How Much Does It Cost To Maintain An Electric Vehicle?

Maintenance is a must for all vehicles. Although electric vehicles may still be more expensive to buy than their equivalents with conventional engines, they are typically less expensive to maintain due to convenient home charging. This post is for you if you want to read in-depth and factual information about how much it costs to maintain an electric vehicle. You will find what EV components require maintenance, where does the saving come from, and other information here that is frequently overlooked by EV drivers.

Let’s dive into it!

What Components Of EVs Need Maintenance?

Electric vehicles use electrical transmission systems and electric motors (traction motors) to propel. EVs can get power from a variety of sources, including fuel cells, batteries, solar panels, and electric generators. The EV parts that typically require basic maintenance are given below.

Batteries:

For many vehicle owners, battery degradation in BEVs (battery electric vehicles) is a concern. Do your bit by routinely checking the battery’s coolant level. If you observe a considerable depreciation in battery range, have the battery serviced. Keep in mind that this rarely occurs. Also, be careful not to let the battery discharge entirely. Avert prolonged exposure to temperatures that are too hot or too low. Avoid leaving the vehicle running on a full charge for extended periods of time.

Tyres:

Over-pressure and wear are two factors that may necessitate tyre replacement. The lifespan of tyres can be reduced by using overpressure, and the tyres of electrical cars wear more quickly than those of ICE cars. This is due to the fact that electric vehicles tend to be heavier than those that use conventional fuel. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to avoid the requirement for a replacement because of too much pressure.

Brakes:

Regenerative braking, which can be utilized in place of the car’s disc brakes, is common in electric vehicles. An electric car’s brake pads never need to be changed for the duration of its life because they are rarely used, which results in less brake wear.

Windscreens, Wiper Blades, And Washer Fluids:

Like ICE vehicles, EVs can also sustain cracks or chipped in their windscreens. Additionally, they have wiper blades that, when worn out, might need to be replaced. It’s essential to regularly top off washer fluid.

In addition to the ones just mentioned, electric vehicles also include numerous other parts that need periodic maintenance or may occasionally need repairs due to wear and tear. These components include the cabin air filter, door locks, airbags, power steering, suspension, coolant circuits, etc.

Where Does The Saving Come From?

In this part, we go through how EVs can save you money over Ice vehicles. 

Fewer Fluids:

Compared to conventional vehicles, EVs have much less fluid maintenance. The fluids are usually inaccessible and sealed inside the EV’s infrastructure. You won’t need to make those frequent gas purchases anymore.

Simple Structure:

There is no denying that ICE vehicles are produced using a complicated design of moving mechanical and electromechanical components. If these components aren’t regularly maintained, they deteriorate more quickly as they move. Since there are just three major components in an electric vehicle—the DC or AC engine, depending on the model, the inverter and the onboard charger, maintenance costs are significantly cheaper. In contrast to ICE vehicles, which have many parts that require routine maintenance, there are many additional parts that must be checked, but they are smaller and less likely to fail.

Battery Lifespan:

The battery’s lifespan is a significant factor in lowering the cost of maintaining an electric vehicle. Initially, the battery in ICE vehicles needs to be changed at least every four to five years, and the gas pump needs to be replaced after six to seven years (100,000 miles). This cost is significantly decreased by the fact that EV batteries have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years and eliminate the requirement for a gas pump and a DC starter battery in EVs.

Regenerative Braking: 

Regenerative braking allows the owners of electric vehicles to potentially save half the money that would have been spent on brake maintenance for ICE vehicles.

Do Electric Vehicles Require An Oil Change?

An EV does not have an engine, hence it does not require engine oil replacement as conventional petrol/diesel vehicles do. Additionally, you are free from the hassle of spark plug replacement. However, EVs do have oil in the reduction gearbox that may require replacing over time.

Exactly, How Much Does EV Maintenance Cost?

Electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts than conventional vehicles. As a result, maintaining an EV will be less expensive overall each year than maintaining a conventional vehicle. You can spend anywhere between half to a third of the average cost of what it typically costs to maintain an ICE vehicle on your electric vehicle. The type and model of the EV will determine this. For more information on maintenance costs, see the following.

According to a Consumer Reports study, non-electric cars require an average of £6,905 in lifetime maintenance and repairs. BEVs and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric cars) only require about £3,452. 

The cost of BEV battery replacement and repair varies depending on the manufacturer. Between £3,700 and £7,500 is the price range for new batteries.

Some Of The Maintenance Tips For Electric Vehicle-

You can ensure long-term performance and efficiency by using the maintenance tips provided below for electric vehicles. 

• Avoid driving at high speeds to prolong the lifespan of your Electric Vehicle battery and brakes.
• To prolong longer battery life, avoid overcharging as well as frequent charging. The ideal practice is believed to be charging up to 80%.
• When parking, be sure to cover your vehicle, particularly if the weather is extreme.
• Always use an EV charger that is certified and compatible.
• To prevent the car battery from overheating while you’re driving, take a look at the coolant level. 
• Rotate your tyres to prevent uneven or excessive wear and tear.
• Wiper blades should be replaced twice a year.