15 Legit Complaints EV Owners Commonly Have

It’s been said that electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, and that those automobiles that rely on fossil fuels will someday be a thing of the past. And while many people clearly want EVs, and approve of pivoting infrastructure in that direction, there are still factors holding people back from making the switch. Early EV adopters are able to identify these factors and give voice to problems that need to be addressed before the switch to electric can be fully completed.

EVs are still envisioned in the public eye as an expensive luxury, but the sticker prices can actually be in line with traditional cars. And, if you own your vehicle, there are some smart money moves that could allow you to work an EV into your budget.

But, before you do, find out what other EV owners report as downsides, and see if the EV life is for you.

The rising popularity of EVs have increased not only the number of cars on the road, but also the number of charging stations. That number isn’t keeping up with demand, though, and owners say that infrastructure surrounding getting a good charge isn’t as reliable as they’d like to see it, especially when traveling.

In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, only 64% of Americans lived within 2 miles of a charging station other than the one at their home as of 2024.

Even the fast charging options can take 20 to 60 minutes to “fill up,” which is a long time to be hanging around a charging station. Charging stations are frequently part of a gas station, which adds the temptation of extra spending on fast food while waiting.

This largely impacts those who travel a lot, as most owners find charging overnight to be sufficient and don’t commute outside a charge range.

Upgrading your home charging dock to ensure a full battery overnight can cost thousands — and that’s if you happen to be a homeowner. Renters who live in apartments may not have the option to install a suitable charger.

According to Kelley Blue Book, charging an EV at home costs about $67.66 per month for about 1,200 miles of driving. A truck or SUV can easily cost that much to fill just once with gas, so the savings should be clear — but using a fast charger away from home isn’t exactly passing those savings onto the customer.

Batteries don’t work as well in the cold, and some EVs can lose upwards of 40% driving range when operating in temperatures below freezing. Some EV models use heat pumps to mitigate the loss, which leaves drivers with a much less noticeable difference.

Most EV owners are happy to answer questions about their sweet ride, but stop asking what they will do if the battery runs out. They do the same thing everybody else does when they run out of gas — except an electrical outlet is almost always even closer than a gas station.

Everybody has experienced a computer or phone update at an inopportune time, now imagine that but for your car. Over-the-air updates spare drivers from having to stop in the service center for an update, but some worry this could lead to standard features becoming subscription services that can be turned on or off at the manufacturer’s whim.

EVs are still fairly new to the market, which means mechanics and parts can be harder to find and sometimes come with a hefty wait time. This also drives the cost up. If you’re considering an EV, consult with some local mechanics to make sure you’ll have options in the event of a problem.

A lot of the beginning EV infrastructure for charging was placed based on convenience, leaving businesses with no experience (and little incentive) when it came to maintaining a new technology.

Tesla charging infrastructure tends to be better maintained because they don’t sell the charging stations to hosts, but that also gives them a worrisome amount of control over other aspects, such as price.

High-voltage lithium-ion batteries pose a unique hazard because damaged cells can experience uncontrolled increases in both temperature and pressure — an effect known as thermal runaway.

This can be a worrisome threat for EV owners, both when they’re driving around and when their car is parked in their garage or driveway at home.

Drivers who want the option of towing something but rarely use it are going to be fine with an EV, but if towing things is a major use of your gas-powered vehicle then it’s going to take some time for technology to catch up with the good old fashioned American truck.

While EVs can pull a tow, it drains the battery and lowers the driving range when they do so.

The cost of an EV isn’t necessarily much different than purchasing any other car, with the exception there are less previously owned options available.

A fully electric Nissan Leaf starts at an MSRP of $28,140, and hybrid options can be even more affordable. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid starts at $23,625 for a 2025 model. Depending on rebates and tax credits, that upfront cost could end up being even lower.

EV owners have discounted gas rewards from loyalty programs piling up in their member accounts and can’t use them for an equivalent car charge. We suggest becoming a gasoline fairy, and giving those discounts to strangers stuck with gas vehicles. That’s one way to spend time while waiting for your EV to charge!

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, it costs on average $44 more per month to insure electric vehicles. High-priced Teslas drive that average up, though, so more affordable sedan options may not have as much of an impact on your insurance rates.

The increased vehicle weight and torque of EVs wears down tires a bit faster than a standard internal combustion engine vehicle, so EV owners will want to budget for replacements about 20% faster.

The EV industry still has room for improvement, but despite these common complaints most owners say they would never go back to gas vehicles. Those who are hesitant to make the switch can test out the option by renting an EV for a week or two — but make sure you’re in a position to buy because you won’t want to go back!

It’s also wise to take a look at some options to save money on car insurance to prepare for the increase in premiums for EVs.