EV Maintenance: What Malaysians Should Know
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity in Malaysia. More of these eco-friendly cars are appearing on the roads daily. This surge is driven by growing consumer awareness and the government’s push for cleaner, sustainable transportation options. Malaysia aims to have 15% of total vehicle sales come from EVs by 2030, in line with its Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint.
As EV adoption rises, it becomes essential for owners to understand the proper maintenance needed to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Regular maintenance ensures the longevity, efficiency, and safety of EVs, allowing drivers to maximize the benefits of this innovative technology while enjoying a reliable and sustainable ride.
Differences Between EV and Petrol Vehicles
One of the most significant differences between an electric vehicle (EV) and a traditional petrol car lies in their power sources. EVs run on batteries, while petrol cars rely on fuel. This distinction offers several key advantages for EV owners. First and foremost, EVs don’t require regular oil changes, which is a major benefit compared to conventional combustion engine vehicles that rely on engine lubrication. This means less routine maintenance and fewer trips to the workshop.
Additionally, EVs have fewer moving mechanical parts than petrol-powered cars, which results in less wear and tear overall. With fewer components like pistons, belts, and spark plugs to worry about, there are fewer potential points of failure, reducing the need for repairs over time.
Another advantage is the regenerative braking system found in most EVs. This system captures energy while braking and recharges the battery, which improves efficiency. Since the battery is essentially the heart of the vehicle, it’s crucial to monitor its health regularly and adopt good charging habits to ensure longevity. Proper maintenance of the battery, including avoiding overcharging or extreme depletion, is key to maintaining the overall performance and lifespan of the vehicle.
Common Maintenance for Electric Vehicles
Battery Care:
The lifespan of an electric vehicle (EV) battery typically ranges from 10 to 20 years, depending on usage and maintenance, making it a durable component of the car. Many manufacturers offer warranties for EV batteries that span anywhere from 8 to 10 years or up to 160,000 kilometers. However, there are smart practices you can adopt to extend the life of your EV battery and maximize its efficiency.
One key strategy is maintaining the battery’s “state of charge” between 20% and 80%. Studies have shown that keeping the charge within this range can significantly reduce battery degradation. Avoid letting the battery drain completely to 0% or consistently charging it to 100%, as this can put unnecessary stress on the battery cells. Instead, aim to recharge the battery when it drops to around 20%, and limit charging to 80% for daily use. A full charge to 100% should only be done when preparing for longer trips. By following these practices, you can help preserve your EV battery’s health and prolong its lifespan.
Tire Maintenance:
Just like with traditional vehicles, regular tire maintenance is essential for electric vehicles (EVs). Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread is crucial for both safety and efficiency. Maintaining the correct tire pressure helps improve the vehicle’s range, as underinflated tires create more resistance, causing the EV to consume more energy. Moreover, uneven or excessive tread wear can lead to poor handling and reduced traction. Regular tire checks and alignments are necessary to ensure optimal performance, maximize battery efficiency, and reduce the risk of accidents.
It is recommended that tire pressure be checked at least once a month and before long trips. This ensures that tires are properly inflated for optimal performance and safety. Tire tread should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 kilometers or during regular tire rotations to identify signs of uneven wear, which may indicate the need for alignment.
Brake System:
Although EVs benefit from regenerative braking, which helps extend the lifespan of the brake system by reducing wear on brake pads, they still require periodic inspection. Regenerative braking captures energy during deceleration and uses it to recharge the battery, which reduces the stress on brake pads. However, brake pads and rotors will still wear over time and should be checked regularly. This is especially important to ensure that your EV continues to perform safely and efficiently.
It should be inspected at least every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers or during your routine service checks. It’s also a good idea to monitor your brakes for any unusual sounds or reduced braking efficiency between service intervals.
Coolant and Thermal Systems:
In EVs, the cooling system plays a crucial role in maintaining the optimal temperature of the battery, electric motor, and other key components. Proper regulation of these temperatures is essential for ensuring the longevity, efficiency, and safety of your EV. If the battery overheats, it can degrade faster, while excessively cold temperatures can reduce its range and performance. Most manufacturers recommend checking coolant levels and the thermal system every 12 to 24 months, or as per the owner’s manual. Proper functioning of the cooling system helps prevent costly repairs and ensures efficient operation, especially in Malaysia’s hot climate.
Software Updates:
Just like your smartphone, EVs rely heavily on software for optimizing performance, improving battery management, and enhancing safety features. Manufacturers regularly release software updates to fine-tune the vehicle’s systems, introduce new features, or fix any bugs. These updates are essential for maintaining the best driving experience and ensuring your EV operates smoothly. It is recommended that software updates be checked every few months or when notified by the manufacturer. You can find update information on the manufacturer’s website, through the car’s infotainment system, or by an authorized dealer. Staying up to date ensures your EV benefits from the latest technology advancements and performance improvements.
Cost of Maintaining EVs in Malaysia
Battery Replacement Cost
EV batteries typically last 10 to 20 years, with replacement costs in Malaysia ranging from RM30,000 to RM100,000, depending on the manufacturer and model. Many brands offer warranties for battery performance up to 8 years or 160,000 kilometers, helping mitigate costs during this period.
Comparison with Traditional Vehicles
EVs have lower routine maintenance costs since they don’t require oil changes, fuel filters, or spark plugs, leading to significant savings. Oil changes for traditional vehicles can cost between RM100 and RM300 each time.
However, the high cost of battery replacement can offset these savings. Although EVs require less frequent maintenance, the potential expense of a battery replacement is an important consideration over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Service Intervals
EVs generally have longer service intervals, with checks recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers, covering the battery cooling system, brake components, and software updates. In contrast, traditional vehicles require service every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, including more frequent oil changes and mechanical checks.
Overall, while the initial and potential battery replacement costs for EVs can be high, the ongoing savings in routine maintenance and fuel can make them a more economical choice in the long run.
Tips for Extending Your EV Battery Life
CHARGING HABITS:
Keep your battery charge between 20% and 80% to reduce stress and extend lifespan. Avoid charging to 100% regularly to prevent degradation.
AVOID EXTREME TEMPERATURES:
Heat can damage battery performance. Park in shaded areas, use sunshades, and consider a garage to protect your EV from direct sunlight.
SLOW CHARGING VS FAST CHARGING:
Slow charging is gentler on the battery and ideal for daily use. Use fast charging sparingly for long trips to minimize heat and wear.
SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT:
Use your EV’s software to monitor battery health and charge levels. Regularly checking these metrics can help you optimize your charging routine and spot potential issues early.
