The K.I.S.S Rule and EVs
Did you know that the engine of a gasoline car has about 2,000 moving parts and an EV only has about 20? That’s a HUGE difference. Quite simply: Fewer parts means fewer things that can go wrong.
And that massive difference means far fewer consumables and much less maintenance.
EVs Have Fewer Parts
Electric and gasoline cars have completely different engine types. A car with an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) has a raft of moving parts, which generate friction, facilitate the exchange of liquids and gases, and utilize a whole array of lubricants… all the while producing noxious exhaust.
Whereas an electric car needs no oil, timing belt, head gasket, cylinders, filters, cooling hose or exhaust system. An ICE vehicle has many potential problems that must be constantly monitored.
EVs Cost Less to Maintain
It’s very easy—and extremely logical—to see that the tiny number of mechanical elements of an EV translates to a correspondingly small maintenance bill!
EVs Need Fewer Consumables
And because you won’t be changing drive belts, spark plugs, pumps, brake fluid, oil, alternator, clutch, muffler, exhaust parts and much more, your everyday costs to drive an electric car, plummet.
Related article: 5 Things You'll Spend Less On When You Own An EV
If we need it, here’s a link for how an electric motor works: https://www.motortrend.com/features/how-electric-cars-work-ev-differences-definitions/
EVs Easier to Check
When you have fewer items to check in a service appointment, being thorough is easy. It is far harder to miss a problem in an EV than it is to accidentally overlook an issue with a gas car’s 2,000+ parts.
Less wear on the brakes
On the surface, that seems odd, but, an electric car can stop using two different systems.
Every car has a set of brakes which work in the same way. The car has kinetic energy (as it moves along) and in order to stop the car, the brakes help by getting rid of that kinetic energy (movement energy). Simply, it uses friction to change that movement (kinetic energy) into heat. More specifically, hydraulic brake fluid is used to multiply the force of your foot on the pedal into the force needed to stop the car (by applying the brakes). Your car will either have 4 disc brakes or 2 disc (front) and 2 drum brakes (rear).
EVs Also Have Regenerative Braking
When your car moves, the kinetic energy can also be used to slow or stop the car by using resistance of the motor. Not only can you slow the car, that energy can be fed back into the car. The motor becomes a generator, and the battery can actually accept charge.
In short, you can drive most electric cars with less load on the brakes, less wear on the disks, and that means less maintenance costs (and replacement). It’s even possible, that you can start and end a journey on the same State of Charge of your battery. You could never do that with a petrol car (start and finish a journey with the same amount of fuel without filling up)!
Direct Drive Transmission
An EV engine is so much simpler than an ICE (gasoline) car. There’s no manual gearbox or clutch, and in an EV the electric motor delivers direct drive to propel the vehicle.
Here’s what happens in a very simplified way: When you press the accelerator, a magnetic field is generated by the battery within a fixed motor part, which in turn causes rotation in a mobile part which creates the movement of the car. Without the complicated traditional transmission, you’ve pretty much sidestepped most of the overall costs of maintenance. EVs are far easier and cheaper to maintain.
Less Maintenance You Have to Do
Gasoline cars are renowned for all the things that have to be checked, refilled, changed, on a regular basis. Compare that with an electric car, where you will periodically check brake fluid and coolant levels to see if they need topping up.
What you have in common, of course, is checking your tire pressures, especially before long trips. Both gas/diesel cars and electric vehicles have a 12-Volt battery, which from time to time need to be replaced. You can also do that yourself.
Standard Essential Inspections
Any car you drive will also be subject to safety and maintenance checks (regardless of whether gas or electric). Expect the same standard checks on the tires, wipers, the chassis and bodywork, as well as the air-conditioning, steering, and suspension systems.
Is battery maintenance necessary?
The big battery, the one that actually drives the car, is called a traction battery. It is rechargeable, and stores the energy that delivers power to the electric motor. That delivery is fast and is responsible for the rapid acceleration and high performance EVs are renowned for. The size and nature of the traction batteries determines the range of the car.
How you use, drive, and charge your car determine the health of your battery. Each battery is made up of cells. Cells are grouped together as modules. This architecture means batteries have layers of safety. The electronic sentry of your EV battery is the BMS or Battery Management System. Almost every modern device has a BMS which helps the product operate within safe parameters. In your maintenance schedule, your battery health will be determined. If you notice a significant drop in range or performance, you may want to have your service team investigate your battery.
It's also good to know that your battery has a warranty to ensure you get a good and prolonged service life. In the US, it is mandated by law that the minimum warranty is 8 years. Some cars have even longer battery warranties.
Related Article: EV batteries or petrol car. Which is more dangerous?
How Much Does it Cost to Service and Maintain Your EV?
You will make significant savings driving an EV. Not only will you not have to pay for fuel (just power, and sometimes that’s free), the amount you spend on consumables is tiny. You’ll have far fewer inspections for an EV than an ICE car.
Yes, you’ll need to change tires, check brake fluid and coolant, and replace brake pads less often, but all those other expenses from ICE car maintenance, like spark plugs, grease and oil, filters, gearbox, belts and exhaust parts will be a thing of the past. There are simply less parts that experience wear and tear in an EV.
There have been many estimates of the cost of maintaining an EV that show you’ll spend 20 – 40% less than a fueled car. This includes oil changes, repairs, and servicing. Coupled with this is—importantly—less down time. Less servicing and maintenance, means your car is not off the road as often as a gas car.
Driving an EV makes good sense and saves dollars for individuals, companies and fleet owners.
Rule of thumb, you should get a routine check at intervals recommended by your car’s company. The motor will be checked, as will the steering system, suspension, shock absorbers, brakes, tires, and so on.
Specialized Service for Your EV
Your local mechanic may not be equipped or even have the requisite knowledge to service your EV. There is inherent risk in working with electricity which requires specialized training. The same is true with EV servicing because of the high voltages (of 400 – 800V) and amperage, which present significant risk. Always seek out an appropriate center, probably the same brand as your car. Your center must be accredited to work on electrical systems. Thankfully, cars are sold with maintenance programs, which are often pre-priced so you know what you’re up for.
Good News for Electric Car Buyers
When you buy or drive electric, you will have lower maintenance costs. But it doesn’t stop there. Your car will be of service to you because there will be less downtime! Fewer things can go wrong. Fewer things to fix. Fewer things to top up (oil and fuel).
The good news is that although the initial price of an EV is considerably higher than that of a gasoline or diesel car, the gap is closing. With time and widespread adoption of electric cars, the price is reducing, and more affordable models are filling the market, each and every month.
I once heard someone say that if there was such thing as recycled fossil fuel, then he would buy a gas car. I tend to agree with that sentiment. Electric cars represent amazing efficiency and savings over time, not just for your pocket, but for the air we breathe. I for one would prefer quieter streets with cleaner air. What about you?