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Does an electric car need servicing?


Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Many prospective buyers wonder if an electric car requires regular maintenance and servicing like a gas vehicle. This article will provide a quick overview of EV servicing needs and compare them to gas vehicles.

Do electric cars need oil changes?

No, electric cars do not need regular oil changes. They do not have internal combustion engines that require engine oil. The only fluids that may need periodic changing in an EV are coolant and brake fluid.

Do electric cars need engine air filters?

No. Since they lack gasoline engines, EVs do not need air filters to clean intake air. Some EVs do have cabin air filters that may need occasional replacement.

Do electric cars need spark plug replacements?

No, electric motors power EVs rather than internal combustion engines with spark plugs. So spark plug maintenance does not apply.

Do electric cars need transmission service?

Most electric cars have a single speed transmission and do not require transmission fluid changes or other maintenance associated with multi-gear transmissions. However, some EVs do have multi-speed gearboxes that may need occasional service.

Do electric cars need coolant flushes?

Yes, the battery packs and motors in electric cars use liquid coolant that does need periodic draining and refilling. Coolant flushes are part of routine EV maintenance.

Do electric cars need brake service?

Yes. While regenerative braking reduces wear on friction brakes, EVs still have conventional hydraulic brake systems. Brake fluid flushes and pad/rotor replacements are required at regular intervals.

Scheduled Maintenance Requirements

Most automakers recommend periodic inspections and maintenance for electric vehicles. Here is a comparison of suggested scheduled service intervals for a typical EV versus a gas-powered car:

Service Item Electric Car Gas Car
Oil Change None 5,000 – 10,000 miles
Air Filter None 20,000 – 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs None 30,000 – 100,000 miles
Coolant Flush Every 5 years Every 5 years
Brake Service As needed As needed
Battery Check Annual None
Suspension Inspection Annual Annual
Tire Rotation Every 5,000 miles Every 5,000 miles

As shown, electric cars do not require as much routine maintenance as gas-powered cars. The most significant service need is annual battery pack inspections. EV batteries are expensive to replace, so monitoring their health is important.

Reasons for EV Maintenance

While electric vehicles are mechanically simpler than internal combustion engine cars, they still require some periodic servicing for the following reasons:

Tires and Wheels

EVs are just as dependent on functional tires and wheels as any other vehicle. Tire rotations, wheel alignments, and tire replacement when tread wears down are necessary. Also, EVs tend to be heavier, putting more strain on tires and wheels.

Brakes

Regenerative braking means EV brake pads wear slower than on a regular car. But the friction brakes still require periodic inspection and occasional pad replacements. The hydraulic brake fluid also needs flushing every few years.

Suspension and Steering

An EV’s suspension and steering components are subject to the same road vibrations and wear as any vehicle. Ball joints, shocks, and bushings need inspection and may require replacement over time.

Cooling System

The battery packs, motors, and power electronics on EVs generate a lot of heat. Effective liquid cooling systems are critical for proper operation and longevity. Coolant fluid needs replacement after several years.

Electronics

EVs contain extensive computing systems to control drive motors, charging, regen braking, and other functions. Diagnostics and firmware updates help keep these electronics working properly.

EV Battery Maintenance

Perhaps the most important service aspect of an electric car is the condition of its large battery pack. EV batteries represent a significant portion of the vehicle’s value, so monitoring their health is essential.

Here are some key factors about maintaining electric car batteries:

– Battery capacity naturally decreases with age and mileage. Annual testing determines if capacity drops below acceptable levels.

– Internal battery cell voltages need to be balanced. This may require occasional calibration procedures.

– Cooling and thermal management prevent overheating damage. Coolant leaks must be fixed promptly.

– Software updates improve battery performance and charging. Updates should be installed when available.

– Any collision damage requires immediate battery inspection and possible repair/replacement.

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for battery maintenance and replacement is advised to maximize EV battery life.

EV vs Gas Car Maintenance Costs

Over the life of the vehicle, an electric car will cost substantially less to maintain than a comparable gas-powered car. Here is a comparison of estimated maintenance costs over 200,000 miles:

Vehicle Type Estimated Cost
Electric Car $5,000 – $7,500
Gas-Powered Car $15,000 – $20,000

The savings result from not needing oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, transmission service, and other routine gas car maintenance. Of course, costs can vary based on the specific EV model and battery warranty coverage.

Conclusion

While electric cars do require some periodic servicing, they avoid most routine maintenance associated with gas-powered vehicles. The most important upkeep for an EV involves inspections and maintenance of the battery system. Following scheduled maintenance recommendations from the manufacturer helps ensure good performance and reliability over the life of an electric car. Proper maintenance also retains more battery capacity as the EV ages.