Differences in maintenance of electric cars compared to gasoline cars

Fewer parts, less worries:Dr. Daniel Sperling, Director of the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (USA) shares about the differences in maintaining electric cars compared to gasoline cars.

Fewer parts:Electric cars don’t use internal combustion engines, so there are no oil changes, spark plugs, fuel filters, or drive belts. These items that typically make up the bulk of gasoline car maintenance are no longer necessary. An electric car has fewer major moving parts in its drivetrain than a gasoline car. This means less breakdowns and easier maintenance.

More durable braking system:Regenerative braking is a prominent feature of electric vehicles, helping to reduce the load on the brake pads, thereby extending the life of the braking system. In contrast, gasoline vehicles use completely mechanical brakes, which are much more prone to wear and tear.

Battery:However, electric vehicles also have their own “heart” that needs to be cared for: the lithium-ion battery. Although they don’t require regular maintenance, it’s important to monitor the condition of the battery – such as temperature, number of charge cycles, and ability to hold a charge. According to Consumer Reports (2023), the average maintenance cost for an electric vehicle over the first five years is about 40–50% lower than for a gasoline vehicle.

Reduce the number of times you take your vehicle in for maintenance:Although simpler, electric cars still need regular checks on their suspension, tires, air conditioning, and especially their software. Companies like Tesla and VinFast offer over-the-air (OTA) software updates, which help fix bugs and upgrade features without having to go to the workshop.

The future of maintenance will be "digital":“The automotive maintenance industry is changing rapidly,” said Mark Webber, chief engineer at Bosch Automotive Technical Center Europe. “Electricity not only simplifies mechanics, but also requires future technicians to be proficient in software.”