What maintenance does an electric car need

The Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Maintenance: Batteries, Tires, and More

The main difference between the maintenance of an electric vehicle and a gasoline car is that there's less of it. Without an internal combustion engine, there are far fewer parts in an EV to need repair or replacement. The running joke among EV owners is that all you need to maintain are windshield washer fluid and air in the tiresbut there is certainly more to do than that.

EV Maintenance Overview

The elements that EVs share with gas vehicleslike wheels and brakesdo need maintaining. Filters get dirty. Taillights burn out. As with any machine with moving parts, lubrication is needed to make the vehicle run, well, fluidly. Coolants are needed so that parts don't overheat.

But as their name suggests, internal combustion engines run much hotter than electric vehicles (190 degrees C compared to 40/50 degrees C), which means EV coolants break down more slowly and need less frequent replacement.

Along with the lower price of electricity compared to gasoline, the cost to maintain an electric vehicle is one of its greatest selling points in terms of the lifetime cost for owning an EV. Consumer Reports estimates that, on average, the maintenance of an electric vehicle adds up to $0.03 per milehalf that of a gasoline-powered car.

If a function or part of an electric vehicle isn't mentioned in this maintenance guide, it's because it's the same as on a gas-powered car. But some functions in common with gasoline cars have different maintenance requirements, as do elements that are unique to EVs.

What Doesn't Need Maintenance in an EV

• Alternators
• Catalytic converters
• Engine air filters
• Engine gaskets
• Fuel pumps
• Mufflers
• Oil changes
• Oil filters
• Pistons
• Serpentine belts
• Spark plugs
• Timing belts
• Tune-ups

Batteries

The battery pack is the most expensive component in an EV, and replacing it can wipe out the average lifetime savings of $4,600 in maintenance costs for owning an EV. A replacement battery for a Nissan Leaf, for example, can cost $5,500 plus installation fees.

Despite worries about having to replace expensive lithium-ion batteries, however, an EV battery is likely to outlast the rest of the vehicle, especially if you take care of it properly, and that likelihood is bound to increase. Unlike internal combustion engines, which haven't changed much in the past 40 years, new developments in EV battery chemistry (such as lithium iron phosphate) hold out the promise of extending the lifetime of EV batteries to more than a million miles.

The lithium-ion battery that fuels an EV is sealed for safety reasons, and any maintenance should be performed by a professional. An EV battery is actually a pack of thousands of individual lithium-ion cells, with electronics and a thermal cooling system tying them all together. The thermal cooling system has coolants that need flushing periodically; EV batteries have long warranties, so this may be covered under your warranty.

You may be surprised to learn that there is a second battery in an EV: a standard, lead-acid 12-volt battery like the one you'll find in a gasoline car. Without it, you wouldn't be able to unlock your car, since it's needed to run electronics like lights, door locks, and other low-energy functions that have long run on 12 volts. Scaling down the energy from a 300+ volt lithium-ion battery to run electronics that run on 12 volts is highly inefficient and costly, not to mention dangerous. Periodic inspection is required.

Tires

As with internal combustion vehicles, EVs have tires, rotors, shocks, struts, driveshafts, and boots that periodically need regular rotation, inspection, maintenance, or replacement. Maintaining proper tire pressure and tread depth is important on any car but may be more even more so on an EV.

EVs have instant torque (rotational force of the wheels), which on slippery roads can increase the likelihood of spinning. And EVs are, on average, heavier than comparable gas-powered cars in the same category, so once the vehicle begins to slide, it may be more difficult to control. Proper tire maintenance, a good set of snow tires in the winter (where applicable), and sensible driving habits can prevent slippage.

Brakes

Since electric vehicles primarily use regenerative braking rather than traditional friction brakes, discs and pads are subject to less wear and tear. While Tesla CEO Elon Musk has tweeted that brake pads on a Tesla literally never need to be replaced for [the] lifetime of the car, brake pads can still wear out, depending on how you drive. Even the Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual recommends replacing worn brake pads. Brake drums, linings, hoses, and fluid also need regular inspection.

Motor

Compared to an internal combustion engine, an electric motor is a rather simple machine that will in all likelihood never need replacing. Most electric vehicles have a single multi-speed motor, meaning there's no transmission that shifts the vehicle between multiple gears. (Some EVs have two to four motors, but power is distributed electronically between them rather than through shifting gears.) That means no transmission fluid, at least in the traditional sense.

