Electric Car Maintenance – Is It As Expensive As We Think?
What are the maintenance costs for an electric car? And just how much maintenance do electric cars require? While electric vehicles are costlier to purchase than petrol or diesel-powered cars, they are cheaper to run and can even be charged in the comfort of your own home. Contrary to what most people think, electric car maintenance is also much less than conventional vehicle maintenance.
An electric vehicle can save you money continuously through its low, long-term maintenance costs. They do not require regular service, and you do not have to incur charges for things like transmission service, tune-ups, cooling system flushes, or oil changes. This is not to say that electric cars do not need maintenance. It would help if you still had periodic service and checks to ensure everything was in good condition.
The Cost Of Electric Car Maintenance
The maintenance costs for an electric car will vary based on factors like the type of electric vehicle you own. Note that the brake systems, steering, suspension and transmission of electric vehicles are equally affected by day-to-day driving habits, just as with regular powered cars with consumable parts like brake fluids and brake pads.
The electric motor, battery, and other electronics need little to no frequent maintenance. There are also fewer moving parts relative to gas-powered engines. It is worth mentioning that if you own a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, its maintenance needs will be similar to that of a conventional car as it has an internal combustion engine. You will spend an average of $77 on electric car servicing and maintenance for the first three years.
How Often Do Electric Cars Need Maintenance?
Unlike conventionally powered cars, electric cars do not require regular maintenance. Always check your manufacturer’s offering on maintenance. How often your electric vehicle needs maintenance will depend on various factors. If you have a battery-electric car, it will be best to get yearly scheduled service maintenance to ensure that your vehicle is safe to operate. Here is how often electric cars may need maintenance:
Monthly Electric Car Maintenance
The owner should do monthly electric car maintenance which should involve checking your tyre pressure and adjusting as required. Check your windshield washer fluid and fill if necessary and inspect your tyres for any signs of wear and tear.
Every 10,000 kilometres
You need to hire a professional to rotate your tyres and check the charger modules, accessory power, power inverter, cabin heater, and battery coolant level. Inspect the brakes, steering, suspension, and visually check for any fluid leaks. You should also check your tyre’s sealant’s expiration date and inspect the gas struts for any damage, wear, or cracks.
Check the accelerator pedals for any signs of damage, binding, or high effort and replace them if needed. Lubricate the body components, check the restraint system, and inspect the driveshafts, half shafts, and power steering for damage, leaks, or excessive wear.
Twice A Year Electric Car maintenance
Use plain water to flush corrosive materials such as road salt from the electric car’s underbody.
Every 5 Years
Replace the brake fluid and drain and fill the car’s coolant circuits.
Every 7 Years
Change the air conditioning desiccant.
Electric Car Maintenance Safety Requirements
- Electric vehicles available for commercial use must undergo stringent safety testing as with any other standard vehicle. They must meet specific safety standards to ensure they are safe on the roads.
- Manufacturers design electric vehicles with safety features and insulated high-voltage lines that will deactivate the electrical systems when they detect a short circuit or collision.
- Electric vehicles have a lower centre of gravity, making them less likely to roll over.
- The battery pack of an electric vehicle meets all the testing standards and is encased in a sealed shell.
Final Thoughts
If you are still on the fence about electric cars, it is worth mentioning that there have been over 20,000 sales of electric vehicles in Australia since 2011, and more models are planning to hit the market. Electric cars are only expensive to purchase, but they need little regular maintenance, unlike standard cars.
While electrical systems require less maintenance, you still need to take proper care of your vehicle. Over time, you may have to replace headlamps, hoses, steering, and suspension components, get the brakes serviced and replace the tyres. You also need to consider the battery pack of your electric vehicle, which is by far the most expensive component. The batteries will degrade gradually and lose their ability to maintain full charge.
Although this is not common with the newer models, it will likely happen when you own an electric car for an extended period. When the batteries degrade, you can consider trading in your vehicle for a new one or swapping the battery pack.
Buy Electric Vehicle Chargers At Get Electric
The average Australian spends $29.55 every week on car maintenance, which translates to about$1,536 every year. You would spend way less with an electric vehicle as they don’t require regular maintenance like standard vehicles.
Already have an electric car? Then consider buying electric vehicle chargers at Get Electric. Our charger models are innovative, and they allow you to control energy loads and pricing and generate revenue without lifting a finger. Does that sound like a good deal?
Please call us today on 1800 GET NOW to learn more about our EV charging and infrastructure solutions or leave an enquiry and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
