Common Questions About EV Maintenance

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as more drivers seek environmentally friendly and cost-effective transportation options. While EVs offer numerous benefits, such as lower emissions and reduced fuel costs, they also come with their own set of maintenance requirements. As an EV owner or someone considering making the switch, you might have some questions about how to maintain your vehicle. In this blog, we’ll address some of the most common questions about EV maintenance.

1. How Often Do I Need to Service My EV?

Unlike traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs require less frequent servicing due to fewer moving parts and the absence of oil changes. However, regular maintenance is still essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Key Points:

• Battery Health: The battery is the heart of your EV, so it’s crucial to have it checked regularly. Most manufacturers recommend a service interval every 12 months or 20,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Although some car makers specify two year service intervals.
• Brake Maintenance: EVs use regenerative braking, which reduces wear on brake pads. However, it’s still important to have your brakes inspected during routine services. And where specified in the service schedule, changing the brake fluid.
• Suspension Maintenance: EVs have largely the same suspension components as conventional vehicles. Over time, these components will wear and need replacing. So it’s important to have your EV’s suspension regularly checked during scheduled servicing.
• Software Updates: Many EVs receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates that can improve performance and fix bugs. Regular servicing ensures these updates are applied correctly.

2. Do EVs Need Oil Changes?

No, EVs do not require traditional oil changes. Since they don’t have an internal combustion engine, there’s no need for engine oil to lubricate moving parts. This is one of the key advantages of owning an EV, as it simplifies maintenance and reduces long-term costs.

Key Points:

• Coolant Systems: While there’s no engine oil, some EV components, like the battery, electric motor, and power electronics, may require coolant. It’s important to check coolant levels periodically and have them changed when specified by the manufacturer.
• Transmission Fluid: Some EVs with multi-speed transmissions might require periodic transmission fluid changes, but this is much less frequent than in ICE vehicles.

3. What About Tyre Maintenance?

Tyre maintenance is just as important for EVs as it is for any other vehicle. In fact, it might be even more critical due to the unique characteristics of EVs.

Key Points:

• Tyre Wear: EVs typically produce more torque than ICE vehicles, which can lead to faster tyre wear. Regularly check your tyre tread and rotate your tyres as recommended.
• Tyre Pressure: Proper tyre pressure is essential for maintaining efficiency and extending tyre life. EVs are often heavier than traditional cars due to the battery, so keeping tyres properly inflated is crucial.

4. How Long Does the Battery Last?

Battery life is a common concern for EV owners. Fortunately, modern EV batteries are designed to last a long time, often outliving the vehicle itself.

Key Points:

• Battery Degradation: Over time, all batteries experience some level of degradation, meaning they gradually lose their capacity to hold a charge. However, this process is slow, and many EVs retain 70-80% of their original battery capacity even after 8-10 years.
• Warranty: Most manufacturers offer warranties on EV batteries that cover 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. This warranty provides peace of mind for EV owners.
• Charging Habits: To maximize battery life, avoid frequent fast charging and try to keep the battery level between 20% and 80% for daily use.

5. Do I Need to Worry About the Electric Motor?

The electric motor in an EV is a highly reliable component with fewer moving parts than an ICE. This simplicity results in less wear and tear and minimal maintenance requirements.

Key Points:

• Durability: Electric motors are designed to last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres with minimal maintenance. Unlike ICE engines, they don’t require regular tune-ups or replacement parts like spark plugs or timing belts.
• Cooling System:  Some electric motors have a cooling system that may need periodic maintenance, such as checking coolant levels or replacing coolant according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

6. How Do I Maintain the EV’s Software?

Software plays a critical role in the performance and functionality of an EV. Regular software updates ensure your EV runs efficiently and benefits from the latest features and improvements.

Key Points:

• Over-the-Air Updates: Many EVs receive OTA updates, which means you don’t need to visit a service centre to get the latest software. Ensure your EV is connected to Wi-Fi to receive these updates automatically.
• Manual Updates: In some cases, you might need to schedule a visit to the service centre for major software upgrades or recalls. Regular maintenance checks will include ensuring your software is up-to-date.

7. What Are the Costs of EV Maintenance Compared to Traditional Cars?

One of the significant advantages of EVs is their lower maintenance costs compared to traditional ICE vehicles. Fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and less frequent brake replacements contribute to overall savings.

Key Points:

• Lower Routine Maintenance:  With fewer fluids to change and less wear on parts like brakes, the routine maintenance costs for EVs are generally lower than those for ICE vehicles.
• Battery Replacement Costs: While batteries are covered under warranty, replacing them outside of warranty can be expensive. However, most EV batteries are designed to last long enough that this may not be a concern for many owners.
• Insurance Costs: EVs might have higher insurance premiums due to the higher cost of components like the battery. However, these costs are often offset by lower maintenance and fuel expenses.

8. Can I Perform EV Maintenance Myself?

While there are some maintenance tasks that EV owners can perform themselves, such as checking tyre pressure or topping up windshield washer fluid, most EV maintenance should be handled by professionals.

Key Points:

• High Voltage Systems: EVs contain high-voltage electrical systems that are dangerous if not handled correctly. For safety reasons leave most maintenance tasks to certified technicians. Never attempt to maintain the high voltage drive system.
• DIY Tasks: Simple tasks like replacing wiper blades, checking tyre pressure, and monitoring coolant levels can be done by the owner. Always refer to the owner’s manual for guidance.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles offer a range of benefits, including lower maintenance requirements and reduced environmental impact. However, like any vehicle, they do require regular care to ensure they remain in peak condition. By understanding the common maintenance needs of EVs and addressing them proactively, you can enjoy the many advantages of electric driving while minimizing your long-term costs. Whether you’re already an EV owner or considering making the switch, being informed about maintenance will help you get the most out of your electric vehicle.