Electric cars are on the rise!
So, you may be asking, how much do EV services cost? We have the answers. From battery health checks to brake servicing - this article covers it all. Now you can make the right choice for both you and your electric car. Stay informed and keep your EV in tip-top condition!
Exactly what maintenance does an electric car need?
Electric cars need maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. Maintenance for EVs differs from that of regular (ICE or gas/diesel) cars. Both EV and ICE have necessary maintenance needs which include tires, brakes, wipers, filters, and fluids, whereas in EVs the battery pack and motor need routine maintenance.
- It’s a no-brainer that you should regularly check tire pressure, since under-inflated tires can decrease range and efficiency.
- Brake systems in EVs usually last longer due to regenerative braking. This means that there is less brake system maintenance required, because the energy from a slowing engine can be used to stop the car, the brake discs experience less wear and tear.
- Remember to keep an eye on the state of your wiper blades.
- Filters keep cabin air clean.
- Coolant levels maintain battery pack temperature. Inspect the battery pack routinely. Overheating or overcharging could cause damage but is generally not a major issue because your car’s battery is managed by its BMS or battery management system.
What maintenance does an electric vehicle battery need?
Analyze Electric Vehicle Battery Maintenance Needs
Electric vehicle batteries need special maintenance for them to work well and last longer. Knowing EV battery maintenance will help you keep your electric car in great shape. Your EV’s battery is managed by a battery management system or BMS, a system common to most battery-operated electronic devices such as your phone or laptop. It monitors things such as temperature, capacity and charging.
The following list of items to be checked or maintained is essential for EVs, but don’t be anxious, these tasks may be managed by your BMS or checked during your car’s regular maintenance schedule.
The following are the key maintenance needs for electric vehicle batteries:
- Cell health check: Check the cells regularly to get the best performance and spot any issues that could become worse if not taken care of.
- Cooling System: A good cooling system is essential for maintaining the right battery temperature, vital for the battery's life.
- Charging frequency: If you charge your electric vehicle between 20-80% often, it relieves stress on the batteries and helps them last longer. In particular, if you tend to charge your car with AC instead of superfast charging with DC chargers, your car battery will maintain better health and longevity.
- Controlling High/Low Temperature: It’s best not to park the car in direct sunlight or very cold weather very often. The ideal operating temperature range—where it operates and charges more efficiently—is between -6°C – 35°C (20 – 95F) with its ‘sweetspot’ at around 21C or 70F degrees.
- Software updates: Regular software updates make the car more efficient, safe, and perform better… and increase resale value. Usually software updates are ‘over the air’ or often performed during scheduled servicing.
It's also important to remember that driving style affects the battery's wear and tear. Aggressive acceleration, frequent sudden braking, or excessive speeding put extra load on the engine and may age the battery more quickly.
Create a regular maintenance plan to extend battery life and reduce the chances of major problems. Follow the car manufacturer's guidelines, drive (and have fun doing so) without excessive aggressive acceleration, consult experts, and enjoy your investment for many happy miles!
Is an electric car actually cheaper to maintain?
Electric vehicles need less maintenance and have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars. But, are they cheaper to maintain? Let's check out!
Service Item | Cost for Petrol/Diesel Car | Cost for an Electric Vehicle |
Oil change | $50-$100 | N/A |
Spark plug replacement | $80-$150 | N/A |
Air filter replacement | $20-$60 | $0-$30 |
Coolant flush and refill | $50-$95 | $0-$60 |
Analysis of the table for the above criteria shows that servicing EVs is less costly. However, air filters and coolant flush/refill services still require expense.
Capped-price servicing for EVs
For EVs, capped-price servicing options are available to keep maintenance costs in check. These fixed-price services provide peace of mind by reducing unexpected repair costs. The cost of these services varies depending on the type of service.
A minor service includes rotating and inspecting tires, and checking/topping up fluids like brake fluid, power steering oil, and windscreen washer fluid. An intermediate service involves testing high-voltage electrical components, as well as minor services. A major service is a comprehensive checkup of all aspects of the vehicle, including brakes, suspension, battery health, and software updates.
