Do Electric Vehicles Need To Be Serviced?
It’s no secret that electric cars do not have as many moving parts as regular internal combustion engine (ICE) ones. For Propulsion, EVs rely on an electric motor, which only has a handful of moving parts as opposed to hundreds that in a petrol engine.
As such, you’d be led to believe that an EV is maintenance free compared to a traditional vehicle. While it’s true that you don’t have to worry about changing the engine oil, oil filter, spark plugs, timing chain/belt, and various other wear and tear components, they aren’t maintenance free either.
Most EV manufacturers require owners to take their vehicles to an authorized service center at scheduled intervals. This is to keep a watchful eye on a few things. Battery health is the obvious issue. It’s important to monitor it to minimize any degradation issues.
Battery Health
A healthy battery would allow you to travel further on a single charge and charge up as quickly as possible. EVs usually have a cooling system that helps keep the battery pack operating within a specific temperature window. And that needs to be checked from time to time by a trained professional.
Brakes
Many EVs still rely on hydraulics for braking power. It’s used in addition to regenerative braking for stopping the vehicle effectively. The fluid will need to be checked to make sure it’s at the appropriate level and that there are no leaks or problems with the system.
EVs still use brake pads and as such they wear over time. They may last longer than ICE vehicles due to regenerative braking assist, but eventually, they will need to be replaced. Regular checks during servicing will determine their remaining lifespan.
Tyres & Suspension
Electric vehicles use tyres that are maximized for range. And since EVs are quite heavy, that takes a toll on their tyres. This usually results in more frequent tyre changes than ICE vehicles. The same is true of suspension, which is tasked with the shifting weight when an EV is in motion.
The 12V Battery
The humble 12V battery plays an integral role in every EV. It powers most of the low voltage accessories, lights, and infotainment systems. During a service, they will usually check its health to make sure it’s still fit for use.
Lastly, the cabin filter will need to be changed at regular intervals to ensure that the air around you continue to smell fresh and devoid of nasty odors. All these are just some of the things that will be inspected each time you take your EV in for servicing.
