BERLIN: Rusty cars in everyday use on roads are getting rare these days, but tests in Germany indicate that some modern electric cars are alarmingly prone to corrosion.
Testing agency GTÜ told car magazine Auto Motor und Sport that Tesla's Model 3 electric is a prime candidate for rust, which remains remains an issue on many modern cars, notably electrics.
There have also been reports of rusty bolts on other Tesla models and rust on the disc brakes of electrics from other brands such as Toyota and Renault.
The corrosion problems have been highlighted by Germany's tough vehicle road-worthiness testing regulations, which kick in once a car is three years old. After that, the vehicle must be submitted for a test every two years.
Rust expert Ralf Roessler examined a Tesla model with only 300km on the clock for Auto Motor und Sport and he found that the frame had been treated to only a thin coat of paint. The A-pillars were also filled with a construction foam which has a tendency to absorb water like a sponge.
"It will get soaked with water. In six months it will be brown, in six years it will be rotted out," said Roessler. He said initial rust was also visible on the link bars, which are a part of the suspension. "The whole front beam rusts first because the water has nowhere to drain," said Roessler.
The findings tie in with similar reports from the US of unusually rusty bolts on some older Tesla Model S cars.
Rust has largely been banished from cars thanks to improvements in underbody protection, galvanisation and zinc coatings along with plastic wheel arch liners and cavity sealing. Volkswagen grants its vehicle customers a 12-year guarantee against rusting.
It seems that that in order to save weight because of heavy batteries, carmakers are using thinner steel. Other common materials in electric cars such as aluminium and magnesium can react chemically with each other and cause galvanic corrosion.
Germany's ADAC car club previously said it was concerned that rust damage on modern cars can remain undetected for a long time, which could have an impact on crash safety.
Overall faults found on the Renault Zoe electric runabout were average for its age but TÜV testers highlighted faulty brakes.
Electric cars make use of recuperative braking which means that the driver uses the footbrake less often. This can lead to corrosion on components at the wheels which could, in serious cases, render the brakes inoperative, said TÜV federation director Joachim Buehler.
FAQs
Rust expert Ralf Roessler examined a Tesla model with only 300km on the clock for Auto Motor und Sport and he found that the frame had been treated to only a thin coat of paint. The A-pillars were also filled with a construction foam which has a tendency to absorb water like a sponge. "It will get soaked with water.
Can electric cars rust? ›
Battery, wiring, and other electrical components in particular can experience this corrosion. Rust is the most common form of corrosion, but it can appear in other forms too (such as filiform corrosion). Ultimately, electric vehicles are at greater risk of corrosion than combustion engine vehicles.
What is the failure rate of the Tesla Model 3? ›
According to the latest report from TUV SUD, the fault rate of a Tesla Model 3 will surpass the average after being used for two to three years. The vehicle was ranked at the bottom of the TUV 2024 report with a fault rate of 14.7%.
How much is cheapest Tesla? ›
Tesla Model 3 price
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla car currently offered. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) trim has an official starting price of $40,240. The Model 3 Long Range is a tad more expensive at $47,240. The most expensive Model 3 is the Performance model, which costs a minimum of $53,240.
What is the common problem with Tesla cars? ›
Noises and Rattles
Some Tesla owners have reported hearing unusual noises or rattling sounds from the suspension system, especially when driving on rough roads. These noises may indicate a need for inspection and potential repairs.
Which cars are least likely to rust? ›
Top 10 most rustproof cars Page 1 of 1
- Audi A3, A4, S4;
- Volkswagen Golf, GTI, Jetta, Beetle, Rabbit, Passat, Passat CC;
- Volvo S40, V50, V70, CX70, S60;
- BMW 3 Series;
- MINI Cooper, Countryman;
- Honda Civic, Accord, Fit, CR-V, Odyssey, as well as Acura CSX and TL;
Myth: Exposure to the electromagnetic fields of the battery in an electric vehicle could cause cancer. Myth BUSTED: The magnetic fields in electric vehicles pose no danger because their electromagnetic field levels are below the recommended standards.
Are electric cars safe in hot weather? ›
On average, EVs lose 17% of their range when the temperature reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit. 1 That's a smaller drop than you can expect in cold weather, but it's still potentially disruptive. Plus, charging and storing your EV in extreme heat can shorten the battery's life.
Can electric vehicles be undercoated? ›
The reason that most manufacturers do not recommend a protective undercoating be applied is that most are applied as a heavy coat. These types of undercoating can cover sensors underneath the vehicle which can lead to safety issues for any technician or mechanic working on the vehicle and can cover up electrical lines.
Are Tesla cars losing popularity? ›
Tesla said it delivered 387,000 cars worldwide in the first quarter, down 8.5 percent from 423,000 in the same period last year. This was the first time Tesla's quarterly sales have fallen on a year over year basis since a modest drop at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
The life expectancy of a Tesla car can vary, but many Tesla owners report their vehicles lasting well over a decade with proper maintenance. Tesla's battery and drive unit warranty usually spans 8 years or a specified mileage limit, which can offer a useful guideline.
What is the life of a Tesla battery after 10 years? ›
However, J.D. Power says, Tesla's batteries tend to degrade to the extent of about 1% of range per year, which means the batteries retain 90% of their capacity after 10 years on the road; that is well within expectations for the industry.
How much is a Tesla truck? ›
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck starts at $81,895 and goes up to $101,985 depending on the trim and options. Until the rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck arrives for the next model year, with a starting price of $62,985, the lineup only includes the Dual Motor and Beast models.
How much is a Tesla monthly payment? ›
Estimated average monthly payments for new Teslas
| Model | Starting purchase price | Monthly payment (501-600 credit score) |
|---|
| 2024 Tesla Model 3 | $38,990 | $613.30 |
| 2024 Tesla Model S | $74,990 | $1,301.48 |
| 2024 Tesla Model X | $79,990 | $1,397.06 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y | $42,990 | $689.76 |
1 more rowFeb 29, 2024
The most obvious and significant way owning a Tesla saves money is by getting rid of fuel costs. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, Teslas run entirely on electricity. The cost of electricity is substantially lower than gasoline, depending on your location and energy rates.
How long is Tesla rust warranty? ›
Tesla Warranty Overview
| Tesla Warranty | Warranty Length |
|---|
| Parts, Body and Paint Repair Limited Warranty* | 1 year/12,500 miles |
| Body Rust Limited Warranty | 12 years/unlimited miles |
3 more rowsDec 13, 2023
Your vehicle is protected by a New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which includes the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty, the Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty, the Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty and Body and Rust Limited Warranty.
Do Tesla cars have quality issues? ›
The brakes will sometime slam without warning. The range is often inflated. Autopilot is a mess. And now, according to Reuters, the suspension and steering columns on “tens of thousands” of Tesla vehicles are experiencing premature failure — sometimes after just a couple hundred miles of ownership.
