key components are expensive, insurers may decide it’s not economical to repair a vehicle even if the visible damage appears limited. This is one of the reasons EV insurance can differ from petrol car cover.

What to look for in an EV insurance policy 

EV insurance often includes features designed specifically for EV ownership. With NFU Mutual, this includes cover for the battery and charging equipment such as cables, home wall boxes and adapters, alongside the same comprehensive protection you’d expect for a petrol or diesel car.  

NFU Mutual’s car insurance includes RAC breakdown cover as standard for electric cars. This includes assistance if you run out of charge. The RAC’s EV Boost vans can give you up to 10 miles of power, helping you reach a suitable charging point or arranging recovery (up to 20 miles) where needed. This applies to electric cars only. Electric vans and other EV types may require different cover.

These features are designed to reflect the different risks and realities of owning an electric car.

Are electric cars becoming more reliable? 

EV technology is still evolving, and reliability is improving as manufacturers gain more real-world data.

Battery technology is becoming more durable, thermal management systems are improving and repair networks are expanding. As more EVs are sold, the infrastructure to support them continues to grow.

In many ways, we’re still early in the lifecycle of electric vehicles, but the direction of travel is clear.

Key questions to decide if an EV is right for you 

How long you plan to keep the car matters, particularly when thinking about battery lifespan and long-term value. 

Access to reliable charging is also key, as it affects both convenience and the likelihood of running into issues on longer journeys. 

Finally, it’s worth considering your comfort with newer technology. Electric cars are different to drive, maintain and repair, and that shift won’t suit everyone.

Final verdict: are electric cars reliable enough? 

For most drivers, EVs are often more dependable in everyday use than petrol or diesel alternatives.

They avoid many of the traditional mechanical problems that affect combustion engines and offer a simpler ownership experience in many respects. 

The trade-off is that when things do go wrong, they can be more complex and costly to fix. That’s why understanding both reliability and insurance cover is important. 

With the right policy in place, and a clear understanding of how EVs behave over time, they represent a practical and increasingly dependable option for UK drivers.