Battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) have reached a new milestone, now rivaling traditional petrol and diesel cars in both reliability and longevity, according to a recent study. The research highlights rapid advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, making them a sustainable and viable alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs).
Study Findings: BEVs Closing the Gap
A comprehensive analysis of nearly 300 million MOT test records from the UK’s Ministry of Transport, spanning from 2005 to 2022, revealed that BEVs have dramatically improved in durability and performance. While earlier models were less reliable, newer BEVs have achieved comparable or even superior lifespans to conventional cars and vans.
According to the study, modern BEVs now have an average lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles—surpassing the mileage of traditional petrol cars. Researchers found that BEVs demonstrated the most significant reliability improvements, with a 12% reduction in failure rates per production year, compared to 6.7% for petrol cars and just 1.9% for diesel vehicles.
Tesla Leads in Performance
The study, published in Nature Energy, also identifies the top-performing brands in terms of vehicle longevity. Tesla emerged as the leader among BEVs, while Audi and Skoda ranked highest for petrol and diesel vehicles, respectively.
Dr. Viet Nguyen-Tien from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings: “Our research provides critical insights into the lifespan and environmental impact of electric vehicles. BEVs are no longer just a niche option but a reliable and sustainable alternative to traditional cars. This marks a significant step toward achieving a net-zero carbon future.”
Policy Implications and Industry Outlook
The study underscores the importance of continued policy support for EV adoption. With BEVs now proving to be as durable as their ICEV counterparts, governments and manufacturers are encouraged to accelerate infrastructure investments, expand charging networks, and promote sustainable vehicle incentives.
As technological advancements continue to enhance EV performance, experts predict that electric vehicles will play an increasingly dominant role in the automotive industry, further driving the transition toward greener transportation solutions.