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The Warrantywise Reliability Index explained
The Warrantywise Reliability Index is a score out of 100 published by Warrantywise, a used-car warranty provider. A higher score indicates lower repair risk relative to other vehicles in the same market.
What it is built from
Scores use real repair-request data (frequency, average vehicle age, mileage and labour time) from vehicles aged three to fifteen years, with at least 250 vehicles on plan per model. The 2026 edition draws on data from January 2023 to January 2026.
Why many new EVs have no score
Because the data comes from used vehicles, brand-new models have not built up enough history to be scored. Absence of a score does not mean a car is good or bad.
How to use it sensibly
- Treat it as one input. It is not a prediction for an individual car.
- Look at the model, not just the badge. Reliability patterns differ by model.
- Combine it with warranty length, battery warranty terms and dealer support.
Each car in Be EV Wise links to the Index rather than reproducing its scores. Open the Warrantywise Reliability Index.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Warrantywise Reliability Index?
It is a score out of 100 published by Warrantywise, a used-car warranty provider, based on repair-request data. The 2026 index uses vehicles aged three to fifteen years and requires at least 250 vehicles per model. A higher score indicates lower repair risk relative to other vehicles. Each car in Be EV Wise links to the Index.
Why do many new electric cars have no reliability score?
Because the Warrantywise data comes from used vehicles three to fifteen years old with a minimum number on plan per model, brand-new models have not built up enough history to be scored. Absence of a score does not mean a car is good or bad.
Are electric cars more reliable than petrol cars?
It depends on the model. EVs remove many combustion-engine parts but add high-voltage and electronic systems. Warrantywise notes that reliability patterns differ by model and that software, sensors and diagnostics are important repair areas. Look at model-specific evidence rather than the fuel type alone.
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Figures compiled September 2026 from published UK sources and are approximate. Page reviewed 2026-09-20. General information, not financial, legal or technical advice.