EVs do have a reduction gearboxwhich some people call a transmissionbetween the motor and the wheels that need lubricationwhich even EV manufacturers may call transmission fluid. Usually, the gearbox is sealed, so a qualified mechanic will need to perform inspection and maintenance on it.

Climate Control

While gas-powered vehicles draw heat from the engine to heat the car, EVs use either resistance heaters that draw their energy from the battery, or highly efficient heat pumps that, in general, need less maintenance. Cooling the vehicle tends to work the same, with an air conditioning compressor that needs refrigerant inspected and air filters periodically replaced.

Software Upgrades

EVs run on electrons, so keeping your electronics updated is more important in an EV than in a gas-powered vehicle. Software and firmware upgrades can increase the efficiency of an EV, add new features, or increase the vehicle's electronic security. Some EV manufacturers offer over-the-air updates, just as you would get for other digital devices. For many vehicles, this requires being within range of your home wifi. Other manufacturers require a visit to the dealership to perform upgrades.

Owner's Manuals for Popular EVs

A Typical EV Maintenance Schedule

Note that schedules vary per model. These are some general guidelines:

Monthly

• Inspect interior and exterior lights.
• Inspect tires for wear and proper pressure,
• Check for loose wheel lugs.
• Inspect windshield washer fluid level.
• Check coolant level.
• Check exterior lights.

Six Months

• Check 12-volt battery connections. Clean if necessary.
• Check body and door drain holes for obstructions.
• Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
• Check door weatherstrips for wear.
• Lubricate hinges, latches, and outside locks if necessary.
• Check parking brake for proper operation.
• Inspect safety belts for wear and function.
• Inspect safety warning lights for operation.
• Inspect windshield wipers and washer spray for wear and function.
• Use plain water to flush corrosive materials like road salt from the underbody.

12 months or 10,000 miles

• Rotate tires.
• Replace climate control filter.
• Perform a multi-point inspection (12-volt battery, lights, fluids, horn, half-shaft dust boots, suspension, steering, tires, windshields, washer spray and wipers).
• Inspect brake pads, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses, and parking brake.
• Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, and tie rod ends.

Every 15,000 miles

• Replace the windshield wiper blades.

Every 20,000 miles

Every three years

• Change brake fluid.
• Change coolant.

10 years or 150,000 miles

• Change transmission fluid.
• Change air conditioning dessicant.

Maintenance Required

No machine as complicated as a motor vehicle is maintenance-free, and the simplicity of maintaining an EV can be overstated. Taking good care of your electric vehicle is just as important for your safety and the longevity of the car as it is for a gasoline-powered car. Fortunately, that safety and longevity can come at half the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do electric vehicles last?

  It's often said that electric car batteries last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, but the cars themselves only last about a decade. With EVs being so new to the mainstream, it's impossible to calculate an average lifespan just yet.

• Do electric vehicles need servicing?

  Electric vehicles do need to be serviced occasionally. Regular EV services include tire pressure checks, windshield wiper replacement, and brake fluid changes.

• Do electric vehicles need oil changes?

  Electric vehicles don't use engine oil like gas-powered cars do, so there's no need for EV owners to get regular oil changes. EVs may use oil (or the equivalent of "transmission fluid") inside their reduction gearboxes, which need to be checked and potentially changed over the car's lifespan.

• Do electric vehicles require as much maintenance as gas-powered cars?

  Electric vehicles reportedly require 66% less maintenance and 22% fewer repairs than conventional gas-powered cars.

MakeUseOf

One of the appealing aspects of owning an electric vehicle (EV) is the reduced maintenance cost compared to conventional gasoline-powered cars. EV owners can bypass expenses associated with dedicated and difficult engine tuning, oil changes, transmission servicing, and belt replacements.

However, electric cars are not entirely maintenance-free and require periodic checks and services to perform optimally. Understanding the unique maintenance needs of electric cars is crucial for maximizing their performance and longevity.

In this blog post, we will delve into the essential maintenance tasks that should be prioritized to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

Tire Maintenance and Rotation

Tire maintenance constitutes a significant portion of the overall maintenance cost of an EV. It is of utmost importance for EV owners, as tires tend to wear out faster on EVs compared to gas-powered cars.

The extra weight an EV carries over a combustion car, primarily due to the battery pack, can accelerate tire wear. Regular tire rotation is therefore even more important for EV owners in order to prolong tire life.

It is generally recommended to have your EV's tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, especially if you own a high-performance electric car. However, it's essential to check your vehicle's manual or consult a qualified technician, as the recommended interval may vary depending on the specific EV model and tire type.

