Although electric vehicles have existed for some time, they gained widespread popularity when Tesla turned them from specialty items into sought-after mainstream cars. Nevertheless, an environmentally friendly electric vehicle isn’t necessarily a wise buy every single time. money Some electric vehicles have significant drawbacks that might turn into a hassle when driving.
To gain insight from an expert, SolusiKaki.com spoke with Mateo, a seasoned car mechanic with more than ten years of experience. Below are five electric vehicles (EVs) he would avoid purchasing along with his reasons.
President Trump also stated his desire to terminate the EV tax incentive. -- this is sure to affect EV owners' finances.
Learn More: Costco’s Latest Benefit Might Lead to Fuel Savings for Electric Vehicle Owners
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Generating extra money can easily be manageable. You can begin this week.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf from 2011 to 2017 was among the initial popular electric vehicles; however, Mateo cautions that these earlier versions suffer from a significant problem—their batteries tend to deteriorate rapidly.
These initial versions of the Leaf lack an active thermal management system for the battery, leading them to lose range more quickly compared to other electric vehicles," he clarified. "Owners have reported that their car’s range can be reduced by half after just a few years.
Additionally, since replacing the battery in a Leaf can be extremely expensive, costing several thousand dollars, it might not be the best option if you're seeking an electric car that will remain practical and affordable over many years.
Check Out: 6 Hybrid Cars You Should Avoid Purchasing
Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt EV (2017 through 2022) is an electric car that numerous individuals choose due to its affordability; however, it does have certain hazardous battery problems.
The main issue I've encountered with the Chevy Bolt EV is the battery recall," stated Mateo. "Several instances have occurred where these vehicles caught fire because of defective battery packs.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration In 2021, every Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle was recalled because there was a potential for the high-voltage battery pack to catch fire.
Tesla Model S
Tesla is among the leading brands in the electric vehicle sector; however, not every model offers good value for money. As Mateo points out, the initial iterations of the Model S from 2012 through 2016 have significant issues related to upkeep and repairs.
The original Model S faces numerous issues such as faulty door handles and touch screen malfunctions," he stated. "However, the most significant troubles lie within the air suspension and powertrain problems, which tend to come with exorbitant repair costs.
If you're set on purchasing a Tesla, Mateo suggested opting for more recent models as they typically boast superior craftsmanship and dependability.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 from 2014 through 2021 was promoted as a forward-thinking and small electric vehicle, however, Mateo thinks it ranks among the least desirable electric cars to purchase.
The i3 features a comparatively compact battery with restricted driving distance. Additionally, the upkeep expenses tend to be steep due to extensive use of carbon fiber in its build," he clarified. "Furthermore, BMW’s components and service prices aren't inexpensive.
Unless you're planning to use a car solely for short trips and aren't concerned about hefty repair expenses, Mateo recommended steering clear of this option.
Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace from 2019 onwards is marketed as a premium electric vehicle offering superior performance, hence its higher price point. However, Mateo feels that investing over $70k in this model isn’t justified due to certain reliability issues.
This vehicle has experienced software bugs, charging difficulties, and battery troubles," he stated. "It becomes a disaster regarding maintenance since Jaguar dealerships do not consistently stock the appropriate components or employ staff skilled in electric vehicles.
Moreover, the I-Pace's resale value has significantly decreased, indicating potential substantial financial loss over time.
Mateo stated, “While electric vehicle technology is advancing, not all cars are prudent investments.” Should you be considering purchasing one, ensure you thoroughly investigate each model’s dependability, battery efficiency, and maintenance expenses prior to buying.
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The piece initially surfaced on solusikaki.com : I'm an Auto Technician: 5 Electric Cars I'd Avoid and The Reasons They Don't Make Sense Financially