A New Era for Electric Cars in Germany
As electric mobility surges across Europe, questions about long-term reliability have gained traction. With over 3.6 million breakdowns logged in 2024, the ADAC breakdown statistics provide a valuable look into real-world vehicle performance. This year’s data set is more robust than ever, making it a prime source for comparing electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Notably, the number of electric vehicle breakdowns rose by 46%—a figure tied not to faulty design but to increased adoption. These insights mark a critical step in understanding the evolving reliability landscape of modern cars.
Breakdown Calls Are Growing—But Context Matters
ADAC breakdown assistance saw a notable increase in 2024, with January being the busiest month. Among the 3.6 million total incidents, over 43,000 involved electric vehicles. This spike, however, aligns with the rising number of EVs on the road. The ADAC now has access to three years of registration data (2020, 2021, and 2022), allowing for a more balanced comparison across vehicle ages. The broader base helps answer a key question: Are EVs more dependable than ICE vehicles as they age?
Electric Cars Show Lower Breakdown Rates
When breakdowns are measured per 1,000 vehicles, electric models come out ahead. Vehicles first registered in 2020–2022 show that EVs averaged only 3.8 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, compared to 9.4 for combustion cars. This clear gap suggests that many initial weaknesses in EV systems have already been addressed by manufacturers. As a result, newer EVs are now proving more reliable in real-world conditions, particularly in their early years of use.
Why Electric Cars Outperform in Key Areas
The top cause of breakdowns remains the 12-volt starter battery, affecting both electric and combustion cars. However, EVs benefit from fewer moving parts in the drivetrain. Electric motors are simpler than combustion engines and lack components like pistons and turbochargers. This translates into less wear and fewer breakdowns in critical areas. EVs also skip engine oil entirely and operate at lower temperatures, reducing long-term mechanical stress.
Onboard Electronics: A Weak Point for EVs
Despite overall reliability, electric cars have some common trouble spots. Their 12-volt systems are more prone to battery drain, especially when activated frequently via apps. This issue, while relatively minor, has led to a higher share of breakdowns tied to onboard electronics. Still, EVs often recover quickly without outside help, thanks to remote access and digital lock systems that are less common in ICE vehicles.
Final Takeaway: A Positive Outlook for Electric Mobility
The 2025 ADAC statistics offer solid evidence that electric cars are currently more reliable than combustion engine models, at least in their early life cycle. While long-term data is still developing, the trends are promising. As the market matures and manufacturers continue to improve design and software, electric cars are expected to become even more dependable. These statistics mark a pivotal moment in automotive reliability and serve as a guiding tool for consumers considering the switch to electric.
