Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional combustion engine cars. With fewer moving parts under the bonnet and no engine that requires oil changes, electric cars seem like they would need less maintenance than their petrol or diesel equivalents. 

But do electric cars really require no servicing whatsoever? While EVs eliminate some routine maintenance requirements like oil changes, they still need some upkeep to ensure optimal performance and battery life over time. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ongoing service needs of electric cars - read on to find out more… 

What servicing is required for an electric vehicle?

Despite some of the myths out there, electric cars DO need servicing throughout their lifetime. Below, we’ve outlined what parts of an electric car need to be checked annually:

Brakes

Regenerative braking systems in EVs mean the brakes on an electric car tend to wear down considerably less than petrol or diesel cars. However, the brake fluid still needs to be changed periodically and the brakes inspected for any potential wear and tear.

Tyres

Like on any car, the tyres need to be rotated and replaced as needed. The pressure and alignment on all four tyres also need to be checked, as well as the tread depth which needs to meet the legal requirements of 1.6 millimetres. 

Filters

Electric cars still have filters for the cabin air and coolant that need occasional replacement and individual servicing to keep the system performing at its best.

Fluids

While there isn’t any oil in the system that needs changing, there are still other fluids that need periodic inspection (topping up and replacing) such as brake fluid, coolant, screen wash, etc.

Safety checks

Steering, suspension, headlights, brake lights, and wiper blades all require safety inspections and replacements when worn. Each of these will be checked during an annual service to ensure peak performance. 

Battery

The high-voltage main electric vehicle battery doesn't need much regular service during its lifetime, but the 12V auxiliary battery may need replacing every 3-5 years, just like in cars with a conventional engine.

What does an electric car service involve?

Here is what is typically checked during a service on an electric car:

1. Battery Diagnostics - Diagnostics will be run on the high-voltage battery to check for any issues or degradation, as well as checking the accompanying 12V battery.

2. Cabin Air Filter Replacement - The cabin air filter helps clean air inside the vehicle and needs to be replaced annually to ensure peak performance.

3. Tyre Rotation and Replacement - The tyres will be rotated (for example, the back set moved to the front, and the front set replaced) for even wear. Treads and pressures will also be checked too.

4. Brake Inspection - The brake pads and brake fluid levels will be checked and either topped up or replaced as needed.

5. Safety Inspections - All lights, steering, suspension systems, wiper blades, etc are checked to ensure they work and are safe.

6. Main Drivetrain Inspection - The motors and drivetrain components are visually inspected for any issues or abnormal wear and tear. Any issues will be addressed.  

7. Software Updates - Latest software updates may be installed from the manufacturer for both the infotainment and drive systems. For EVs especially, it’s important these are kept up-to-date. 

8. Charging System Check - The charging ports, cables, and onboard charging system are checked for any faults or issues.

9. Fluid Top Up - Screen washer fluids, brake fluids, and other reservoirs are all topped up as needed.

10. Valet - Some services include a good clean inside and a car wash.

How often does an electric car need servicing?

Most manufacturers recommend getting your electric car serviced on an annual or biannual basis. However, some more specific guidelines on recommended electric car service intervals include:

• Brake Fluid - Recommended to be flushed through and replaced every 2 years or 20,000 miles
• Cabin Air Filter - To be replaced annually or every 10,000-15,000 miles
• Tyre Rotation - Every 5,000-10,000 miles is recommended
• Cooling System Replacement - Every 4 years or 50,000 miles 
• Battery Check - An annual battery diagnostics check is suggested

Additionally, some manufacturers recommend and expect you to book the electric vehicle in for a service more regularly when the car is newer. This is the case for Telsa which recommends servicing their models every 12 months or 10,000 miles. 

Are electric cars expensive to service?

Generally, electric cars are less expensive to service and maintain compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. There are a number of reasons; this is generally because there are fewer moving parts to check, no oil changes required, fewer fluids to top up or replace, and less wear and tear on the braking system. 

What is the lifespan of an electric car?

The lifespan of an electric car can vary quite a bit based on factors like battery packs, usage, and mileage - but here is a general overview:

Batteries are usually guaranteed by the manufacturer for 8-10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. In addition, the EV motor and drivetrain components typically outlive internal combustion engine equivalents. They can reliably operate to 180,000 to 200,000+ miles. Less fluids, lubricants, and moving parts make them very robust. 

With adequate care and maintenance, most electric cars are engineered to be driven at peak performance for 15-20 years and reach lifetime mileages of 200,000 to 300,000 miles before the main battery and components need replacing.  

Do electric cars need an MOT?

Electric cars do need an MOT test, just like vehicles with a conventional combustion engine. To legally be driven on UK roads, an MOT certificate is required annually once the electric car is three years old. Staying up to date on MOT testing is just as important for electric vehicle owners to keep their cars deemed roadworthy.

Electric car servicing at EMG Motor Group 

When it comes to booking your electric car in for its annual service, then look no further than EMG Motor Group. With branches across East Anglia, our team of expert technicians will concentrate their efforts on your battery-powered vehicle to keep it performing at its best. Get in touch with us to find out more.