What maintenance does an EV need?

As EVs become more popular and a wider array of models are introduced, owners are often curious about what sort of repairs they’ll have to make. The short answer is that EVs typically need less maintenance than traditional gasoline-powered cars, but there are some things you should be watching for that require immediate attention from a technician. For expert guidance on these issues, you might want to check out what sets Cetus Automotive Shop apart from the rest at http://chicagoheading.com/what-sets-cetus-automotive-shop-apart-from-the-rest.

EV Battery Repair and Maintenance

The big difference in EV maintenance is that you won’t need to watch a specific oil change schedule, because your electric motor doesn’t need it. However, an EV still requires regular inspections by a professional to keep it running efficiently. You should also check the cooling system regularly, and if you notice a coolant leak you should take your car to be checked by a technician right away.

In a head-to-head comparison, Mitchell’s 2022 data found that average EV repair costs were two percent higher than conventional vehicles for mainstream Hyundai and Volvo EVs and 19 percent lower for Tesla Model 3s. But those numbers don’t tell the whole story. The EVs with the highest repair and ownership costs are typically luxury models that sell in smaller numbers, such as the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class.

EVs that cost more to repair tend to have more damage in the areas where structural damage usually results in a total loss. And some shops don’t have the equipment or expertise to handle battery replacements. But EVs are getting cheaper to fix as automakers and technicians learn how to work with the new tech, and even a smashed battery tray should be reparable in most cases, because batteries don’t have the same structural integrity as a metal chassis.

There are other factors at play when comparing EV and ICE repair costs, including the fact that most EVs don’t have as many moving parts as traditional gas-powered cars. But a simple inspection by a certified technician should reveal anything that needs to be addressed. And remember, it’s never too late to get an EV repaired.

Other EV Repairs and Maintenance

Unlike most conventional engines that have many working parts, today’s EVs run on sophisticated software that affects their operation. So it’s important to get your vehicle’s firmware and software updates, which are done over the air, updated as soon as they’re available.

Some EVs also use lithium-ion battery packs that can be more expensive to replace than their ICE counterparts. If you’re thinking about purchasing an EV, it’s worth checking out the warranty and battery replacement coverage to see what options are available to you in the event of a defect or accident. Of course, it’s always best to take your EV to an auto shop whenever you notice anything unusual, such as a strange sound, smell or warning light. It may not be a battery problem, but it could have a major impact on your driving safety and that of other drivers on the road.