Toyota issued a recall for their 2012-2014 RAV4 EV electric cars due to a glitch in the software of the Tesla-supplied electric components. The car spontaneously shifts into the neutral position while in motion, causing the driver to subsequently lose control and risk crashing.
General Motors recalled their 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt plug-in cars this week for a software error that could lead to drivers and passengers accidentally poisoning themselves with carbon monoxide.
Of the GM recall, Chris Woodyard of USA Today writes, “The problem involves an issue that dogs many hybrid cars today: Drivers can't easily tell when the engine is running or when the car is running on battery power alone.” This confusion means that people could be unaware their car has turned on to recharge the battery while inside a garage.
One of the primary benefits of electric vehicles is the snazzy software, but these recent hiccups might cause some drivers to wonder if the novelty is worth the risk.
What do you think about EV software flaws? Comment below or tweet @MNetBridget.
