One of the first things people hear about the advantages of owning electric vehicles, or EVs, is that they will require less maintenance than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. It makes sense given that the EVs contain a fraction of the mechanical parts of an ICE vehicle. But does this mean that going electric means maintenance-free driving? As we enter autumn, many car owners will start planning their annual fall car maintenance. But what about your EV? Unsure of how it differs from your old gas-fueled vehicle? We’ve researched all you need to know about car maintenance for electric vehicles.
Understanding EV Maintenance Specifics
As an electric vehicle (EV) owner, you’re invested in helping the environment by reducing your emissions, and you hope that investment sticks around for the long haul. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your EV serves you well for years to come. Electric vehicles, unlike their combustion engine counterparts, do not require oil changes, air filter replacements, or spark plug replacements. However, this doesn’t mean they are completely maintenance-free. There are also several EV-specific services that drivers of these battery-electric vehicles need to keep on top of.
Battery maintenance
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States predicts today’s EV batteries will have service lives of between 12 and 15 years if used in moderate climates. This falls to between eight and 12 years if regular use occurs in extreme environments. The biggest difference between an ordinary gas-powered vehicle and an electric-powered one is the battery. Gas-powered cars have lead-acid batteries, whereas EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries. You don’t need to do much to maintain an EV battery, but you still need to pay attention to how it behaves, especially approaching the colder months. This is a common car repair that can be avoidable if you take the proper care.
There are many things drivers can do to extend the service life of their EV’s battery pack:
Steer clear of extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) are kryptonite to batteries. Automakers factor this into the development of their EVs, fitting them with the necessary auxiliary cooling and heating systems to help keep the temperature of the battery at acceptable levels.
Lithium-ion batteries in EVs prefer a partial charge cycle, so avoid draining the battery below 30% and never let your battery sit at 100% charge. Keep your car’s battery between 30-80% to help extend its life and only complete a full charge right before you take a big trip.
Don’t plan to use fast chargers all the time
Despite their convenience in rapid recharging, fast chargers degrade battery packs at a quicker rate than slower 120- or 240-volt charging. Of course, in a road-trip scenario, fast charging is necessary and there’s no reason to avoid it. But buying an EV with the plan to use fast charging exclusively isn’t a great idea, both from a battery life and cost perspective. Fast charging costs three to four times more per kilowatt-hour of energy than you pay at home. This is a price that can bring the fueling cost of EVs on par with gas-powered vehicles.
Try not to fully charge or deplete the battery
Batteries degrade more quickly when charged to full capacity or when depleted of all their energy. On the plus side, many manufacturers prevent full-capacity charging to better assist in the battle against battery degradation. Many automakers suggest charging to a level of 85-90 percent for daily use.
Check the cooling system and wiper fluid
For EVs that use coolant or the like, it may be necessary to flush or recharge the system periodically. Most owner’s manuals recommend checking the integrity of cooling system hoses, as well as the cooling system level and strength, at six-month intervals. Regardless of what’s powering your car, you’re going to need to regularly refill your windshield washer fluid. The same goes for replacing the windshield wipers, as well.
It is recommended that you replace windshield wipers every six months, alternating between a summer pair for rain and a winter pair for snow and ice.
Keep an eye on brake fluid and pads
Similarly, both EVs and gas cars rely on brake fluid to modulate their binders. Flushing and replacing this fluid at regular intervals is a necessary service no matter your vehicle’s powertrain. The good news is that an EV ought to eat pads and rotors at a far slower rate than a gas car. Because of regenerative braking (where the motor slows to reclaim energy), brakes can last up to 300,000 kilometers. Therefore, EVs tend to use them more infrequently, which subsequently puts less wear on pads and rotors.
Tire wear
Maybe this one’s a bit obvious, but yes, you still need to replace the tires on your EV. You may even have to replace them more frequently. EVs are heavier than gasoline-powered vehicles, so it’s important to maintain proper tire pressure to keep it driving as efficiently as possible. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Rotate your tires every 10,000-13,000 kilometres to reduce uneven wear.
Don’t fall behind on software updates
Like a smartphone, EVs rely on software to operate, and manufacturers regularly release updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features. Check-in frequently with your EV manufacturer to see if your software is up to date to keep your road trips safe and carefree.
Clean your EV regularly
Just like any other vehicle, EVs need to be cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of rust and corrosion. Wash your EV with a mild soap and water solution and avoid using harsh chemicals. Pay close attention to the battery compartment and charging port to keep them clean and free of debris.
Take your EV in for ongoing check-ups
In addition to the regular maintenance tasks, have your EV inspected by a qualified mechanic annually. They can perform a thorough check of all major components, including the battery’s health, brakes, tires, and electrical system.
EVs and Car Insurance
Electric car and hybrid owners can enjoy discounts of up to 10% on car insurance. Insurance providers appreciate these cars as low-risk since they tend to be safer and less likely to break down.
Tips to help you get lower insurance premiums on EVs:
- Install an anti-theft device.
- Used electric vehicles cost less to purchase and are often more affordable to insure.
- Increase your policy deductible to lower your premiums.
- Some electric vehicles are more expensive to insure than others, which is why we recommend checking reviews online.
- Ensure your vehicle’s home charging station is installed by a professional electrician, as your home insurance rates will stay lower if any electrical work has been done by a professional.
- Bundling home and car insurance can help lower your bottom line on premiums.
Car maintenance for electric vehicles: Conclusion
While car maintenance for electric vehicles may seem less complex than that of combustion engine vehicles, it remains essential to ensure their performance and longevity. By taking care of your EV, you can not only extend its lifespan but also optimize its efficiency.
Remember, if you have any questions regarding insurance for either your EV or traditional vehicle, reach out to us at isure! If you need to make an electric vehicle auto insurance claim, contact us or request a quote today.
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