Five most common complaints about EVs and how you can fix them, according to car experts

CAR experts has revealed the most common complaints about electric vehicles (EVs) and how you can fix them.

Electric cars have been growing in popularity, especially with a ban on new petrol and diesel models coming into force in 2030, but drivers have raised some concerns over the transition.

An AA survey of over 13,000 motorists last year found that 62% cited environmental concerns as their chief reason for buying an EV, but the technology has come at a cost.

First of all, charging issues have been known to blight owners, especially as the infrastructure isn't yet in place in the same way that petrol stations are.

Writing for , Martyn James said: "The fear of being left with a flat battery and no assistance is one of the main concerns about buying an EV that people have raised with me."

New data has revealed that the number of charging points has increased rapidly in recent months, but some parts of the country are yet to be brought onto the grid.

Indeed, large areas of Somerset, Cumbria and Yorkshire are complete blackspots for EV charging.

This means that drivers in those areas have to rely on home charging points, which can be expensive to install and run.

That runs into the next major EV complaint: running costs.

Energy bills have spiked in the past year amid rampant inflation and the war in Ukraine, making it more expensive than ever to own an EV.

While costs are comparable to many traditional cars, the initial purchase price is often higher, while owners also need to account for things like installing a home charging point.

Experts from said: "The cost of electric cars continues to be a major issue.

"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."

Thirdly, there have been reports of technical and performance problems, especially as EV tech continues to evolve.

Autotech added: "From battery issues to software and electronic problems, there are a variety of potential problems that are arising with electric vehicles.

"Batteries can fail due to age, overuse, or even weather conditions."

Meanwhile, Martyn recalled: "I’ve heard from a number of people who have argued that their battery isn’t delivering as promised or their top-of-the-range vehicle is full of digital glitches."

Not only that, but there are fewer mechanics specialising in electric cars than traditional models making them harder or more costly to fix if they do go wrong.

The fourth issue raised was the depreciation of EVs, making them less attractive to first-time owners.

Phong Ly, CEO of iSeeCars told : "Categorically, electric vehicles depreciate more than the average vehicle.

"Because the technology of EVs changes at a rapid pace, obsolescence also plays a role in their dramatic depreciation as well as consumer range anxiety and lack of public charging infrastructure."

However, this does mean that drivers willing to accept older tech could see bargain opportunities on the second-hand market.

Finally, relating to affordability, the tax system around electric cars can be complicated.

In the UK, EVs are exempt from road tax as well as London's ULEZ and Congestion charges.

Unfortunately, the exemptions for both road tax and the Congestion charge are ending in 2025, the former in April and the latter in December.

The Government also shut down a grant scheme last year that contributed towards the cost of purchasing a new plug-in electric or hybrid car.

This has meant that many of the benefits that offset the upfront cost of buying electric are being phased out, making them less attractive to drivers.

It comes after an urgent warning was issued over EVs after a serious problem with their security was revealed.

Meanwhile, a motors expert found himself trapped in the middle of the night while testing out the EVs with the longest stated ranges in the UK.