Hibiscus Coast drivers eyeing an EV are being warned some brands may not last.

Dogandlemon.com editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says buyers could end up with a near-worthless “lemon” if the maker goes bust.

“If you buy an EV from a company that goes bust, you’ve basically blown your money,” he says, adding many electric car brands may not exist in five years.

Rivian is one example he points to.

The US electric pickup maker has made substantial losses every financial quarter, including over $1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, and $4.7 billion in 2024.

Tesla is also “in trouble”, in his view, though he says it is “too big to fail” and expects restructuring.

He describes the EV sector as being in a shake-out phase, with manufacturers coming and going.

An AlixPartners prediction, reported in the New York Times, suggested only 15 of 129 Chinese EV brands will be financially viable by 2030.

Matthew-Wilson also says 400 Chinese EV companies ceased operations between 2018 and 2025, and points to the bankruptcy of Neta Autos, which had planned to expand into New Zealand and Australia.

For Coastie buyers, the practical risk is support.

If a manufacturer disappears, Matthew-Wilson says warranties and parts back-up can become effectively meaningless.

Consumer Reports has warned that EV trouble areas include the electric motor, battery, and charging systems.

He also gives an example of a Tesla breakdown on Auckland’s Northern motorway.

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