WSG finds 23-fold difference in EV reliability, led by Renault Zoe

Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) has identified a 23-fold difference in warranty claim rates between the most and least reliable electric vehicle (EV) models, with the Renault Zoe being the most reliable.

The study found that battery repairs accounted for 2.14% of all EV warranty claims, with central locking systems being the most common single fault, at 4.29% of all claims.

Other common EV issues included charging flap actuator faults (3.57% of all claims) and lower suspension arms (2.86%).

All three of these claims had an average repair cost between £300 and £400.

Across all EV warranty claims, 29% of repair bills were made up of labour costs.

With a claim rate of 1.49%, the Renault Zoe was 23 times more reliable than the Tesla Model S, which had the highest claim rate of any EV, at 34.78%.

On average, warranty pay-outs on the Zoe were £130.44, the second-lowest of any car in the report, behind the MG ZS EV, for which the average claim was £73.01.

The ZS also had the third-lowest claim rate, at 2.33%. In second place was the BMW i3, with a claim rate of 2.17% and an average claim value of £261.32.

In fourth place was the Nissan Leaf, with a claim rate of 2.42%, ahead of the fifth-place Tesla Model Y, which WSG recorded a 3.33% claim rate for.

WSG found a divide in reliability among Tesla models, with the Model S being least reliable and the Model X being the third least-reliable of all cars in the report, despite the Model Y being one of the most reliable EVs.

Between the Model S and Model X was the Mercedes-Benz EQV, which had a claim rate of 33.33%.

2,500 real-world EV warranty claims were analysed for the report.

Dennis Brett, claims director at Warranty Solutions Group, said: “Perhaps the most significant finding from our inaugural EV Market View Report is the scale of the difference between individual models.

“The Renault Zoe recorded a warranty claim rate of just 1.49%, while the Tesla Model S exceeded 34%, meaning it generated warranty claims at a rate more than 23 times higher.

“That demonstrates why the industry should no longer think about EV reliability as a single measure. Every model has its own ownership profile, repair trends and risk factors.

“The encouraging news is that many EVs are proving exceptionally dependable. As the used EV market continues to mature, combining real-world claims data with industry insight gives retailers a clearer understanding of where the market is heading and helps build confidence in used electric vehicles across the sector.

“There remains a misconception that battery degradation is the biggest ownership risk with used EVs, but our claims data paints a much more balanced picture.

“While battery-related repairs accounted for just 2.14% of claims, we’re increasingly seeing repairs involving charging systems, electrical components, sensors and vehicle electronics.

“In many cases, these faults can be just as disruptive for owners and, because they require specialist diagnostics, parts and technical expertise, they can also be expensive to repair.

“One of the key messages from our research is that the industry should look beyond headline figures such as battery range or purchase price.

“Understanding how individual models perform in the real world, the types of repairs they are likely to require, and the potential cost of those repairs provides a much clearer picture of long-term ownership and vehicle risk.

“EVs have matured enormously over the past decade and many are proving exceptionally reliable. However, our data also shows that reliability can vary significantly between individual models.”

Mercedes-Benz and Tesla were approached for comment.