Avoid These Electric Vehicles Warns Consumer Reports

According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, just because an electric car is new and has all of the latest features, does not guarantee that it is dependable.

Not All EVs are Created Equal

“EVs aren’t immune from having an uncomfortable ride, maddening controls, or being so problematic that you become overly friendly with the local service department,” states CR automotive experts.

“That’s why it’s important to approach each new-car shopping experience with an open mind and use CR’s ratings to find the best-performing vehicles in the class and price range you’re considering. Our testing shows that some new cars outperform others you see on the road everywhere you go.”

Because repair costs are significantly higher for both parts and labor, reliability is an even more crucial factor towards making a new car buying decision. Fortunately, the 2024 EV models have been out long enough for consumers to find useful reviews that point to problem cars.

 Which EVs Are Better Than Other EVs?

As such, to help consumers make informed new electric car buying decisions, CR analysts not only focus on data from their Annual Auto Surveys from customers who own EVs, but also perform road tests to create their listing of rated and ranked EVs that reveal which are winners and which are losers for new EV shoppers.

The following (in five popular categories) are those they recommend you should avoid and those that make good alternative choices based on their reliability ratings and Overall scores.

Electric Vehicles to Avoid and the EVs to Get Instead

Electric Car to Avoid

Price Range:  $28,140 – $36,190

CR MPGE:  Overall 104 / City 114 / Hwy 94 mpge

#4 of 13 Electric cars

Electric Car to Get Instead

Price Range:  $39,600 – $44,600

CR MPGE:  Overall 113 / City 126 / Hwy 101 mpge

#2 of 13 Electric cars

Luxury Electric Car to Avoid

Price Range:  $49,900 – $63,000

CR MPGE:  Overall 106 / City 112 / Hwy 100 mpge

#7 of 12 Electric luxury cars

Luxury Electric Car to Get Instead

Price Range:  $52,200 – $69,700

CR MPGE:  Overall 96 / City 94 / Hwy 98 mpge

#1 of 12 Electric luxury cars

Two-Row Electric SUV to Avoid

Price Range:  $39,735 – $57,055

CR MPGE:  Overall 102 / City 108 / Hwy 96 mpge

#7 of 14 Electric SUVs

Two-Row Electric SUV to Get Instead

Price Range:  $42,600 – $61,600

CR MPGE:  Overall 105 / City 116 / Hwy 94 mpge

#1 of 14 Electric SUVs

Three-Row Electric SUV to Avoid

Price Range:  $74,900 – $99,000

CR MPGE:  Overall 69 / City 73 / Hwy 65 mpge

#4 of 8 Electric SUVs 3-row

Three-Row Electric SUV to Get Instead

Price Range:  $54,900 – $73,900

CR MPGE:  Overall 83 / City 91 / Hwy 75 mpge

#1 of 8 Electric SUVs 3-row

Luxury Electric SUV to Avoid

• Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 2024

Price Range:  $77,900 – $109,300

CR MPGE:  Overall 81 / City 82 / Hwy 79 mpge

#9 of 2 Electric luxury SUVs

Luxury Electric SUV to Get Instead

Price Range:  $87,100 – $111,500

CR MPGE:  Overall 86 / City 86 / Hwy 87 mpge

#1 of 21 Electric luxury SUVs

For more advice about smart shopping for your next new or used electric car or electric truck, here are three selected articles to help you find the right vehicle to fit your needs:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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