As more drivers in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf switch to electric vehicles, questions are rising about how reliable these motors really are. While electric cars are praised for having fewer moving parts than traditional gas engines, electric motors are not invincible. This article breaks down what can go wrong and what EV owners need to watch for.
Electric motors may seem like simple, solid parts compared to gasoline engines, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to the elements. In Saudi Arabia, scorching heat and sand-filled air put serious stress on every system, including EV cooling circuits.
When an electric motor overheats due to a weak cooling system or extended stress, performance drops or full shutdowns may follow. Gulf humidity and rare rainstorms also pose a risk. If moisture gets inside and affects the motor windings or insulation, it can short-circuit the entire system. Even the most advanced motors in Riyadh or Dammam can fail if heat or water is left unchecked.
What many drivers don’t realize is that an electric motor depends on an entire control system to work properly. These motors use a high precision controller and inverter that deliver timed electrical pulses. If the software glitches or miscalculates those signals, the motor can perform poorly or shut down.
This isn’t just theory. Some drivers in Dubai and Jeddah have faced situations where their EV stopped working due to a software error, not a mechanical failure. And in many cases, fixing it means a firmware update or a full reset from the dealership.
If your EV throws up sudden error codes or stops accelerating, the motor itself might be fine. It could be the system telling it to stop due to a control fault. Make sure your dealer provides timely software updates and has support staff who understand EV diagnostics.
Not usually, but if the motor is poorly cooled or pushed too hard, high heat can cause failures.
In most cases, the entire motor is replaced. However, some local specialists now offer partial repairs.
Depending on the model, prices range from around 15000 SAR to more than 40000 SAR.
Look out for strange sounds, reduced power, heating alerts, or dashboard error codes.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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