According to Consumer Reports, based on feedback from approximately 380,000 owners of vehicles from model years 2000 to 2025 and some early 2026 models, conventional hybrid vehicles have 15% fewer malfunctions than traditional gasoline vehicles, while pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles have 80% more malfunctions than gasoline vehicles. The report suggests that pure electric and plug-in hybrid technologies are still in their early stages, with new designs and defects yet to be perfected; hybrid technology has been developing for nearly 30 years and is mature and reliable, and gasoline vehicles are no longer the most reliable option. The claim that "electric vehicles have an 80% higher failure rate than gasoline vehicles" is not an exaggeration by social media, but rather comes from empirical data from the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study:
Pure Electric Vehicles (BEV): An average of 266 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)
Traditional Gasoline Vehicles (ICE): An average of 180 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)
The difference is 86%, which is highly consistent with the "80% higher" claim.
Meanwhile, Consumer Reports' 2025 data shows that the failure rates of pure electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles are significantly higher than those of gasoline vehicles, while the failure rate of conventional hybrid (HEV) vehicles is 15% lower than that of gasoline vehicles. Key Distinctions:
"Electric vehicles" are not entirely the same as "hybrid vehicles,"
Pure electric vehicles do not have the highest failure rate,
Hybrid vehicles (HEV) are actually more reliable.
Although China has not yet released PP100 statistics fully equivalent to J.D. Power, several authoritative reports reveal similar trends:
|
Fault type |
Main problems of pure electric vehicles |
Main problems with gasoline vehicles |
|
High-frequency fault |
Vehicle infotainment system black screen, software crash, OTA upgrade failure |
Difficulty starting the engine, abnormal noise from the transmission, and aging sensors. |
|
Core System |
Abnormal battery thermal management, lack of high-voltage system warnings, and poor charging interface contact. |
Generator, starter motor, ignition system malfunction |
|
Repair costs |
The average cost of a single repair exceeds 7,000 yuan, and battery replacement costs account for 40%-50% of the total vehicle cost. |
The average cost per repair is approximately 6,300 yuan; the parts are highly interchangeable and repairs are convenient. |
|
Fault Response |
The average resolution time is 5.1 days (the longest in the industry). |
On average, it takes 3 days to resolve the issue. |
Chezhi.com data: In 2023, the number of complaints about new energy vehicles surged year-on-year, and the number of complaints about 2023 models ranked third, with over 70% of problems occurring within one year of purchase.
China Automotive Test & Evaluation Center 2025 Electric Safety Report: Among 5 mainstream models, some models lack online diagnosis and early warning functions for high-voltage systems, have insufficient emergency fire safety redundancy, and pose a risk of delayed escape window activation.
|
Dimension |
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) |
Conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) |
Gasoline-powered vehicles (ICE) |
|
Powertrain complexity |
High-voltage battery + motor + electronic control (three-electric system) |
Internal combustion engine + electric motor + battery + complex energy management |
Internal combustion engine + gearbox + traditional electric |
|
Fault risk points |
Battery degradation, thermal runaway, software system crashes |
When the battery load is low, the internal combustion engine shares the power output. |
Mechanical wear, carbon deposits in the fuel system |
|
Energy recovery efficiency |
High efficiency, but frequent fast charging exacerbates cell wear. |
Medium-strength internal combustion engine can provide supplemental power, low battery pressure. |
none |
|
Ease of maintenance |
Relying on original parts, with few repair outlets |
Some parts are interchangeable with those in gasoline-powered vehicles, and the maintenance ecosystem is mature. |
Nationwide repair network coverage |
|
Reliability advantages |
Zero transmission components, simple structure |
The internal combustion engine acts as a backup for the battery, reducing the risk of single-system failure. |
Mature technology, clearly defined failure modes |
Technical essence:
Ordinary hybrid vehicles (HEV) continuously charge the battery through the internal combustion engine, avoiding the reliance on large-capacity batteries in pure electric vehicles and circumventing the damage to battery cells caused by frequent fast charging due to "charging anxiety." Although their power system is complex, the redundant design is stronger, and the failure of a single component will not lead to the complete failure of the vehicle.
Insurance data: In 2024, the average claim amount for new energy vehicles was 700 yuan higher than that of fuel vehicles, insurance companies suffered underwriting losses of 5.7 billion yuan, and premiums continued to rise.
User perception:
Electric vehicles have a strong "sense of technology," but "digital failures" such as car system lag and function malfunctions cause anxiety for car owners.
Hybrid car owners generally report: "Refueling is like a fuel car, but it saves fuel like an electric car," with no major repairs in a year.
Market penetration: In December 2025, the retail penetration rate of new energy vehicles in China exceeded 60%, and the after-sales market size is expected to reach 3.9 trillion yuan in 2027.
|
Vehicle type |
Reliability ranking |
Target audience |
|
Conventional Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV ) |
✅First |
For pragmatic users seeking low fuel consumption, low failure rate, no need for charging, and long-term use |
|
Traditional fuel vehicles |
✅ Second |
Distrust of new technologies, priority given to ease of maintenance, and frequent long-distance users |
|
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs ) |
❌ Third |
Consumers with mixed needs, including home charging, short-distance electric use, and long-distance gasoline use. |
|
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs ) |
❌ Fourth |
Tech enthusiasts who prefer fixed commutes, convenient charging, and acceptance of software updates and high repair costs |
Authoritative warning:
The China Automotive Test & Evaluation Center's 2025 Electric Safety Report points out that new energy vehicles are shifting from a "price war" to a "quality war," and high-voltage system warning, emergency fire safety, and software stability will become core competitive points in the next stage. Hybrid technology is not a transitional solution, but rather the most balanced and reliable option under current technological conditions.
