The electric car might cost you slightly more costlier compared to an internal combustion engine but there’s no doubt it is way cheaper when it comes to comparing its cost per mile with a gas-powered car.
But what about the average cost of maintaining an electric car…? Does it also cost you less than a gas-powered car? Or it’s going to take a big chunk of your pocket?
Well, if we talk about the cost of maintenance of an ICE car it includes so many things such as oil changes, engine air filters, fuel lines, spark plugs, and so on…And, when it comes to the cost maintenance of an electric car it’s way different because of its mechanism of few moving parts.
The average cost of maintaining an electric car
EV works on an electric engine. Hence, there are fewer moving parts which means it needs less maintenance. Here, one thing we need to keep in mind is, that the average cost of maintenance of an electric(yearly) may be less compared to a gasoline-powered car only because it requires maintenance less often otherwise its service/maintenance charge is expensive.
The reason might be, that it requires qualified and trained mechanics for EVs and they are less in numbers as the majority of people are still using gas cars. However, We can expect it to go down to the gas-powered car in the future.
However, there is less maintenance but that doesn’t mean electric cars don’t need maintenance. Here are some important points that can help you to know the cost of maintaining an electric car.
7 things you should know about the cost of maintaining an Electric car
1. Cabin air filter replacement
Electric vehicles come with a cabin air filter. Usually, it is suggested by EV companies to replace a cabin filter air every 12000-15000 miles but most of the time it depends on various factors, environments, and locations.
If you drive off-road, gravel roads, or in dirt, you may need to change it sooner. It will cost you to replace a cabin air filter around $30-$70 depending on the vehicle and the filter quality.
2. Inspections of brake fluid and brake pads
To ensure safety and convenience you will also have to make sure your EV brakes are functioning well. And for that, you need to do the day-to-day inspection of its brake fluids and brake pads.
You will see a regenerative brake system in an electric vehicle. This regenerative braking system uses the kinetic energy generated from the declaration of the EV and transfers it to the battery. Not only does it endure the braking system but it also helps to enhance the range of the car.
As it increases the durability of the braking system you will need to worry about its maintenance cost less frequently. Still, you have to keep an eye on its brake fluids and brake pads.
a) Brake fluids: Check and replace the brake fluids to ensure the proper functioning of the brake system.
b) Brake pads: Although EV brake pads last long and don’t get easily worn out still do a periodic inspection and change them when required.
3. Check the wiper fluid and wiper pads
The wiper fluid used in the electric car is quite basic, there is no difference. Just do routine check-ups to ensure if there is a need for replacement (once every two months).
The same goes for the wiper pads. Due to various weather factors such as rain, cold, heat, sun, etc wiper pads can dry up and start leaving marks and dirt. You can simply replace them.
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4. EV tires
The large battery in the electric cars adds some extra weight compared to an ICE, which means a heavy load on EV tires. Along with it, the quick torque due to high acceleration also affects the tires.
These two reasons can make EV tires tear out fast. That’s why it’s important to check tire rotation and its rubber from time to time to ensure a smooth and fun drive.
The tires used in electric cars are slightly different from regular gas cars. To bear the heavy weight these EV tires are designed thicker and come with lower rolling resistance that helps in minimizing the range losses during drive. That’s why EV tires might be a little expensive.
5. Coolant
An electric engine works on the battery and to prevent overheating an EV comes with a cooling system. Check-up and maintenance of coolant is another important point to keep in mind when it comes to the average cost of maintaining an electric car.
However, electric car coolant has a better lifespan compared to ICE, and EV coolant should be checked according to the EV manufacturer guidance at some specific mile drives (for example; 100,000 or 180,000 miles) depending on EV companies’ recommendations.
6. General wear and tear software update
EVs software is another essential thing you need to keep in mind When it comes to knowing about the cost of maintaining an electric car. And, you have to keep an on its software update to stay up-to-date, fix the bugs, and to run the system hassle-free.
7. Healthy battery, healthy EV
The battery is the main part of an EV and it hardly requires any maintenance as it lasts long. But still, you should follow the guidance suggested in the manual for the better health of its battery.
Try to park your Electric car in a shady area during summer. Avoiding heat exposure can increase the longevity of your EV battery.
Also, always keep your battery supplied with power. Plug in your car in charging before it runs out to 20-30%. Along with that, never charge it up to 100%. Just keep it from 20-80%. Use AC charging regularly and avoid level 3 DC chargers unless it’s necessary.
Always go with a trained mechanic when it comes to the inspection of your EV (a mechanic who especially deals in EVs instead of ICE). These are some simple things that can be beneficial for the long term.
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Cost of maintaining an electric car: Electric engine v/s Internal combustion engine
As per a report by the US Department of Energy, the average cost of maintaining an electric car per mile cost around 6.1 cents while if we compare it with an ICE it costs around 10.1 cents per mile which is higher. The other survey and report may have a little bit of change in number but it would be around it.
As we already mentioned the electric car has very few moving parts compared to a gasoline-powered car which means it requires maintenance less frequently. So, these are the 7 Things you should know about the cost of maintaining an Electric car. hope, it will give you an idea about a little bit of the average cost of maintaining an electric vehicle in case you are willing to purchase one.
Other resources to Read: All there is to know about electric car maintenance