The article addresses concerns about the reliability of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, emphasizing that modern EV traction batteries are not prone to significant failure. Instead, issues arise from the 12-volt batteries, which power essential electronics and systems that are vital for vehicle operation. Notably, EV manufacturers like Hyundai, Kia, and Rivian have faced challenges and recalls related to their 12-volt systems. Consumer Reports highlights that while traction batteries are generally reliable, 12-volt battery failures can strand drivers despite a fully charged main battery, causing skepticism among potential EV buyers.
"I think there are just some misconceptions," Steven Elek, senior automotive data analyst at Consumer Reports, told InsideEVs. "People are like, oh, it's a rolling battery. My battery should never go dead. But that's just not how they work."
Issues with 12-volt batteries are clear in Consumer Reports' reliability data, Elek said. While the firm couldn't confirm whether 12-volt problems are more common with EVs, it has data showing them as consistent trouble spots for EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Rivian R1S and Rivian R1T.
Hyundai, Kia and Genesis have all had to recall EVs due to issues with the system that charges the 12-volt battery. Rivian, for its part, completely redesigned the way the 12-volt battery is maintained for the second-generation R1.
Yet more and more data is showing that modern EV traction batteries just don't fail in significant numbers. You don't have to worry about them. It's the damn 12-volts that'll leave you stranded in the office parking lot.
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