Maintaining and servicing an electric car: everything you need to know

You may think that servicing an electric car is far more costly and time consuming than servicing a petrol or diesel model, given how much expensive kit is packed into the average EV.
But in fact, electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel car, mainly because they don’t have the complex internal combustion engine and exhaust system needed to burn fuel. Therefore, servicing and maintaining an electric car is actually simpler and more cost-effective in the majority of cases. So what actually happens when you take your electric car in to be serviced? How much will it cost, and how long will it take? Let’s dig into it.

Electric cars stand apart from petrol and diesels in a few ways, particularly when it comes to servicing and maintenance.
An electric car is relatively simple compared to a petrol or diesel. You can find out exactly how an electric car works here , but basically an electric motor has far fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel engine, which means there’s less to go wrong. All the engine’s supplementary systems like the fuel system, exhaust, gearbox and clutch are absent too. This means that an EV should cost less to maintain over its life – although we should note that when something does go awry in an electric car, it can prove more expensive to fix. Electric cars use their brake pads and discs less often because alongside them they have a system called regenerative braking. This uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle without using the brakes, converting the kinetic energy into electricity for the battery. It means that the discs and pads wear out less quickly than they would in a petrol or diesel car, so they tend to last longer and need less maintenance. Greater reliance on electrical systems (rather than mechanical ones) means that software plays a much more important role in an EV. Regular software updates are common. They ensure your car has the latest features and that the battery and motor are performing optimally. Sometimes an EV can even have its battery range and performance improved via a simple over-the-air software update. Much of the servicing and maintenance needed for your EV will depend on your driving style. Simplified mechanics do mean electric cars are easier to keep in good shape, but smooth, steady driving will go a long way.

Garages with in-house electric car specialists are becoming more common, but it’s still worth calling ahead to check someone can look at your car. Given how differently electric cars work, you will need a qualified electric vehicle technician.
It’s also worth looking up dedicated electric car service shops locally and asking for quote. And if you’re struggling, you can ask the dealership or manufacturer for advice on where to go.

Typically, getting your electric car serviced shouldn’t take any longer than a petrol or diesel car does, so about three hours on average.
An electric vehicle service can be quicker, but it will ultimately depend on the condition of your car and any work that needs doing.

Multiple sites and surveys point to a standard electric car service costing between £100 and £250, with the average being just over £140. This works out cheaper than the average of £175 for a full service for a petrol or diesel car. Of course, it all depends on the amount of work needed.

Electric vehicles typically require servicing less frequently than petrol and diesels. Many manufacturers recommend their electric cars are serviced every 18,000 miles, though the suggested length of time between services will vary – ask the retailer or check with the manufacturer for advice on your specific model.
Most manufacturers also offer electric car service plans, which include a fixed service schedule. Check what’s included for the cost, and whether this suits you.

Regular maintenance for electric cars will primarily involve basic checks on the tyres, the brakes, and the battery.
• Electric motors and batteries should need little maintenance beyond following the recommended service schedule, provided you follow best practice in keeping your battery topped up, and drive sensibly. • Oil (for the transmission) and coolant (for the batteries) will need topping up, albeit less frequently than in a petrol or diesel car. • Brake pads and discs will need replacing over time, though regenerative braking reduces wear to them. • You may notice your tyres wear down and need replacing a little faster than in other cars – unfortunately those big batteries make electric cars heavier. • You may also find that the weight of an electric car wears the suspension parts out slightly more quickly, but there’s no evidence to suggest that EVs have particular suspension issues. • Beyond that, it’s much the same as a petrol or diesel, so you’ll need to keep check on your wiper blades, air con pumps and other bits and pieces. We’d encourage electric vehicle owners to stay on top of their software updates (many of these can now be done at home), as these help keep your car running properly and help optimise performance.

Running an electric car isn’t half as scary as it first seems, and with the charging infrastructure improving, prices coming down and battery range improving, electric cars are a more appealing choice than ever before.
Find the right type of electric car for you on Auto Trader.