Like conventional vehicles, electric cars also require regular maintenance. If you own an electric car, it is essential to know what to do to keep it in good condition without compromising performance in the long run.
What the electric car service consists of
Electric car servicing consists of a series of periodic checks required to check the health of the vehicle and ensure its optimal operation. It is very similar to that of internal combustion cars, but the difference is that in the electric car there are fewer components subject to maintenance.
Compared to an internal combustion car, for example, there is no need for oil and filter changes or maintenance to the exhaust system. However, there are some key components that need to be checked regularly.
What components are important to check and how often
Let’s look in detail at the tests the electric vehicle undergoes:
Battery
The technician performs a visual inspection to rule out any signs of deterioration, damage, or leakage from the battery pack, checks the health status (SoH) and remaining capacity of the battery, and ensures that the BMS does not indicate any errors or warnings.
Manufacturers generally guarantee safe performance, and thus an efficient battery, for at least 6 to 8 years or a mileage of 100,000 to 300,000 km. The costs of battery maintenance are therefore minimal out of the total maintenance costs, which saves money in the long run.
Charging system
It is essential that the entire system that allows charging the vehicle is in perfect condition. The technician will therefore proceed with a visual examination of the charging outlet and cables, so as to check for damage or wear and tear, and the proper functioning of the on-board charger.
Brakes
Thanks to the regenerative braking system, brake wear on an electric car is significantly less than on an endothermic-powered car. However, brakes remain a crucial component for driving safety, and the mechanic will periodically check the condition of brake pads and discs to make sure they are in good condition.
Tires
Regarding tires, two factors to check are tire pressure and tire condition.
For the same segment, an electric car is generally heavier than an internal combustion car, and this factor can affect tire wear, necessitating more frequent inspection and maintenance to ensure optimal safety and performance.
Cooling system
To keep the battery at its optimum operating temperature, electric cars take advantage of a coolant monitored by a BTMS, a dedicated management system. The technician performs a check on the level and condition of the fluid, and can top it up as needed.
Software
Electric cars also run efficiently because of the software they use. It is important to update the software regularly, just like a smartphone, to prevent system failures and to be able to use all available functions.
But how often do you need to have your electric car serviced? The answer depends on the model of the car and the specifications given by the manufacturer. It is usually a good idea to perform a complete check-up at least once a year or every 15,000 and 20,000 thousand kilometers. In addition, several factors can influence and shorten these timelines, such as the type of terrain on which the car is used, weather conditions, frequency of medium to long trips, and driving style.
Of course, as with all vehicles, the proper functioning of the lighting system, air filters, suspension and steering will be checked.
How much does it cost for an electric car maintenance service
It is well known that the cost of a maintenance service is an expense that must be taken into account to ensure the safety of one’s car. In the case of an electric car, the price may depend on the type of vehicle and the work performed, but there is definitely a savings related to the less frequent need to check certain components.
Some parts, not being present in the electric car, are not to be considered among the expenses, such as those for oil and filters. In addition, given the greater simplicity of the mechanical component, the maintenance is slightly cheaper than for an internal combustion car.
On average, the cost of an electric car’s maintenance service is between 100 and 300 euros, but it can vary depending on the service center’s rates and in case parts need to be replaced (brake pads, tires, or cabin filters), but it is rare for this to occur every time a service is performed.
Electric cars: the advantages of maintenance
Regular maintenance is not only necessary, it is especially beneficial in many ways:
- Efficiency: a well-maintained car consumes less energy, increasing range and reducing charging costs. Thus, proper maintenance allows performance to be maintained over time.
- Savings: after the initial investment in the purchase of the vehicle, the maintenance costs of the electric car are truly reduced, allowing the costs to be amortized.
- Safety: regular checks ensure that all safety systems, such as brakes and tires, are in optimal condition.
- Durability: Preventive maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of the vehicle.
Tips for keeping your electric car running smoothly
In addition to periodic inspections, there are some good practices that can help keep your electric car in excellent condition:
- Proper charging: avoid fully discharging the battery and try to keep it between 20% and 80% of capacity to prolong its life. It is also important to report any abnormalities in the speed of the charging system to the mechanic immediately.
- Monitor tire pressure: the weight of an electric car is greater than that of a combustion car. Checking this is critical to keep performance at the top at all times.
- Parking: when possible, park the car in a cool, shady place to protect the battery from extreme temperatures.
- Software updates: always install software updates released by the manufacturer to ensure maximum performance and safety.
With regular inspections and proper care, electric cars can deliver outstanding performance and last a long time. Investing time and resources in preventive maintenance not only increases safety and efficiency, but can also reduce long-term costs.
The innovative impact of electric mobility is not limited to environmental sustainability, but also redefines car maintenance with a simplified and cost-effective approach