Compared to ICE cars, EV maintenance is lower over time: EVs don't burn fuel, don’t need engine oil and there are far fewer consumables. EVs may need periodic battery maintenance, which may drive up long-term maintenance costs. However, the life of electric car batteries is ever-extending with evolving technology and it is possible to change defective cells of battery packs without changing an entire battery. With that being said, the life of a currently new battery is likely to exceed a couple of decades, with its manufacturer warranty generally starting at 8 years.
EVs have fewer parts that need ongoing maintenance. This is good for the environment and your wallet. Remember to follow manufacturers' recommended servicing schedules, as EVs use different fluids (albeit fewer of them) to that of ICE vehicles.
A comparison of EV and ICE costs
What's the difference in cost between servicing an electric vehicle (EV) and a combustion engine car? Let's look at a side-by-side table to compare maintenance for EVs and ICEs.
Factors | EVs | ICEs |
Consumables | N/A for EVs (brake fluid) | coolant and oil filters |
Replacement parts | Batteries for EVs | timing belts/chains |
Service schedules | Less frequent servicing than ICEs | More frequent servicing than EVs |
Number of moving parts involved | Fewer for EVs (17 in the drivetrain of a Tesla) | More for ICEs (200 in the drivetrain of ICEs and thousands of parts in the car overall |
Extended brake pad and disc life | Less use of brake pad and increased disc life due to smoother operation, and regenerative braking | Far more frequent brake maintenance or replacement required |
EVs do appear cheaper to maintain because they don't need oil filters or timing belt/chain replacements. And they usually require fewer replacements, due to fewer moving mechanical components.
Regular servicing prices: A real-life practical example
A driver of a Peugeot e-208 with 12,500 miles on the clock was quoted £167 ($215 USD) for their first service checkup by one UK garage chain. The same garage offers routine service for several Peugeot versions with diesel or petrol engines in the £220 - £280 range ($280 – 350USD).
In the US, you can expect an EV6 to cost you less than $200 per year to service. Compare that simple schedule to what you could expect with say, a Honda CR-V.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the typical maintenance costs for electric cars?
Electric cars have lower maintenance costs compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric cars require fewer repairs due to their simpler mechanical systems. A typical electric car may require maintenance for things like tires, brakes, and suspension, just like any other vehicle. However, electric cars don't need oil changes, spark plug replacements, or air filter changes, which significantly reduces their maintenance costs.
2. Are EV batteries expensive to replace?
Battery replacement is one of the most significant expenses that owners of electric vehicles may face. However, electric car batteries are designed to last for many years and are backed by lengthy manufacturer warranties (which are a minimum of 8 years in the US). While the cost of replacing an EV battery can be expensive, defective cells of a battery can be identified and replaced if necessary. Still, the lifetime of a battery way exceeds its battery warranty and battery replacement is not common.
3. What are the recommended service intervals for electric cars?
Service intervals for electric cars vary depending on the manufacturer and the model. However, most EVs require maintenance at 10,000-mile or 12-month intervals, whichever comes first. Electric cars typically require less maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles and usually only need tire rotations, brake inspections, and cabin air filter replacements to keep them in top condition. ICE vehicles need far more frequent checks and cost more money to maintain.
4. Do electric cars need less servicing than gasoline cars?
Electric cars require less servicing than gasoline cars because they have far fewer moving parts. Gasoline cars have combustion engines, which have more complex systems that require more upkeep. An electric car, on the other hand, has a simple powertrain consisting mainly of an electric motor, inverter, and battery. With less mechanical complexity, it is more reliable and requires less maintenance.
5. Can I service my electric car at a regular auto shop?
While electric cars require less maintenance than gasoline cars, it is still advisable to have them serviced at a specialized EV service center. The mechanics at these centers have the training and expertise needed to work with high-voltage electrical systems and battery systems. However, regular auto shops will be able to perform basic maintenance tasks like tire rotations and brake inspections.
6. How much does it cost to service an electric car?
The cost of servicing an electric car depends on a few factors like the make and model of the car, the type of service, and the location. Basic services like tire rotations and brake inspections usually cost the same as a gasoline car. However, services that are unique to EVs like battery diagnostic checks require special knowhow. It is essential to choose a reputable EV service center to ensure that the cost is both accurate and fair.