There’s no doubt that electric vehicles (EVs) are a lot easier to maintain in comparison to gas-powered vehicles. EVs don’t require gas changes, spark plug replacement, or oil changes. But, as easy as it is to maintain an electric car, there are a few things you can do to ensure your EV lasts for a long time.
Powertrain
Even though electric motors don’t require a lot of maintenance, they need to be serviced according to the schedule suggested by the car manufacturer – you’ll find this in the manual. If you have a new EV, the dealership from where you purchased the vehicle will likely handle the scheduled maintenance. If you want an older EV, you’ll need to find a qualified mechanic.
Battery
The battery pack is one of the most expensive components of the electric vehicle, so it’s important that you care for your battery to increase its longevity. A few things you can do are:
Always keep your battery charged between 20% and 80%. Charging your battery to 100% all the time will actually cause it to degrade faster. Similarly, you also want to avoid keeping the battery charge level very low.
Don’t leave your EV in the hot sun or cold for a number of hours. Batteries don’t do well in extreme temperatures.
Charging
Charging your car in your own home is one of the most convenient and cost-effective options. But, avoid fast charging your car whenever possible, since it can degrade the battery. Of course, most new electric vehicles are designed in a way that supports fast-charging. Despite this, it’s a good idea to avoid fast charging if you can.
Brakes
Electric cars are designed with regenerative braking systems that make use of motor resistance to stop the car. EVs can travel even up to 100,000 miles, if not more, before needing the brakes replaced. But, keep in mind that, it’s a good idea to get your brakes serviced once in a while.
Tires
In the case of electric cars, like for all cars, tire rotation is important. It’s also important that you check the air pressure on a regular basis to ensure your car’s tires are properly aligned and balanced.
