The latest breakdown statistics from the ADAC (German Automobile Club) reveal a significant trend: electric vehicles (EVs) are proving to be more reliable than traditional combustion engine cars. With over 3.6 million breakdown missions recorded in 2024, the data suggests a clear shift in vehicle reliability, particularly among younger models.
According to the ADAC, the breakdown rate for combustion engines in 2024 stood at 9.4 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, while electric cars recorded only 3.8 breakdowns per the same number of vehicles. This marks a notable difference, especially when considering that the number of breakdowns for electric vehicles increased by 46 percent from the previous year, correlating with the rising number of EVs on the roads.
The ADAC evaluated 159 model series from around 20 manufacturers, focusing on vehicles aged between two and nine years. The statistics show that the starter battery remains the most common cause of breakdowns, accounting for 44.9 percent of all incidents. Interestingly, while the starter battery is also the leading cause for electric vehicles, it is responsible for 50 percent of their breakdowns—slightly higher than the 45 percent for combustion engines.
In the ranking of the least reliable vehicles, the Toyota C-HR (Hybrid-SUV) emerged with the highest breakdown rate of 63.1 per 1,000 vehicles. This poor performance has raised concerns, especially since Toyota models have historically been associated with reliability. In response, the company has stated, "Toyota has thoroughly investigated the issue of the 12-volt battery through a comprehensive 360-degree initiative, optimizing the process from battery production to vehicle delivery."
On the other hand, manufacturers like Mini and Audi have excelled in the rankings, with breakdown rates of 0.3 and 0.4 per 1,000 vehicles, respectively. The Tesla Model 3 also performed well among electric vehicles, showing a breakdown rate of only 0.5 per 1,000 vehicles.
The ADAC's findings indicate that for two- to four-year-old vehicles, the breakdown rate for combustion engines is approximately two and a half times higher than for electric cars. Specifically, the ADAC was called out for breakdowns in 9.4 combustion engine vehicles per 1,000 cars, compared to only 3.8 for electric vehicles. This trend raises questions about the long-term reliability of combustion engines as the automotive landscape continues to evolve.
Moreover, the statistics highlight that with the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road, the data reliability is improving. As of January 1, 2025, the number of battery-powered vehicles in Germany reached 1.65 million, representing about 3.3 percent of the total fleet of 49.3 million cars. This increase in EV registrations has contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability.
Despite the positive outlook for electric vehicles, there are still challenges to address. The ADAC noted that electric cars face some "teething problems" related to battery technology and electronic systems. However, many manufacturers are actively working to resolve these issues, indicating a promising future for electric vehicles.
In terms of overall reliability, the statistics show that electric vehicles tend to have fewer mechanical components that can fail compared to traditional combustion engines. For instance, electric vehicles do not require motor oil, which can degrade over time and lead to engine problems. Additionally, electric motors generate less heat, which typically contributes to wear and tear.
Looking ahead, the ADAC emphasizes that the comparison of electric and combustion engine vehicles will continue to evolve as more data becomes available. The average age of combustion engine vehicles in Germany is around ten years, while electric vehicles are significantly younger. This disparity complicates direct comparisons, but the trend suggests that electric cars are catching up in reliability.
As the automotive industry moves towards greater electrification, the ADAC's findings are crucial for consumers weighing their options between electric and combustion engine vehicles. With the ongoing improvements in technology and infrastructure, electric vehicles are likely to become an increasingly attractive option for drivers.
In summary, the ADAC's breakdown statistics for 2025 paint a promising picture for electric vehicles, indicating they are more reliable than their combustion counterparts, especially among younger models. As the market continues to adapt and evolve, consumers can expect to see further advancements in vehicle reliability and performance.
