Electric vehicles (EVs) have been gaining momentum in the last few years and it is no surprise that they have become a popular choice among drivers. According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), sales of electric vehicles reached their largest-ever monthly market share in December 2022, accounting for almost a third of all new cars sold. And it’s easy to see why, they are kinder to the environment, lower fuel costs, are quieter than petrol cars and offer the very latest technology.
According to a recent survey of 13,062 motorists by car insurance company AA, six in 10 (62%) drivers say helping the environment would be their top reason for buying an electric vehicle. This rises to over 70% amongst the 18–24-year-old drivers. AA’s CEO Jakob Pfaudler said: “While there are many good reasons for wanting an EV, it is good to see that ‘helping the environment’ is top of the tree.
“Drivers aren’t fickle and don’t want an EV as a status symbol just because it has a green number plate, but they want one for good environmental and financial reasons, to help the environment but also to cut running costs. We expect that the current record fuel prices will only increase drivers’ interest in going electric.”
Despite EVs becoming increasingly commonplace, there are still some issues that need to be addressed before they can truly become a viable option for everyone.
One of the main concerns with electric cars is ‘range anxiety’ – how far can you go before needing to recharge? This issue has been tackled in a number of ways over the past few years, including more efficient batteries and improved charging infrastructure. Most EVs now offer a range of up to 300 miles (480 km) on a single charge, which should be enough for most drivers’ needs. Yet deep concerns around enough public charging infrastructure are still concerning motorists.
The UK's Climate Change Committee states that 1,170 charging stations will be needed for every 100 km by 2030. At the current growth rate, only a quarter of the expected total number of public charging stations will be realised by 2032. The slow creation of charging points is reportedly partly due to a global shortage of essential EV charger components and also precious metals, such as lithium.
The cost of electric cars continues to be a major issue too. Although prices have come down significantly over the last few years due to advancements in battery technology, EV cars are still more expensive than traditional petrol-powered vehicles. This makes it difficult for many people to switch from petrol to electric since the upfront costs are often too high.
Another major issue facing electric car owners is a lack of knowledge about how their vehicle works and how best to use it. While this may not seem significant at first glance, it can lead to costly mistakes such as overcharging, overusing quick charge and not balancing the battery.
The increase in sales of electric vehicles is promising but there are still some big obstacles to overcome. Until the infrastructure is in place to support charging stations, range anxiety will continue to be a problem and until more people feel confident that they can recharge their cars when they need to, electric vehicle sales will remain slower than first predicted. The hope is that, as the technology improves and becomes more affordable, even more consumers will make the switch to electric vehicles.
The technology for electric vehicles is improving all the time, yet still has a long way to go. From battery issues to software and electronic problems, there are a variety of potential problems that are arising with electric vehicles.
In a survey by consumer testing site Which, it was found EVs are the least reliable fuel type and spend longer off the road than other cars when they need repairs. It reported that of cars up to four years old, nearly one in three (31%) EV owners reported one fault or more, compared to less than one in five (19%) petrol cars. Owners of those faulty electric cars then went an average of just over five days without the use of their car while it was being fixed, compared to just three days for petrol cars.
It’s important to note that the specific problems that an EV may experience can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as on other factors such as the age of the vehicle and the driving conditions it has been exposed to. Yet, some of the most common issues include:
Batteries are one of the most important components of an EV and they can sometimes experience problems such as reduced capacity or failure. Batteries can fail due to age, overuse, or even weather conditions. It is important to pay attention to how often an EV is being used and how much charge it has left in order to prevent battery-related issues from arising. If the battery does fail, it will need to be replaced or repaired by a qualified vehicle technician before it can be driven again.
EVs need to be charged regularly in order for them to operate correctly, and this means adequate access to reliable charging infrastructure when out and about is paramount. Charging stations are becoming more commonplace but there are still some areas in which they are not available, which can lead to charging issues if you cannot find a charging station when you need one. Additionally, problems with the charging system itself or with the infrastructure can also lead to difficulties keeping an EV charged up.
Like any other vehicle, EVs may experience motor or transmission problems from time to time. These components may fail due to wear and tear over time or due to improper maintenance practices on the part of the owner. It is important to keep up with regular maintenance of EVs in order to prevent these types of problems from occurring. If motor or transmission issues do occur, it is best to take the car into a vehicle technician as these components are complex and require specialised tools and knowledge for proper repair work.
Finally, EVs rely on complex electronic systems in order to function properly and these systems can sometimes experience issues as well. Common electronics-related issues include faulty sensors and wiring problems both of which can cause difficulty operating the vehicle safely and efficiently.
With the UK Government banning the sale of new petrol or diesel cars from 2030 and plug-in hybrids from 2035, sales of EVs will accelerate over the next few years and vehicle technicians that can navigate their way around them will be worth their weight in gold.
Autotech Training offers four levels of electric/hybrid vehicle training designed to reflect the changing nature of the automotive industry. Every course is IMI accredited:
Level 1 - Simple awareness training which provides a basic understanding of electric vehicles and the safety requirements when working within the vicinity of an EV.
Level 2 - Designed for those who will encounter electric/hybrid vehicles within a routine maintenance situation. It also contains the knowledge and skills required to work safely around a vehicle that may have had damage to its high energy/electrical system.
Level 3 - Equips you with the knowledge to work safely on and carry out repairs and maintenance activities on an EV.
Level 4 - Teaches you how to carry out repairs on live, high voltage vehicles and focuses on in-depth diagnostic of the systems within an EV.
Not every business's requirements fit into the ‘one course fits all’ model, but Autotech Training can help customer’s find a cost-effective solution to suit their exact needs.
There is no doubt that electric vehicles have grown significantly in popularity over the past few years but there are still some issues that need to be addressed before they can truly become mainstream options for everyone.
EVs offer many benefits over traditional petrol powered vehicles including improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, but they also come with their own set of potential issues that drivers should be aware of before making their purchase decision.
Overall, 2022 saw significant progress towards addressing many common EV car issues, but there is still plenty more work left to do. With the right investments, it's not hard to imagine a future where electric vehicles are the norm rather than the exception and Autotech Training will continue to adapt its offering to reflect the changing industry.
