AUTONEWS

Common problems with electric cars

Electric cars are on the rise in the automotive market, gaining more and more fans who are looking for sustainable and innovative options. The models offer benefits such as lower environmental impact, fuel savings and maintenance. However, this technology still faces some limitations that can impact the consumer experience.

Although significant advances have been made in recent years, such as increased autonomy and the expansion of charging stations, there are structural and technical challenges related to electric cars. Problems such as limited autonomy, high battery costs and insufficient infrastructure are examples of barriers that affect the growth of this segment.

To help you make a more informed decision, here are the most common problems with electric cars. Understand the challenges and evaluate whether this technology is the best fit for your needs.

Limited autonomy...Limited autonomy is still one of the biggest concerns for those considering purchasing an electric car. Many models available on the market offer an average range of between 200 and 400 kilometers with a full charge, which is inferior to combustion vehicles, which can easily exceed 600 kilometers.

This means that long trips require careful planning, with charging points identified along the route. This can be especially challenging in remote areas or where the infrastructure for electric vehicles is not yet well established. The additional time required to recharge can make simple trips complicated.

In addition, the range of electric cars can vary significantly depending on driving style, weather conditions and the use of accessories such as air conditioning. On routes with frequent hills or on very hot days, the battery can run out faster than expected, causing unexpected problems for the driver.

Recharging time...Recharging a conventional vehicle is a quick process, usually taking less than five minutes. On the other hand, recharging an electric car can take hours, depending on the charger used and the battery capacity. Even with fast chargers, the waiting time is significantly longer.

At the most common charging stations, called “level 2”, the time to fully charge the battery can vary between 4 and 8 hours. Using a standard household socket, the process can take more than 12 hours, which is unfeasible for those who need to use their car frequently. This becomes an obstacle in emergency situations or on long trips.

Fast chargers, capable of providing enough energy for 80% of the battery in about 30 minutes, are a solution, but they are still expensive and not widely available. In addition, the frequency of use of these chargers can accelerate battery degradation, representing another challenge for consumers.

Insufficient charging infrastructure...The charging infrastructure for electric cars is still insufficient in many regions, especially outside of large urban centers. Public charging stations are rare in small cities and practically non-existent in rural areas, creating barriers to the expansion of the electric market.

This scenario forces many electric vehicle owners to rely exclusively on home charging, which can be a slow and inconvenient process. For those who live in condominiums, the problem is even greater, since not all buildings have adequate facilities for installing chargers.

Furthermore, in places where public charging stations are available, demand may exceed supply, resulting in long queues to charge the vehicle. This factor increases the unpredictability of trips and creates discomfort for drivers, especially during peak times or on long holidays.

Battery degradation...Although electric car batteries have evolved significantly in recent years, their degradation over time is inevitable. With continued use, the battery capacity decreases, reducing the vehicle's range. This loss of efficiency is one of the main points of concern for owners.

Degradation occurs due to several factors, such as the number of charge and discharge cycles, exposure to extreme temperatures, and frequent use of fast chargers. On average, an electric car battery can lose about 2% of its capacity per year, depending on the model and conditions of use. This issue also affects the resale value of the vehicle, as the cost of replacing the battery is high and can represent up to 50% of the price of a new car. To mitigate the problem, manufacturers have invested in technologies that extend the life of batteries and offer longer warranties. 5 – Problems in extreme temperatures... Extreme temperatures can directly impact the performance of electric car batteries. In very cold climates, battery capacity can drop by up to 40%, significantly reducing the vehicle's range. This happens because the cold hinders the chemical reactions that generate energy. In hot climates, the problem is another: battery overheating. Without adequate cooling systems, excessive heat can accelerate battery degradation and even compromise the vehicle's safety. Therefore, manufacturers have invested in thermal management technologies to minimize these impacts.

These limitations make electric cars less attractive to consumers living in regions with extreme temperatures. In addition, the need to use air conditioning or heating when driving in extreme climates increases energy consumption, further exacerbating the issue of autonomy.

Specialized maintenance...The maintenance of electric cars requires specific technical knowledge that many workshops do not yet have. Components such as inverters, electric motors and battery management systems require specialized equipment and training, which limits the options for owners.

This lack of qualified professionals can make the repair process more expensive and time-consuming. In addition, replacement parts for electric cars are not always readily available, which increases the waiting time for repairs and frustration for drivers.

On the other hand, electric cars require less maintenance on traditional components, such as engines and exhaust systems. However, until the network of specialized workshops expands, this issue will continue to be a point of concern for consumers.

Depreciation in the used car market...The used electric car market is still developing, which creates uncertainty about the resale value. Depreciation is exacerbated by the high cost of batteries, which may need to be replaced and represent a significant investment. This issue is compounded by the rapid technological evolution of electric cars. Older models quickly become obsolete compared to newer releases, which offer greater autonomy, shorter recharge times and more technological features. This negatively affects the resale value. However, as the technology matures and the market stabilizes, the depreciation of electric cars is expected to decrease. Until then, it is important for consumers to consider this factor when planning the purchase of an electric vehicle, especially as first-time owners.

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