The Difference in Maintenance of an EV vs. Gas Vehicle

One of the most common questions we get at our dealerships when people are looking to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) is what the difference is inmaintaining an EV compared to a gas-powered vehicle. It makes sense, too, since most drivers know the basics of maintaining a car with an internal combustion engine, but very little about maintaining an EV, especially if they haven’t owned one before.

Maintaining an EV vs. Gas Vehicle

Oil changes
One of the biggest differences is that gas vehicles require oil changes and EVs do not. If you have a hybrid, you’ll obviously need to change the oil in the gas engine, but you’ll likely be able to go longer between changes than fully gas-powered vehicles.Since the power in an EV comes from the battery, which is a closed system, the regular maintenance of an oil change is not necessary.

Fewer moving parts
EVs have fewer moving parts than vehicles with internal combustion engines. Just think about all the components of an engine and exhaust system that have the potential to get worn out or break over the lifetime of the vehicle. With an EV, all of that is replaced with a battery. Now, it is true that batteries may need to be replaced, but for the most part EV batteries tend to last longer than the average life of the vehicle and prices continue to fall as manufacturing batteries becomes more common and sophisticated.

Tires
One of the major maintenance items for a vehicle are its tires. For both gas and EV vehicles, this maintenance will be the same. You’ll still need to check your tire pressure and when tread runs low, you’ll need to replace your tires.

Other similarities
Many other maintenance items will be the same. For both EV and gas vehicles you’ll want to properly maintain the exterior of your vehicle to prolong the life of the paint. You’ll also find both types of vehicles need to maintain their electric systems, lights, wiper blades, cooling system, transmission, brakes, suspension and other items.

Fuel
One of the biggest maintenance differences is fueling the vehicles. Internal combustion engines require gas, and EVs require a charge. It’s estimated that it’s more cost effective to charge a vehicle than it is to fuel up at the pump. Car and Driver found that on average with their sample set, it was about 45 percent cheaper to charge an EV than it was to fuel up with gas.

The Big Picture of EV vs. Gas Maintenance

Overall it was found that while EVs generally have a higher purchase price, they cost less to maintain. A recent study found that drivers of EVs can, on average, can expect to save $6,000-$10,000 over the life of a vehicle on maintenance costs when compared to a gas-powered vehicle.

Questions about EV maintenance?
Connect with a sales or service department associate at any of our Ontario Auto Center dealerships to learn more about maintaining an electric vehicle.