This paper deals with the overview of reliability statistical data of the main components of modern traction electric drives. The general focus is set on data acquisition, their statistical analysis, and the resulting failure statistics which can be used in various reliability calculation models and finally allow to derive tendencies and perspectives considering the reliability requirements on electric vehicles. The paper contains statistical data on the failures for various types of electric vehicles: cars, airplanes, helicopters, ships, and trains. With the development and acquisition of new materials and technologies, the resulting database of statistical data on reliability can be expanded and adjusted.