Electric cars represent an essential step towards a cleaner planet. As more leading carmakers release electric versions of their best models, more people are hopping on the EV bandwagon. Still, maintaining these vehicles isn’t often discussed, despite how they differ from maintaining a conventional car.
Electric cars require maintenance despite what many people assume. Take care of the battery by choosing slow-charging methods as opposed to frequent rapid charging. Tyres and brakes need the same maintenance as non-EVs, and charging stations require regular inspections. Software updates are also a part of maintaining EVs.
In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about electric car maintenance and servicing, especially the five things people rarely talk about.
Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?
Yes, despite the many misconceptions about electric car maintenance, the fact remains that they require regular servicing to function correctly and last their expected lifespan.
Like most people, you've probably heard that electric car maintenance is very different from what combustion engine vehicles require. That's true in part. Without an engine, electric cars do away with engine oil changes, spark plug replacements, and other things required for combustion.
However, you must remember that electric vehicles still have plenty of the systems found in combustion engine cars.
For example, your preferred electric car or truck still uses tyres, suspensions, and a braking system, to name a few. As such, you’ll have to maintain those systems the same way you would with a conventionally powered vehicle.
One thing to note is that the frequency of electric car maintenance is quite different. Not only are they different from combustion engine vehicles, but they can also differ between EV brands.
So, when it comes to an electric car's servicing schedule, the best reference is always the car owner's manual, which provides all the details about the servicing that the EV needs.
Where Do I Take My Electric Car for Servicing?
Here’s another difference between combustion engine cars and electric cars regarding servicing—where to get the servicing done.
Unfortunately, you can’t just take your electric car to your local workshop or neighbourhood mechanic. Getting your buddy to help you service it in your garage is not a good idea either.
While electric and conventional vehicles have many similarities, most components and systems require specialist attention.
In simpler terms, EV technicians are trained and certified in this line of work (particularly your EV brand and model) before they can service it.
So the best place to get your electric car maintained and serviced is at the manufacturer’s dealership, their workshop, or any workshop that they’ve designated for such work.
Some car owners might find that to be a hassle, and rightfully so. Thankfully, there’s a silver lining: the electric car maintenance cost. Since you can only get your EV serviced and maintained at the manufacturer's place, the fees are standardised for all cars of the same make/model.
5 Things They Didn’t Tell You About Maintaining EVs
As you can probably tell, there are plenty of misconceptions and overlooked aspects of electric car maintenance and repair, partially thanks to the ‘environmentally friendly’ hype surrounding these vehicles.
This article is here to help clear up at least a handful of them. Here, we’ll talk in the open about five things they didn't tell you:
1. EVs Are Not Maintenance-Free
We've already said this, but it's worth repeating—electric cars are not maintenance-free. You still have to put in the work to maintain your electric vehicles, despite anyone telling you or suggesting otherwise.
Granted that electric cars don't require engine or exhaust maintenance (since they don’t have those), still, they have tyres, brakes, and many other components requiring inspection, cleaning, and sometimes, repair and replacement.
Fortunately, maintaining an EV isn’t as challenging as with a combustion engine vehicle, so don’t let that be a deal breaker. Just be sure to keep it in mind when deciding to buy one.
2. Rapid Recharging Degrades Batteries Faster
Electric car battery maintenance is another thing that’s not discussed often enough.
Most people know that electric vehicle battery packs will eventually wear out and must be replaced. Often, EV owners prefer fast-charging methods to charge batteries.
What you need to realise is that those batteries will degrade significantly faster when using rapid recharging.
Like any other kind of battery, charging them too quickly causes them to wear out faster than expected. The occasional rapid recharge is convenient and sometimes necessary, but it’s best to use slower charging methods as the default.
3. Wheel and Brake Maintenance
This is another part about electric car maintenance worth repeating: your EV’s wheels and brakes require the same servicing as any other automobile.
Brake pads and rotors eventually need to be changed, and tasks like balancing, rotating, and aligning are still necessary.
4. You Have to Maintain the Charging Station, Too
Your electric vehicle isn’t the only thing that requires maintaining and servicing but so does its charging station.
Like many people, you’d likely have or want a charging unit set up in your home so you can recharge your vehicle overnight.
But like any other electrical charger, it’s in your best interest to ensure the unit works and is safe to use. For example, you should inspect the charging cable and connectors for damage and wear and replace them if necessary.
Unfortunately, this is a part of EV servicing costs that most people overlook, and it can get pretty expensive.
If your Tesla wall connector gets damaged and is no longer usable, replacing it will set you back around $750 in Australia.
5. Software Updates
Last but certainly not least, remember that EV servicing also includes software updates. That’s right! Most modern vehicles rely heavily on computerised systems that need regular updates, and electric cars are a perfect example of that.
They require regular software updates to resolve bugs and ensure that the vehicle’s systems are operating optimally.
These automatic updates are typically done over the air. The manufacturer distributes them over the cloud and your car through wireless data connections or your household WiFi.
Your EV software updates usually happen seamlessly, but there might be instances when they get interrupted and can only be installed later.
Whether you’re maintaining a conventional or an electric vehicle, CarpartAU is your go-to resource! Check out the website to find information on local automotive businesses, find affordable used parts, or learn more through the regularly updated Blog!
By Ray Hasbollah