You should also regularly check your tires' air pressure. Underinflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency, negatively impact handling, and increase blowout risk. Overinflating your tires is also not advised, as it can result in reduced traction and uneven wear. Consult your vehicle's manual or the tire manufacturer's recommendations for optimal tire pressure, and use a reliable tire pressure gauge to check and adjust the pressure accordingly.

Regular visual inspections of the tires are also important. Look for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or uneven wear patterns. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and potential tire failure.

Inspection of Brake Pads and Fluids

While electric vehicles typically rely on regenerative braking, which reduces brake pad wear, it's still essential to inspect and change them periodically. This is because driving with worn-out brake pads on the road can be dangerous. The good news is that because electric motors have strong regenerative braking, the pads for an EV's friction brakes do not need to be changed as frequently. They can last as long as 200,000 miles on cars that are not driven hard.

The general recommendation is you should also change the brake fluid once every two years. Over time, the fluid can accumulate contaminants such as dirt, debris, and brake dust. These degrade the quality of the fluid and impact the performance of the braking system. Regular changes will ensure a fresh supply that is free from contaminants, promoting reliable braking performance.

The recommended schedule for changing brake fluid in EVs differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, Tesla recommends checking the brake fluid for contamination every two years, while the Bolt EV can go 150,000 miles before requiring a brake fluid change.

Windshield Wiper and Washer Fluid Replacement

Clear visibility is paramount for safe driving, and that's why maintaining your windshield wipers is crucial. Inspect the wiper blades regularly and replace them if they show signs of deterioration, such as streaking or skipping. Additionally, ensure that the windshield washer fluid reservoir is adequately filled, especially during seasons when road conditions are prone to dirt and grime buildup.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Electric vehicles typically have cabin air filters that help remove pollutants and allergens from the air you breathe. These filters can become clogged over time, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, regular inspection and replacement of the cabin air filter are necessary to ensure clean and fresh air circulation within your electric car. The general rule of thumb is to replace air filters every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

Battery Maintenance and Management

The main difference in maintenance between ICE vehicles and EVs stems from the latter's big traction battery, which is not present in combustion cars and therefore requires no special attention. The battery is the heart (and the most expensive single component) of an electric vehicle, so proper maintenance is crucial for its longevity and performance. While modern EV batteries are designed to be durable with minimal maintenance, there are still a few key considerations.

Firstly, keep the battery within its recommended temperature range, as extreme temperatures can affect its efficiency and lifespan. Secondly, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for charging and discharging the battery to optimize its performance and avoid overcharging or deep discharge. Some models also allow you to set a maximum charging limit to help extend battery life.

Check Coolant Levels

While EVs don't have traditional engines that generate the same heat level as internal combustion engines, they still rely on cooling systems to regulate the temperature of critical components such as the battery and motors. Low coolant levels can lead to overheating, resulting in reduced efficiency, potential damage to the components, and even a breakdown. Therefore, it is important to have the battery coolant in your EV checked periodically.

Every EV manufacturer has their own guidelines and recommendations regarding battery pack coolant maintenance, but you generally wont have to change it for quite some time. Some manufacturers, like Tesla, even state that the battery pack coolant does not require changing throughout the vehicle's lifespan, although many owners still choose to change it every few years.

Software Updates and Vehicle Diagnostics

Software updates can improve performance, address potential issues, and introduce new features. Staying up-to-date with software updates is crucial for maximizing the capabilities and efficiency of your electric car.

Additionally, regular vehicle diagnostics, either through manufacturer-recommended software or by consulting a qualified technician, can help identify any underlying issues, prevent more serious problems down the line, and generally ensure your electric car is operating optimally.

Other General Electric Car Maintenance Requirements

In addition to the specific areas mentioned above, electric cars also have general maintenance requirements similar to traditional vehicles. These may include differential oil changes, transmission fluid changes, inspecting lights and signals, checking the wheel alignment and suspension, AC desiccant bag replacement, or undercarriage cleaning.

Regularly Maintain Your Electric Car for Best Performance

While electric cars require less maintenance compared to traditional cars, it's still essential for optimal performance and longevity. You can do easy tasks such as checking tire pressure, a visual inspection, windshield wiper and washer fluid replacement, and general cleaning at home without any professional help.

However, other technical tasks like brake pad and fluid inspection, coolant and AC servicing, wheel alignment, and in-depth diagnostics should be left to professionals who have the necessary expertise and equipment.