Electric vehicles are fast becoming the go-to choice for UK drivers looking to cut emissions and save on fuel. Whether it’s a Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, or Tesla Model 3, EVs promise lower running costs, quiet performance, and cutting-edge tech.
But just like any car, they’re not without their problems.
If you’re experiencing warning lights, charging issues, or have been told there’s a problem with your battery or control modules, you’re not the only one. As more EVs hit UK roads, common faults are starting to emerge—some of which can be very costly to put right.
What Kind of Problems Are We Seeing with EVs?
EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to faults. In fact, some of the most expensive issues relate to the parts that make EVs unique, especially the battery pack, charging system, and electronic modules.
Let’s break down the most common headaches EV drivers face.
1. Battery Degradation or Failure
The battery is the heart of any electric vehicle. Over time, all EV batteries degrade – losing capacity, range, and performance. But in some cases, faults can appear much earlier than expected.
Common signs of battery trouble include:
- Reduced driving range (even after a full charge)
- Slower charging times
- Warning lights or battery error messages
- Charging that stops unexpectedly
- Sudden drop in performance
In some cases, individual cells or modules within the battery pack can fail, affecting the entire system. Replacing these can be expensive, and not all garages are equipped to diagnose or fix EV battery issues.
2. Charging Port or Onboard Charger Faults
If your EV is struggling to charge, it might not be the battery at fault. Many owners report issues with:
- Damaged or corroded charging ports
- Faulty charging cables
- Onboard charger failures
- Communication errors between the car and charging station
Even simple faults in the charge port can prevent the car from charging at all, and diagnosing the issue often requires specialist EV diagnostics.
3. Inverter and Power Electronics Issues
The inverter is responsible for converting electricity from the battery into power for the motor. If this component starts to fail, you might experience:
Loss of power
- Loss of power
- Error messages on the dashboard
- Jerky or inconsistent acceleration
- Complete loss of drive
Inverters are complex and expensive parts—and just like the battery, they usually can’t be repaired by a local garage.
4. Control Module Failures
Electric vehicles rely on dozens of electronic control units (ECUs) to manage everything from battery temperature to braking and steering.
Common faults include:
- Software glitches
- Failed updates
- Loss of communication between modules
- Random warning lights or system errors
Sometimes, these faults can be fixed with a software reset—but other times, a full module replacement is needed, and that’s where costs can spiral.
5. Cooling System Problems
You might not think about cooling in an EV, but the battery, motor, and electronics all need to be kept at the right temperature. Faults with electric water pumps, thermostats, or radiators can lead to overheating, reduced performance, or even complete system shutdowns.
So, Are EVs Still Worth It?
Yes, when they work well, EVs offer a smooth, efficient, and low-maintenance drive. But the technology is still evolving, and parts like battery packs, inverters, and ECUs can be eye-wateringly expensive to fix once out of warranty.
And if you’re told your EV needs a new battery or a major electrical repair, you might be wondering whether it’s worth the cost at all.
That’s where we come in.
At sellyourproblemcar.com, we buy electric vehicles with issues—including battery degradation, charging faults, inverter problems, and more.
You get:
✅ A free, no-obligation quote (valid for 28 days)
✅ Free UK-wide collection, home, garage, or wherever your car is stranded
✅ Payment before collection
✅ No inspections or appointments
✅ Excellent customer service