Why Are EV Owners Waiting Longer for Service Than Before?
If you’ve recently bought an electric vehicle, you might have noticed something odd when it comes time for service: the wait is getting longer. According to the 2025 CDK EV Ownership Study, only 28% of EV owners got same-day service in 2024, a sharp drop from 40% in 2023. That’s not just a blip. It’s a trend that’s left a lot of drivers scratching their heads—and sometimes tapping their feet in dealership waiting rooms.
So, what’s behind these growing delays? For starters, the number of EVs on the road is skyrocketing. In just the first half of 2025, over 607,000 electric vehicles were sold in the US, setting a new record. That’s a lot of new owners, many of whom are hitting service departments for the first time. Add in a rush to buy before federal incentives phase out, and you’ve got a recipe for packed service bays.
Dealerships are still catching up. While most are technically prepared to handle EVs, the sheer volume and the unique quirks of electric cars mean longer queues. The result? More owners are waiting three days or more for repairs—14% in 2024, up from just 9% the year before.
Do EVs Really Take Longer to Fix Than Gas Cars?
Here’s where things get interesting. Nearly a third of EV owners now say their service takes longer than it did with their old gas-powered cars. But the experience isn’t the same for everyone. Non-Tesla drivers, in particular, are feeling the pain: 34% of them reported longer service times, compared to just 23% of Tesla owners.
Why the difference? Tesla’s vertically integrated service model—where the company controls everything from sales to repairs—seems to pay off in faster turnaround. Traditional automakers, on the other hand, are still ramping up technician training and parts supply chains for their newer EV models. That means more waiting, especially if your local dealer hasn’t seen your particular model before.
But it’s not all bad news. When it comes to cost, 53% of non-Tesla owners say EV service is actually cheaper than what they paid for gas vehicle maintenance. For Tesla owners, that figure is a bit lower at 41%, but it’s still a win for the wallet.
How Many Visits Does It Take to Get an EV Fixed?
If you’re hoping to get your EV fixed in a single trip, you’re not alone—but you might need to be patient. Only 65% of non-Tesla owners reported a one-and-done service experience. A surprising 21% needed four or five visits to finally resolve their issue. That’s a lot of back-and-forth, and it’s not just an inconvenience—it can shake your confidence in the whole EV ownership experience.
This isn’t just about complicated technology. Sometimes, it’s a matter of parts availability or technicians needing more specialized training. And while Tesla owners fare a bit better, repeat visits are still a reality for many.
Is Mobile Service Making Life Easier for EV Owners?
One bright spot in the data: mobile service is on the rise. In 2024, 19% of EV owners had a technician come to their home or office, up from 14% the year before. That’s a game-changer for busy folks who’d rather not spend half a day at the dealership.
Dealership pickup and drop-off services are also gaining traction, albeit slowly—up from 6% in 2023 to 9% in 2024. It’s a small but meaningful shift toward convenience, and one that could help offset some of the frustration with longer wait times.
Are EV Owners Still Happy Despite the Hassles?
Here’s the twist: despite all these headaches, EV owners remain remarkably loyal. A whopping 82% say they’d buy another electric vehicle. That’s impressive, especially considering 85% needed some form of dealership service within the first year.
Why the optimism? For many, the benefits of EV ownership—like lower fuel costs, smooth driving, and the feel-good factor of going green—outweigh the occasional service hiccup. Plus, only 13% of owners reported paying out of pocket for service, and recall-related appointments were evenly split between Tesla and other brands at 16%.
What’s the Real Story Behind the Numbers?
It’s worth noting that all this data comes from customer surveys. That means we’re hearing directly from EV owners, with all the quirks and biases that come with self-reported experiences. Still, when you see a clear trend—like the drop in same-day service or the rise in repeat visits—it’s hard to ignore.
Industry experts agree that as EV adoption accelerates, the pressure is on for dealerships and automakers to step up their service game. David Thomas, an analyst at CDK, points out that while dealers are preparing for EV service, the reality is more owners are waiting longer and making multiple trips to resolve issues.
What Can You Do to Make EV Service Less Painful?
If you’re an EV owner facing long waits, a few strategies can help. First, schedule service appointments as early as possible, especially if you know your local dealer is busy. Ask about mobile service or pickup options—they’re becoming more common and can save you time. And don’t be afraid to shop around; some independent shops are starting to specialize in EV repairs, offering an alternative to crowded dealerships.
The big takeaway? EV service isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.