I’m a Mechanic: Here’s Why I’ll Never Buy an Electric Vehicle
Written by
Tobi Opeyemi Amure
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Consumers often focus on hype, design or cool features when deciding what kind of car to buy. But many overlook hidden pitfalls, like costly repairs, depreciation or maintenance headaches, that can cost a lot of money in the long run.
GOBankingRates spoke with Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot, a mechanic with decades of experience, about why he won’t buy an electric vehicle (EV) and the risks buyers should know before making the switch. “Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining ground in the drive for cleaner cars, but I’m still not ready to make the switch myself,” Gelfand said, and he gave these reasons.
Also see four common issues with electric vehicles, as well as how much they cost.
Battery Life and High Replacement Bills
“The battery is the biggest gamble on an EV,” Gelfand explained. Gas cars, with regular tuneups, usually last hundreds of thousands of miles, but EV batteries lose capacity over time. Getting a new battery can set owners back $12,000 to $20,000, adding huge costs once the original one starts fading.
Data from Geotab estimated batteries can last 15 to 20 years, but they degrade roughly 1.8% annually. Still, when replacements can cost the equivalent of a down payment on a new car, it’s a hard pill to swallow for owners, Gelfand said.
Limited Repair and Maintenance Options
Unlike gasoline cars, where mechanics get full system access, EVs often guard their software. Gelfand said this can leave independent shops in the dark, relying solely on dealerships for diagnostics and parts. That can limit repair options, drive up wait times and force consumers into higher prices.
Gelfand stressed that this removes a key advantage traditionally enjoyed with combustion-engine cars — being able to fix issues independently and economically.
Additionally, another big headache, according to Gelfand, can be manufacturer control on repairs, which can shut out independent mechanics, making repairs more expensive and less flexible. He sees it as a major downside that undercuts the freedom that car owners and local shops traditionally have.
EVs Are Not ‘Maintenance-Free’
Many people assume EVs require no upkeep, but that’s not true, Gelfand said. They still need brake checks, tire rotations, suspension repairs and coolant maintenance. Plus, EV tires wear down twice as fast, thanks to heavier batteries and noise-reducing designs, meaning owners pay more often for replacements.
Gelfand also mentioned that battery life shortens notably in hot climates like Florida, an important factor buyers don’t always consider. These realities, along with charging frustrations, mean EV ownership isn’t as simple or inexpensive as some advertisements suggest.
What Would Change My Mind?
Gelfand said he’d reconsider when battery tech advances enough to deliver longer life and affordable replacements. “If batteries lasted 300,000 miles and didn’t break the bank to replace, that would be a game changer,” he explained. He also said he wants to repair data so independent mechanics can service EVs freely, not just dealerships.
Until then, Gelfand will stick with gas cars that have proven reliability and maintainability for long-term ownership.
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