As electric vehicles (EVs) rely on an electric battery and have far fewer moving parts than cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE), maintenance on an electric car is much easier than on traditional petrol and diesel cars.
With fewer components, no engine oil changes, no spark plugs to replace, and no exhaust system to maintain, the servicing and maintenance costs of electric cars are also lower than traditional ICE vehicles.
However, maintenance on electric cars is still important to prevent costly repairs and to keep your vehicle running efficiently and safely. Key areas to monitor include the battery, tyres, brakes, suspension, air filters, fluids, charging equipment, and software updates.
While some aspects of EV maintenance are best handled by professionals, there are several checks and tasks you can undertake yourself. Staying on top of these basics can help ensure your electric vehicle continues to run smoothly, efficiently and safely.
Your EV battery is the most important part of your electric vehicle. A poorly maintained battery can lose capacity over time, reducing your driving range. Keeping it in peak condition is essential to ensure your EV runs efficiently and lasts as long as possible.
Here are some top tips for maintaining your EV battery:
Electric vehicles are heavier than petrol or diesel cars due to their large battery packs. This extra weight puts additional strain on tyres, causing them to wear more quickly. Proper tyre maintenance helps improve efficiency, performance, and overall safety.
Top tips for maintaining your EV tyres:
As electric vehicles typically use regenerative braking, this helps to reduce wear on brake pads and discs. However, brake components will still wear out over time and therefore require some attention.
Tips to help extend the lifespan of your EV brakes:
The extra weight of an electric vehicle – due to its heavy batteries - can place extra strain on the suspension system. Over time, this can lead to increased wear, affecting handling and comfort.
Tips to help maintain your EV’s suspension:
The cabin air filter in your EV plays an important role in keeping the air inside the vehicle clean and healthy. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dust, pollen, and pollutants, reducing air quality and airflow.
Tips for maintaining your cabin air filter:
Whilst electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, there are other essential fluids that need to be checked and topped up to keep your EV running efficiently and safely.
You should regularly check your home charging equipment to make sure cables and connection points are in good condition. Twisted, warped, cracked or frayed equipment can not only reduce charging efficiency, it can also pose serious safety risks, such as fires or electric shocks.
Many electric vehicles receive over-the-air updates – much like a smartphone.
Many manufacturers release regular software updates for their electric vehicles to improve efficiency and performance, and fix bugs.
Keeping your EV’s software up to date is important to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Just like updating your phone, enabling automatic updates can help you get the most out of your electric vehicle.
Even though electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, they still benefit from regular servicing. Depending on the manufacturer's guidelines, EVs usually require a service every 18,000 miles or 1-2 years.
Not only will a thorough service keep your EV running efficiently, it will also help avoid larger problems in the future. Additionally, a well-maintained EV is more likely to retain its value and experience slower depreciation.
An electric car service cost is generally lower than petrol or diesel cars, coming in at around £150-£300 for a full service, depending on the make and model.
It’s important to choose a garage that specialises in EVs, as technicians will have been trained to work on the unique components of electric cars.
Overall, electric vehicle maintenance costs tend to be lower than for petrol or diesel vehicles, making regular servicing a smart investment.
Electric car maintenance isn’t as time-consuming or costly as maintaining a traditional petrol or diesel car. However, there are some important features you should keep an eye on to ensure your electric car runs smoothly, remains efficient and keeps you and your passengers safe.
At Foray Motor Group, we specialise in electric vehicles and understand the unique needs of EV owners. Whether you are looking to purchase an electric vehicle or are searching for professional electric car servicing, our experts are here to help.
Browse our vehicles or contact our service centres today.
Q: What maintenance does an electric car need?
A: Maintenance on electric cars includes battery care, such as avoiding overcharging and leaving your vehicle in extreme temperatures; ensuring your tyres are properly inflated; taking care when driving over rough terrain; replacing air filters; topping up coolant and brake fluid; and regularly checking charging equipment.
Q: How often should EVs be serviced?
A: The frequency of electric car servicing varies depending on the make and model of your EV; however, a rough guide is every 18,000 miles or every 1-2 years.
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