Are EVs beautiful? Yes! Are they a joy to have? Double Yes! Are they eco-friendly? How dare you ask? But are they maintenance-free? Nope! Not at all. Electric vehicles need regular servicing, too.
Perhaps you've got yourself an EV. Or maybe you're still trying to estimate the running costs of owning an EV. Whatever the case, you're smart to seek answers to the question "What maintenance does an EV need?" Lucky you, this post’s got you covered.
Do Electric Vehicles Need More Maintenance than Fossil-Fuel Vehicles?
No. As you might have figured out, EV servicing is less frequent than conventional petrol or diesel car servicing. Still, there’s a need to service an electric vehicle just like you would other cars. After all, EV engines, too, undergo wear and tear.
Case in point, fossil-fuel vehicles consist of more mechanical moving parts, including the piston, the fuel pump, and spark plugs, and whatnots. Since friction results in wear and tear, many parts get damaged and require replacement over time. Since many of these parts are not used in EVs, electric cars usually require less frequent servicing.
What Maintenance Does an EV Need?
Here are 5 EV parts that usually need maintenance.
1. Battery
The battery is by far the costliest component of an EV. Sadly, after prolonged use, the battery gradually loses its ability to keep a full charge. It becomes less efficient over time and eventually calls for replacement.
When this happens, you can take it back to the dealership or find a shop specialising in batteries to replace your battery. Just be aware that replacing an EV battery costs thousands of dollars. This is the only pocket-draining maintenance you'll have to make. And EV batteries take a long time to degenerate. So if you just bought your car, you won't have to worry about the battery for a while.
2. Brake
A perfectly functional brake pad is necessary for obvious reasons: your safety and that of other road users depend on it. This is why maintaining your car brake is a must. Meanwhile, electric vehicles use a regenerative braking system, an exciting spin on the regular braking system.
This braking system maximises energy by storing it in the battery to use later to power the engine. This system slows down the car's energy consumption and supplies little charge to the battery when it runs low. A regenerative brake system can't replace real charging in a station, of course. However, it can save you when your car battery is down, and you are far from a charging station.
3. Tyres
Just face it, whether you own a conventional car or an electric one, tyres are, well, tyres. You have to check them periodically if you don't want to have to change them too frequently. EV tyres undergo a lot of pressure mainly because electric vehicles are super weighty, thanks to their heavy batteries.
Besides, they have fast torque, and this can take its toll on the tyres. When you examine your wheels (which, ideally, you should do once a week), ensure the pressure is neither less nor more than the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Also, make sure to do a wheel alignment in intervals of 6 to 12 months, depending on whether you’re a heavy or light vehicle user.
4. Software
Updating your software is vital if you want to keep your vehicle running optimally. EV software is critical in helping to eliminate many pain points associated with owning an electric car. What's more, software upgrades can also introduce new features to the vehicle. For instance, Tesla decreased the Model S P100D vehicle’s 60 mph acceleration time to 2.4 seconds via an over-the-air update.
Some EVs require you to get them to the dealership for an update. When it's time for this, avoid stalling and do it as soon as possible. Other electric cars can update over the air. This means less stress for you. Either way, make sure your EV software is updated.
5. Fluids
EVs use massive batteries that must never get under or over-heated; otherwise, it will damage the vehicle. To prevent this, ensure that you check and, if need be, replace the coolant regularly. Windshield wiper fluids might require topping up a little more frequently, too.
Brake fluids also need changing sometimes. But because of the unique brake system that EVs are fitted with, you may not need to change the fluids too often.
Conclusion
Keeping on time with your maintenance routine will save you a lot of money in the long run. If you own an EV already, you mustn't skimp on maintenance activities whenever necessary. If you're still on the fence, struggling to decide whether or not to buy an electric car, keep this in mind: EV maintenance doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Hopefully, this information provides the nudge you need to join the growing clan of EV owners.
By Damilare Olasinde