EV Maintenance: Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Despite possessing far fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, EVs still require regular servicing and maintenance work. Here’s what you need to know…
Maintaining an Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles are the future. The debate is over. From 2030, there will be an all-encompassing ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK. A ban on the sale of new hybrid vehicles will follow in 2035. Other countries throughout the world, especially in Europe, are planning similar bans. Major car manufacturers are spending billions in electrifying their models, or creating entirely new ones.
This is good news for everyone. The environmental benefits of EVs are well-known. But they also entail significant savings for motorists thanks to reduced fuel and maintenance costs; in the latter case, costs can be reduced by up to 30%.
Substantially fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles means fewer things, mechanically speaking, can go wrong. Whilst a diesel or petrol car may have as many as 2,000 parts, many EVs have around 20! But this isn’t to say your EV won’t need regular servicing and maintenance work to keep it road worthy. Here’s what you need to know…
Batteries
In place of a combustion engine, EVs use traction batteries in order to function. Whilst their average lifespans are improving all of the time, it can be greatly affected by how the vehicle is used and charged.
Regularly charging an EV’s battery to 100% can place excessive strain on its parts and components. Indeed, most manufacturers stated that charging them between 20% and 80% is optimal. Allowing a battery to become completely flat can similarly cause issues. Problems can also emerge if drivers regularly make use of rapid chargers, as they force a large amount of energy into them and quickly.
EV batteries can also be affected by extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. So, the conditions an EV is driven in, or stored in, can have a considerable impact on its state.
Tyres
EVs have to use special tyres. This is because they have to be designed in order to cope with additional weight (a product of the batteries) and increased acceleration. Generally, they produce less rolling resistance – and even create less noise. As with regular tyres, they’ll need regular pressure tests. The increased weight of EVs can also cause their tyres to wear out their tread depths at a faster rate, too.
Additionally, EV tyres are just as susceptible to bulges, tears and punctures (like any other).
Braking Systems
In addition to conventional brakes, EVs also make use of regenerative braking systems. Some of the energy that’s lost when the braking system is used is fed back to the battery. As a result, braking becomes more efficient and less strain is placed on parts and components.
Nevertheless, EVs still need to have their brake pads and disks replaced overtime. Brake fluid also needs to be regularly topped up or replaced.
Coolant
Many EVs use coolant in order to manage their battery temperatures. How quickly the coolant is used up will vary between manufacturers and models; details can usually be found in the owner’s manual. Bear in mind that, in most instances, EV cooling systems are sealed off – requiring trained technicians to check and maintain them.
EV Battery Lifespans: Four Ways To Increase Them – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/ev-battery-lifespans-four-ways-to-increase-them/
Public Transport In The UK Is The Most Expensive In Europe – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/public-transport-in-the-uk-is-the-most-expensive-in-europe/
