If you’re thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV), you might be wondering how much maintenance they require. All vehicles require at least some maintenance. Neglecting to follow the automaker’s recommendations can lead to costly repairs.
Yes, EVs Are Low Maintenance
The good news is that all-electric EVs are low maintenance. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), they require less maintenance than conventional gas-powered vehicles.
All-electric EVs are vehicles that run entirely on electricity. There are also plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Hybrids such as these typically have similar maintenance requirements as conventional gas-powered vehicles. But all-electric EVs that run entirely on electricity have lower maintenance requirements.
Simpler Transmissions
The transmissions found in EVs are simpler than those found in gas-powered vehicles. Gas-powered vehicles feature multispeed transmissions consisting of many different gears. Over time, these gears may degrade and fail. EVs still have a transmission, but they typically feature a single-speed transmission. These single-speed transmissions are simpler and, thus, easier to maintain.
Less Brake Wear
Another reason EVs are low maintenance involves the brakes. EVs, as well as many hybrids, feature similar hydraulic brakes as gas-powered vehicles. Nonetheless, they leverage regenerative braking technology to minimize wear and tear. The brake pads and rotors on EVs will last longer thanks to regenerative braking.
What is regenerative braking exactly? It involves capturing the energy produced by braking and using it to charge the EV’s battery. It helps to extend the mileage of EV batteries while also assisting in braking. Regenerative braking both charges the EV’s battery and slows down the EV, thus protecting the brake pads and rotors from wear and tear.
Fewer Fluids
EVs contain fewer fluids than their gas-powered counterparts. Many of them contain coolant — just like gas-powered vehicles. But without an internal combustion engine (ICE), EVs don’t require traditional motor oil.
Motor oil is used in ICEs to lubricate the pistons and valves. EVs have electric motors without these same pistons and valves.
Longer-Lasting Batteries
EVs have longer-lasting batteries than gas-powered vehicles. The batteries used in gas-powered vehicles last for about three to five years on average. By the end of a five-year period, they may struggle to hold a charge. The batteries used in EVs, on the other hand, can last for up to 20 years.
