Whilst it is true that electric vehicles have fewer parts than their petrol or diesel counterparts, that does not mean that they’re completely maintenance-free. There are still some things you need to do to keep your EV running smoothly but at about half the cost of a combustion engine vehicle.
We are here to guide you through Electric Vehicle Maintenance, from the technological side to the not so complex components.
What does an EV service consist of?
Electric vehicles don’t need to be maintained like combustion-powered cars, but there are still a few things you should be aware of when it comes to servicing and keeping on top of your electric vehicle maintenance.
- Cooling System: Checking, testing, and replacing coolant for the battery pack and power electronics.
- Brakes and Regenerative System: Checking pads and discs, which last longer due to regenerative braking, along with replacing brake fluid (usually every 2 years).
- Software and Diagnostics: Checking for software updates, error codes, and diagnostic scans of the electric motor.
- General Maintenance: Replacing the cabin air filter, checking windscreen wipers, lights, and, if applicable, cabin air conditioning.
There are then two more major points that need to be addressed during electric vehicle maintenance checks:
The Battery
It is evident that a car battery is the most important part of an electric vehicle. It controls how far you can travel before needing to recharge the vehicle and provides the power necessary for it to move and function.
As previously mentioned, it is important that an experienced mechanic works on any issues with your battery. Battery packs are sealed within an Electric Vehicle. The only time that a battery pack needs to be opened is if there is something more specific that needs investigation or special servicing, this is a job for a technician, other than this you don’t need to open them often.
Currently it’s estimated that a battery will last around 8-10 years, with eight years being the timescale the lengthy manufacturer warranties last for, but all manufacturers warranties will differ so watch out for this detail.
Keeping your battery charged up is one thing you can do to keep it in good shape. That may seem obvious, but the lithium-ion batteries in a car are the same as those in a mobile phone, albeit much larger. It is recommended to keep your vehicle charged within the brackets of 20% – 80% in order to achieve the maximum efficiency.
Tyre Maintenance
It’s easy to forget about your tyres, but they’re one of the most important parts of your car. Without them, you’d have no way to accelerate, steer or stop your vehicle. The tyres hold all the weight of your vehicle – with EV’s it is crucial to remember the weight the tyres are holding. As the weight of the battery is quite significant compared to a combustion engine, and it’s important to have good tyres to support the weight.
Just as you would with a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle, you should check pressures and tread depth regularly on your EV and look for cracks, bulges or wear and tear of the rubber. However, considering that tyres are made specifically to support the weight of an EV, this should eliminate any concerns individuals may have around tyres when switching to an Electric Vehicle.
How often should an EV be serviced?
An EV service is usually required annually or based on specific mileage intervals set by the manufacturer. There are times when extra checks may be required but you should always refer to your owners manual or manufacturer’s guide to ensure correct measures are taken.
How much should an EV service cost?
When it’s time for a service, always go to a certified technician. Your electric vehicle will be inspected thoroughly by mechanics specifically trained to work on EVs, so you can rest assured that your car is in good hands. If your EV needs new brake pads or fluid, the technicians will know exactly what to do. They’ll make sure that everything gets replaced so you can continue driving safely and confidently. This can mean that the cost might be slightly more expensive than a less qualified technician.
The cost for a service for an EV service can be between £140 – £240 whilst a combustion engine would be £150 – £300. Whilst the prices are similar, the decrease of parts in an EV means there is less likely to be a fault and therefore the cost of part replacement is minimised.
How can VAVOOM Help?
Whether you are leasing or getting a car via a salary sacrifice scheme, we can support you every step of the way. Our personalised driver packs provide you with details for all the services you need. Get in touch if you want to make the shift to EV.
