Electric vehicles (EVs) are changing the face of personal transportation in several ways, with maintenance being among those features most affected. When compared to cars with internal combustion engines, EVs are not as complex and have fewer moving parts. Not only does this improve reliability and simplify usage, it also eliminates the need for traditional maintenance intervals. However, these EV technologies also feature specific characteristics and impose unique requirements on their users. To meet these requirements, drivers will have to adjust their driving habits and maintenance routines.

This article will explain what drivers should do to ensure the reliability and longevity of their EVs.

Powertrain

The major difference between electric and classic vehicles is the engine together with its running gear. Without expendable components such as engine oil or spark plugs, electric motors are not as complex as internal combustion engines. Although this simplicity makes the maintenance less demanding and frequent, powertrains in most EVs still have several serviceable items. One of them is the final drive, which transmits the power from the electric motor to the wheels. Just like any other mechanical component with gears and bearings, the final drive needs an appropriate oil to lubricate it. Some manufacturers treat the final drive as a ‘sealed for life’ unit and do not specify an oil change interval for it. Others, like Tesla, ask for this to be done once every 150,000 miles or 12 years.

Electric motors and batteries generate a lot of heat when under load, requiring efficient thermal management to control their temperature. Using radiators and hoses with coolant inside them is not that different from a cooling system in a classic car. However, the coolant itself needs to be renewed in specific intervals to ensure that it does not degrade and form deposits inside the system. With the components involved being quite complex and sensitive, skipping these intervals or using a wrong coolant type is not an option.

Ensuring a prolonged battery life

Without a doubt, the battery is the most important and expensive part of any EV. Because replacing them may not be economically feasible, drivers should incorporate several habits that will ensure that the battery lasts longer.

(Learn more about batteries on GlobalSpec.com.)

One of the most important features of the battery is the charge level. Although it might be tempting to charge an EV battery at every opportunity, this actually wears the battery faster. With each charge and discharge cycle, the EV battery cells expand and contract slightly due to the internal chemical reactions. And each cycle increases the potential for battery delamination, potentially affecting thermal dissipation and electrical performance. Generally, an owner should complete several commutes and drop below at least 20% before recharging.

Similarly, it can be tempting to always use rapid charging stations — such as the Type 2 chargers found in public places, like grocery stores and malls. However, the additional amperage of these can also add additional wear and tear on the battery. Fast chargers should be used sparingly. Instead, owners should aim at charging their vehicles at home whenever possible. Using a standard household outlet for this is possible, but it will only add several miles of range per hour. Still, this can be a viable option if the period between drives is long or for trickle charging. Relying on a Level 2 charger for daily commutes is a much better option, as most EV owners have them. Adding 10 or more miles of range each hour, they will ensure sufficient battery capacity for almost all applications.

(Learn more about battery chargers on GlobalSpec.com.)

High temperatures can harm the battery in the long run, degrading it on the molecular level. To avoid this, drivers should not park their EVs in the sun for long periods. While low temperatures won’t cause any permanent battery damage, they can temporarily lower the battery's capacity and reduce overall range. Coupled with the need for an electrical connection, garages are the best storage locations for EVs.

Other components

EVs still share a number of components in common with traditional cars, including tires. Typically, drivers would rotate their tires when changing the engine oil. Without regular oil changes, additional care should be taken for tire safety. Tire pressure also remains an important factor for both safety and power economy reasons.

Most EVs also feature regenerative braking, during which the electric motor transforms the kinetic braking energy into electricity. A byproduct of this action is considerable wear reduction on hydraulic brakes and, consequently, EV drivers can extend the lifespan of their discs and pads by a large margin. Just as with tires, this system still needs regular attention and replacing brake fluid is equally important.

Finally, cabin environmental systems are largely the same. Owners will need an occasional refrigerating fluid boost or exchange for air conditioning systems. Air filters also need to be removed at regular intervals. Both of these tasks can be completed by an EV owner, depending on mechanical skill level.

Conclusion

On the whole, EVs are easier to maintain as an owner. However, many of the automotive systems of years past remain present on EVs. As such, without normal milestones like oil changes, owners will need to be mindful about regular fluid refreshes and exchanges.

About the author

Bojan Popic is an automotive journalist from Croatia. He has 10 years of experience in hands-on automotive diagnostics, maintenance and repair. He earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Zagreb, Croatia.