Electric cars, once a novelty on the roads, are becoming increasingly common (6.1% of new cars sold in the USA in 2022) as people embrace environmentally-friendly and efficient modes of transportation. But with this new technology comes new questions about maintenance and upkeep. How does the maintenance of an electric car differ from a traditional ICE-powered vehicle?
One of the biggest differences is the powertrain. In an electric car, there are no oil changes, transmission fluid replacements, or exhaust systems to worry about. This can make electric cars cheaper to maintain in the long run, as there are fewer moving parts to wear down and break over time, in fact, there are about 20 moving parts in an electric engine, compared to nearly 2,000 in an ICE.
Another difference is the brakes. With regenerative braking, electric cars use the motor to slow down, which helps recharge the battery. This means that brake pads and rotors may last longer, as they aren't subjected to as much wear and tear. However, it's important to note that this can depend on the driver's braking habits and the specific model of the car.
The battery is perhaps the most critical component of an electric car, and it can be costly to replace if it fails, for example a Tesla Model 3, 75 kwh battery costs about $16,500 to replace. Modern electric cars have warranties that cover the battery for many years and many miles. Additionally, battery technology is constantly improving, which means that newer models have longer ranges and may be more reliable.
Overall, the maintenance of an electric car is relatively simple compared to traditional ICE-powered vehicles. Routine maintenance will still need to be performed, such as tire rotations, brake checks, and alignment adjustments. However, with fewer moving parts to worry about, electric cars are often easier and cheaper to maintain in the long run, and you can log service entries to keep track of expenses in your vehicle maintenance software and see for yourself!
