Electric cars require less maintenance than gas/diesel cars. As simple as that statement is, it is just the same for the maintenance schedule for electric vehicles (EVs). With less maintenance, EV drivers are able to save thousands of dollars every year from less maintenance than drivers of gas cars (also known as Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles or ICEVs).
In fact, per Plugstar, Chevy Bolt EV drivers save an average of $185 every year when compared to a comparable gas car. Plus, that means less time in the auto shop, which everyone can agree is a major plus.
Despite this, EVs, like all machines, still require maintenance too to keep things in tip top shape. Keeping up with the manufacturers maintenance schedule can help prolong the vehicle lifespan and overall performance.
So what is the typical electric car maintenance schedule? Below is the list, however, before we get to that, we first need to differentiate the two different types of EVs as they have different components.
All-Electric (BEV) vs Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
There are two main types of electric vehicles: all-electric (known as Battery Electric Vehicle or BEV) and plug-in hybrid (known as PHEV). The BEV is completely powered by an electric motor and battery. BEVs are fairly simple in moving power from the battery to the motor to the wheels. As you will see below, the maintenance schedule is very light.
On the other hand, a PHEV has both an electric motor and battery as well as the conventional gas components. Together, a PHEV can travel on both electric and gas power.
Typically, PHEVs have around 30-40 miles of electric range before the gas automatically turns for another 300+ miles. Since a PHEV has both electric and gas components, the maintenance schedule is a bit more involved, however, because most miles are put on the electric side of the car, maintenance on the gas parts are greatly reduced.
As you’ll see, maintenance on a PHEV is a bit more than a BEV, however, still significantly less than a ICEV.
Typical Electric Car Maintenance Schedule
The maintenance schedule for an all-electric car is very minimal. About every 7,500 and 22,500 miles there are tire rotations and cabin air filter replacements, respectively. That’s about it for the first 100,000 miles!
As stated previously, EV maintenance is significantly less than an internal combustion engine. For example, during the same 100,000 mile period, ICEVs must also replace the motor oil, oil filter, engine air filter, spark plugs, timing belt, brake pads/shoes, brake rotors, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and more! Each one of those items are not particularly cheap and will certainly add up over the years.
Closing Thoughts
As detailed, electric cars have significantly less maintenance than gas cars. Specifically, BEVs (all-electric) have very little maintenance over the years. This results in hundreds, if not, thousands of dollars of savings throughout ownership. As an added bonus, less maintenance means less time in the shop. Everyone can agree less vehicle downtime is a major convenience.
Less maintenance is just one of the many benefits EVs have over ICEV. Other benefits include less operating costs, quicker acceleration, zero/low emissions, domestic energy usage, and much more!
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