Maintaining an electric car has several specific features related to its operation. Indeed, an electric motor does not work like a combustion engine (petrol or diesel) and does not have the same parts .
Maintaining an electric car is actually simpler than maintaining a combustion engine vehicle. The number of parts is lower, but an electric car also has fewer consumables : filters , engine oil , etc.
The only wear parts that need to be changed regularly on an electric car are the brakes ( discs and brake pads ) and the tires . In terms of consumables, the cabin filter and windshield washer fluid are the only ones that need to be replaced periodically.
But an electric car also has a different braking system than a thermal car : regenerative braking . Thanks to this system, an electric car can recharge its battery . This also reduces the need for traditional braking, which slows down its wear and therefore the frequency of changing it.
Finally, the transmission of an electric car is also simpler, since it is necessarily an automatic gearbox . This means that an electric vehicle does not have a clutch , further reducing its maintenance.
However, an electric car also has checkpoints and maintenance that do not exist on a thermal vehicle. The main maintenance item for an electric car is its battery . On most vehicles, this is a lithium-ion battery , which has a lifespan of around 8 to 10 years .
However, this lifespan can vary significantly depending on its use. It depends more on the number of charge and discharge cycles than on mileage or number of years.
The price of an electric car battery represents around 40% of the total cost of the vehicle: if you need to have it changed, watch out for the bill! However, some manufacturers allow you to rent the battery . In exchange for a monthly rental, you avoid having to pay its price when it needs to be changed.
electric car maintenance frequency
This service allows you to check the battery condition and the wear of the brakes and tires , but also to change the cabin filter , check the fluid levels, etc.
As with a thermal vehicle, you must also submit your electric car for technical inspection every two years from the fourth anniversary of the vehicle’s registration.
maintain electric car well
Like a thermal car, an electric vehicle must undergo a periodic inspection to check its proper functioning and the condition of its parts. For an electric car , it is recommended to have this inspection carried out approximately every 30,000 kilometers .
Furthermore, some parts need to be changed regularly, even though an electric car has fewer wear parts and consumables than a combustion engine vehicle. The cabin filter should be changed approximately every 2 years , with the air conditioning checked annually. Brake fluid should be checked and changed on average every 2 years .
Tire and braking system parts change depending on their wear. Their condition is checked during the service so that they can be replaced before the parts reach a dangerous level of wear.
On a thermal car, it is estimated that the brake pads should be changed approximately every 30,000 kilometers and the brake discs every other time, i.e. approximately every 60,000 kilometers . On an electric car , the brake lifespan is longer thanks to regenerative braking, which wears out the discs and pads less quickly .
Finally, proper maintenance of an electric car involves checking its electrical system:
High voltage electrical circuit test;
Traction battery control;
Overall, maintaining your electric car isn’t that different from maintaining a combustion engine car! Don’t neglect your maintenance, comply with your technical inspection requirements , and visit a garage if your tires or brakes show signs of wear.
where to have electric car maintenance done
Not all garages are qualified to service electric cars. Mechanics must have special qualifications to inspect, maintain, and repair electric vehicles. This is also the case at technical inspection centers .
To service your electric car, you must therefore make sure you go to an approved garage .