Electric Car Maintenance Guide

Maintenance of the electric car: how to check it

With this practical guide, we aim to shed some light on the type of maintenance that a zero-emission car needs.

Thanks to the recent ecological incentives granted by the State and the Regions, more people are approaching this world, as highlighted by the constant increase in the percentage of sales of cars equipped with "full electric" technology. The advantages of zero-emission mobility are evident and numerous: first of all, the attention to the environment around us, but also the possibility of driving freely even in the historical centers of cities and in low-traffic areas, not to mention the tax benefits that this type of vehicle offers.

The advantages offered by electric cars are not limited to those mentioned above. Not everyone may be aware that zero-emission cars require less complex and therefore less costly maintenance than cars with internal combustion engines. This is because electric cars have a simpler mechanics and fewer components than a diesel, gasoline, or gas car.

The mechanical differences between electric and thermal cars

Below, we list the mechanical differences of an electric car compared to a car equipped with an internal combustion engine.

Less complex transmission

No oil and air filter

No specific coolant to prevent engine overheating

No injectors and spark plugs

Cost advantages

The absence of all these components that need to be checked and eventually replaced in thermal cars means that - as mentioned earlier - the maintenance of an electric car is much less expensive.

What are the components that need to be checked in an electric car?

Although the mechanics of an EV has many fewer components than that of a "traditional" car, this does not mean it is exempt from any type of routine maintenance. Although less frequently, electric cars are also subject to a routine maintenance plan that must be carried out at authorized and specialized centers for this type of technology. Since these cars operate on electricity, it is obvious that the most delicate parts of these vehicles are the electrical and power systems, particularly the battery pack. During periodic checks, the cooling system of the electric motor and the lithium-ion battery is crucial, as this is a potentially dangerous operation due to the high voltage. Other checks that need to be performed periodically are dedicated to the traditional 12-volt battery and the cabin filter, not forgetting the inspection of the brakes and chassis.

When should the check be done?

As for the maintenance intervals of electric cars, in most cases, checks should be carried out every 20-30 thousand kilometers, but if the annual mileage is lower, it is necessary to go to the workshop once every 12 months. The scheduled annual maintenance includes the replacement of certain components, such as the aforementioned cabin filters, not forgetting the usual checks carried out with diagnostic tools. The "traditional" 12-volt battery should be replaced every 3-4 coupons, while the lithium battery pack that powers the motor is usually guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000-200,000 kilometers.

How much does maintenance cost?

The last topic of this guide, but no less important, concerns the average cost of maintaining an electric car. According to a study conducted by the prestigious Institut für Automobilwirtschaft (IFA), the cost of using an electric car is significantly lower than that of a "traditional" car. The German institute has taken an average mileage of 8,000 km per year over a total period of 8 years as an example. In this period and with this average mileage, a combustion engine car has an average maintenance cost of about 3,650 euros, while a car in the same segment, but with 100% electric mechanics, has a cost of 2,350 euros, which is 35% less. Remember that this price difference applies to any electric car, whether it is a small Smart EQ or a powerful and expensive Tesla Model S.