A study by Consumer Reports estimates that EVs cut repair and maintenance costs by up to 50% over similar gas cars. That can potentially translate to hundreds of dollars in savings each year. Below we break down how this can be true and what typical electric car maintenance needs are.
Why Electric Cars Require Less Maintenance?
The great advantage of an electric car is that the lack of an internal combustion engine removes the need for some of the most common maintenance tasks. For example, there is no longer a need for oil or transmission fluid changes, tune-ups, and engine air filter replacements. Electric cars also don’t require drive belts, radiator fluid, sparkplugs, and a host of other components that need regular inspection and repair. The fact that electric cars have fewer of these moving parts and fluids reduces the likelihood of breakdowns and the frequency of routine maintenance.
What Maintenance do Electric Cars Need?
Electric cars still need looking after. Tire rotations, brake and fluid inspections, and cabin air filter replacements are all part of routine EV maintenance. Also electrical, steering, suspension, and chassis systems need to be checked every now and then. While most of these actions should be familiar to anyone dealing with cars, there are also some considerations unique to electric cars.
EV Tire Maintenance
Tire rotation and tire balancing are particularly important for electric cars. There are a few simple reasons and considerations for this:
- EVs are heavier than their ICE counterparts due to their battery packs and electric motors. This added weight puts more pressure on tires, potentially causing them to wear out faster.
- Unbalanced tires or uneven wear and tear can lead to vibrations, which might put increased strain on the battery pack and shorten the battery’s life.
- EVs provide instant torque and fast acceleration. This is a major performance improvement compared to ICE cars, but also a source of additional friction, making tires wear and tear faster.
Monitoring tire pressure is critical to ensuring optimal performance and getting maximum range. A study by the Society of Automotive Engineers concluded that tighter control of tire pressure loss can “lead to a marked improvement in electric-vehicle efficiency”. Tesla, to use one example, recommends that drivers regularly check tire pressure and rotate tires every 6,250 miles.
EV Brake Fluid and Brake Pads
Similar to ICE cars, electric cars rely on brake fluid which amplifies your foot’s force on the brake pedal by increasing the pressure applied to the brakes. Replacing this fluid is crucial regardless of your car’s powertrain. For example, Ford recommends that brake fluid be replaced in its Mach-e and F-150 Lightning EVs every three years.
The good news is that EVs have an advantage over ICE cars when it comes to brake pads and rotor maintenance. Electric cars’ regenerative braking uses the electric motor’s resistance to slow the vehicle. This not only charges the battery but also saves brake pads and rotors by using them less frequently, greatly extending their service life.
EV Cooling Systems and Wiper Fluids
Electric cars work by converting electricity into mechanical energy. This process generates significant heat, meaning that EVs need to constantly cool their powertrain components. Some EVs use refrigerants or coolants to prevent overheating, and automakers suggest inspecting the cooling systems either every six months or during your EV’s routine service.
Under most circumstances, your EV battery coolant should not need to be replaced for the life of your vehicle. If you have a Tesla, the touchscreen displays a message if there is an issue with the quantity of fluid in the cooling system. If this happens, stop driving as soon as safety permits and contact Tesla through the Tesla App.
How to Maintain Battery Health?
The battery is the largest and most expensive component of your electric car. The best part is that batteries require almost no maintenance and should last between 12 and 15 years if used in moderate climates, according to research by The National Renewal Energy Laboratory of the United States. Batteries are also covered under manufacturer powertrain warranties so there isn’t much needed as far as service and maintenance go.
There are, however, some best practices to maintain optimal battery performance and to get the most out of your EV. Here are our top 3 tips to maintain battery health:
1. Regularly Download Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates
Automakers such as Tesla and Ford frequently release OTA updates that provide incremental improvements to your electric car. These updates typically include tweaks to battery management controls that improve battery efficiency, increasing your vehicle’s range and charging speeds.
2. Avoid Frequently Fully Charging or Draining the Battery
Just like your mobile phone battery, EV batteries degrade at a faster rate when either fully charged or completely drained. Fortunately, most electric cars automatically cap charging rates at 85% or 90% unless otherwise specified. Automakers recommend charging to higher capacities only for those longer road trips.
3. Don’t Overuse Fast Chargers
Fast chargers are a great convenience for EV drivers who are low on charge and in need of a quick juice-up. However, charging at these 50-350 kW stations will degrade your battery at a faster rate. Just don’t overdo it.
Where to Service Electric Cars and How Much Does it Cost?
You can service an electric car at a dealership or an EV-specialized, certified repair shop. If you have a Tesla, you can schedule vehicle service or find certified Tesla repair shops in your area directly through the Tesla App.
The average maintenance cost for an electric car is lower compared to traditional gasoline cars. The study by Consumer Reports puts the average maintenance cost for an electric car at around $400 per year, compared to $800 for a gas car.
What EV Maintenance Schedule Looks Like?
To get an understanding of a typical EV maintenance schedule, let’s take a look at Tesla’s maintenance and service guidance.
Tesla tells owners that their vehicles should generally be serviced on an as-needed basis. Still, Tesla recommends the following maintenance items and intervals:
- Brake fluid health check every 2 years (replace if necessary) or, if the vehicle is used for towing, replace the brake fluid every 2 years.
- A/C desiccant bag replacement every 4 years.
- Cabin air filter replacement every 2 years (or 3 years for HEPA and carbon filters, if equipped).
- HEPA filter replacement every 3 years
- Clean and lubricate brake calipers every year or 12,500 miles if in an area where roads are salted during winter
- Rotate tires every 6,250 miles or if the tread depth difference is 1.5 mm or greater, whichever comes first
