ICE Two Wheelers Less Problematic Than EV! Royal Enfield Leads The Chart: Study

In a recent study published by J.D Power, an astonishing trend has emerged. As opposed to popular belief, electric two-wheelers have fared worse than their conventional fossil fuel-powered counterparts as far as problems are concerned. Petrol-powered two-wheelers continue to set the benchmark with regards to overall quality control – an aspect where electric counterparts struggle. Does that come as a surprise?

More than fanning the ICE vs EV debate, the study also brings to the limelight all the brands and specific models that satisfy their customers with the least of problems. Royal Enfield has emerged as the top name in the list of the manufacturers causing the least problems, with TVS and Bajaj rounding up the top three. 

The study, which is based on feedback coming from over 6,500 new two-wheeler owners, presents a holistic insight into ownership related durability of conventional and electric models. 

What does the study say?

While it is a known fact that vehicles tend to develop issues as they age, the study finds the frequency of those quality-related issues. It is said that owners driving their two-wheelers for over 2,500 km within the first six months of purchase experienced an average of nine problems per 100 vehicles. These issues are more notable on electric two wheelers owing to concerns related to the brake, lighting, electrical components and generic finish levels. 

When it comes to the individual models and how often they create issues, some shocking figures have come out of this study. As far as scooters are concerned, the TVS Jupiter dominated the list of economy-centric scooters, sitting high at 75 problems per 100 vehicles, beating the Honda Activa – a scooter that dominates the market with its legendary reliability stats. In the executive scooter category, the Honda Dio 125 topped the charts with 50 problems per 100 vehicles. The electric scooter category saw the Bajaj Chetak emerge as the model with the least number of problems – just 45 problems per 100 vehicles. 

Combustion vehicles or EVs: Which are more reliable?

In a surprising twist, the study found that two-wheelers with internal combustion engines are more reliable than those relying on electric powertrains. Electric scooter owners have reported an average of 90 problems per 100 vehicles, which is far more than the 53 problems per 100 vehicles for figure for internal combustion engine vehicles. This is in stark contrast to the lower maintenance promises made by electric scooter manufacturers.

Which brand dominates in terms of reliability?

 In a market flooded with several two-wheeler brands, here are the top three names that offer the least problematic vehicles.

1. Royal Enfield tops with a score of 68 problems per 100 vehicles.
2. TVS Motor comes in second with a score of 75 problems per 100 vehicles.
3. Bajaj Auto rounds up the top three with a score of 78 problems per 100 vehicles.