Corrosion problems in electric cars: rust on the Tesla after just 300 kilometers

Created: 02/14/2022Updated: 02/14/2022 11:21 am

By: Monja Stolz

Insufficiently protected: Electric cars like the Tesla are prone to rust damage.

© Norbert Schmidt/IMAGO

For a long time, rust on cars was not a problem.

That could now change again – many electric cars are particularly at risk due to their construction.

Kassel – Rust on the car is unsightly and can even be really dangerous in case of doubt.

With the new Tesla Model 3, this should even occur after a mileage of 300 kilometers.

The magazine auto-motor-und-sport.de had the car examined by an expert.

But corrosion is not only a problem for Tesla - many manufacturers are now saving on rust protection.

The rust problem on German roads could become even worse, especially due to the growing number of electric cars.

In particular, modern design features promote the rusting of the vehicles.

A 2016 report from Sweden showed that the quality of cars has deteriorated over the years in this regard.

Cars from Japanese manufacturers in particular showed significant rust problems.

German car companies such as Audi, VW, Mercedes and BMW, but also the French manufacturer Renault did comparatively well.

For a long time, rust on cars was not a problem – the brown plague is now being seen more frequently on German roads again.

(Iconic image) © Daniel Schäfer/IMAGO

The figures collected by the testing organization GTÜ for auto-motor-und-sport.de also confirmed the rust problem.

"Of the 6.66 million vehicles that have been presented to the GTÜ for the main inspection since January 1st, 2020, 441,000 cars had rust problems.

This mainly affected vehicles that were more than ten years old,” according to the magazine.

The overall balance showed: 13 percent of the tested cars are affected by rust.

The ten most commonly affected vehicles are as follows:

• Ford Transit

• Lada 4x4 (Niva)

• Seat Alhambra

• Ford Galaxy

• Suzuki Jimny and Baleno

• Daihatsu Cuore

• Vauxhall Vectra

• Subaru Legacy

• Ford Ka

The design of e-cars often promotes the formation of rust

If e-cars do not become a rarity again*, the number of vehicles with rust problems could increase even further.

Because e-cars carry heavy batteries, manufacturers try to keep the weight down.

However, the lightweight construction is at risk of rusting due to the use of corrosive materials.

Another problem is that the manufacturers sometimes fill cavities with construction foam.

Although it reduces noise, it also binds moisture.

The magazine auto-motor-und-sport.de had a Tesla Model 3 inspected by rust expert Ralf Rößler after it had driven 300 kilometers.

He drew a devastating balance sheet: after just a short drive, there were first spots of rust.

The expert sees the causes in the construction of the car.

The frame is only superficially painted, the A-pillar is completely filled with insulating foam.

"It will soak up water.

In six months it will be brown, in six years it will be completely rusty," says Rößler.

Facebook user: Tesla lacks experience in the classic disciplines

Many drivers are shocked by the electric car, which costs almost 47,000 euros.

Under the relevant Auto Magazine Facebook post, one user wrote of the rusting issue: "What rubbish!

I'd rather keep my 1000 for eternity than ever drive any Tesla" and get more than 400 likes for it.

Another sees the reason for Tesla's weakness in the electric car manufacturer's lack of experience: "Tesla is still a very young car manufacturer, which is innovative but still lacks experience and know-how in the 'classic' disciplines .” (Monja Stolz) *