Battery range issues are the least prominent source of EV disputes, accounting for just 1% of all EV related cases submitted to The Motor Ombudsman om Q3, 2026.
The low proportion of complaints in this area suggests that range itself is not a widespread cause of formal disputes, and factors affecting it are becoming more widely understood or explained by dealers at the point of purchase, where many will be first-time owners of EVs.
It said customer service and purchase issues remained the leading source of EV disputes in Q3 2026, accounting for nearly half (45%) of the 1,271 cases submitted during the three-month period.
Interior and cabin systems issues accounted for 11% of customer complaints. Concerns ranged from failures of in-car systems, such as air conditioning, infotainment, satellite navigation and 360-degree camera displays.
Charging a vehicle accounted for around a tenth (11%) of EV disputes in the third quarter stemmed from issues when it came to charging a vehicle, which is a critical element to its operation.
Owners made reference to the fact that there was either an inability to slow or fast charge, charging flap actuator failures, charging module faults, and not being able to conduct a full charge due to the risk of battery fires. On the topic of accessories, consumers equally reported charging cables breaking, preventing the use of charging points when replenishment was needed.
Chassis and motor issues accounted for (9%), Electrical and software issues (9%), Battery issues (9%), Exterior Issues (5%) and Range Issues just 1%.
