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What kind of maintenance does an electric car need? We give you an overview of electric car maintenance from the batteries and motor to brakes and tires.
Electric Car Maintenance
An important topic within the conversation around our battery-powered automotive future is electric car maintenance. At this point, most drivers are familiar with the basics of what it takes to keep their gas-powered vehicle on the road from a service perspective. As more and more of said drivers move into the electric-powered realm, they are likely to see information touting the lower level of maintenance required of an electric vehicle (EV) compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) variety.
This is true, as a typical electric car has fewer mechanical components requiring ongoing maintenance. Whereas an ICE uses gasoline to power the motor which then spins the wheels via a multi-speed transmission, an electric car uses a battery to power the motor which spins the wheels via, typically, a single speed transmission. This battery-powered motor layout remains true for a 100% electric car, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid all of which you can read more about here. Of course, an electric car still has rubber tires, friction brakes, coil-sprung suspension and other items that require upkeep just like an ICE vehicle. So, let’s go a little deeper on what goes into electric car maintenance.
Electric Vehicle Battery Pack
The battery pack powering an EV is a big, heavy bundle of lithium-ion cells that require electricity to produce power. Generally speaking, the battery is a closed system that does not require maintenance and comes with at least an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty per federal regulations. However, batteries are sensitive beasts that will degrade over time as the cycle of charging and discharging is repeated.
To that end, there is usually a form of liquid coolant circulating throughout the pack to keep it operating optimally. Unlike the coolant in a gas-powered engine that requires flushing every so often, EV battery coolant lasts far longer. Tesla, for example, states it never needs replacement in most circumstances. As battery technology advances, keep an eye on solid-state batteries that promise more range, even in weather unfriendly to batteries, and less degradation as you can read about here.
Electric Vehicle Motor Maintenance
While a traditional engine has a multitude of moving parts, an EV motor – in the most high-level approach – is an outer shell, or stator, that houses an inner rotor. Electricity from the battery fires up a rotating magnetic field between windings in the stator and magnets on the rotor. The rotor is connected to the transmission that, like a traditional crankshaft, provides the twisting force needed to turn the wheels.
A notable difference between an electric motor and a traditional car engine is the lack of friction between the moving parts. This all but eliminates the need for oils, lubricants and filters that you would find on a gas-powered vehicle. As a result, most EV manufacturers state that you will not need to service the motor.
Transmission
The majority of new vehicles on the road today feature transmissions with at least five speeds, and up to ten. This adds up to a tremendously complex mechanical device that requires specialized service when things break. An EV, on the other hand, typically uses a single speed transmission. Power comes from the rotor at very high rotational speed, is stepped down by a single gear to a more usable speed, and is sent to the wheels.
Since the electric motor produces a flatter torque curve than an internal combustion engine, the need to change gears is virtually eliminated. Which means the associated clutches, fluids and parts are too. While there is still lubricant involved, it is often within a sealed system requiring little to no maintenance.
Brakes
You will still need to keep an eye on the brakes when considering electric car maintenance as they are built with the same friction-based system of pads, rotors and fluid found on a gas-powered vehicle. However, most EVs take advantage of regenerative braking, which captures energy from motor resistance to slow the vehicle. Those friction brakes are still available but are likely to last far longer than you may be accustomed to simply because they are not put to use as frequently.
What are Common Wear Items on an EV?
When comparing electric car maintenance to that of a traditional car, there are common wear items. Tires will wear down and require rotation, washer fluid and wiper blades will of course need periodic replacement and shocks will deteriorate, perhaps faster given the higher curb weights of an electric car.
Then there is that heavy lump of a 12-volt battery under the hood. Even though an electric car is battery powered, that big battery is mainly for propulsion and can be running as hot as 800 volts. This is far too much juice for vehicle systems like the stereo and power windows, so the possibility of a dead battery – for the 12-volt system – in the depths of winter still exists.
Where can I take an EV for Service?
At such a time that you do require electric car maintenance, the easiest approach is to visit the dealership as they will have the specialized knowledge and tools required for anything outside typical vehicle wear. While Tesla dealerships are few and far between, legacy automakers like Ford are diving into the EV pool head first, making their broad network of brick-and-mortar locations an appealing consideration from a service perspective. Both of these companies make our list of Best EVs for 2022 and Ford is experiencing tremendous demand for their new Lightning F-150 as we discuss here.
Alternatively, you can take your EV to a local, independent shop just like with a gas-powered car. However, there are likely to be fewer options due to the need for that aforementioned specialized diagnostic equipment and experience working on battery-powered systems.
