Charging Ahead: How to Maintain an Electric Vehicle
Standard automobiles like the Peugeot 508, Genesis G80, and Kia Stinger are not the best choice for a vehicle enthusiast who is also a tech nerd. If you haven’t had the chance to drive a cutting-edge vehicle like the Rivian R1T, Genesis GV60, Tesla Model 3 or 4, or even the Volkswagen ID.4, you’re missing out.
There are numerous key distinctions between a conventional automobile and an electric vehicle. You may be considering an electric car as your next purchase for either pragmatic and financial reasons, or because you want to do your part in lowering global warming emissions. There are many positives to driving an electric vehicle (EV) as opposed to a traditional gas-powered car, yet there are a few drawbacks.
If you’ve recently purchased an EV, regardless of brand or model, you may have realized that with it comes a new set of responsibilities. One of the many advantages of electric vehicles is that they need less and less frequent maintenance than their diesel or gasoline counterparts. One reason is that under the hood of an electric vehicle, there are a lot fewer moving parts.
However, EVs still need routine maintenance, so you ought to schedule regular appointments to keep the manufacturer’s warranty in effect, as well as for your own safety and peace of mind. Continue reading for a comprehensive reference to electric car servicing and maintenance based on the insight and expertise of Sirwiss-affiliated auto service professionals.
The Term “Electric Cars”
Electric vehicles rely primarily, if not entirely, on electrical power. Electric automobiles and trucks operate on electricity supplied by batteries or a fuel cell instead of a gasoline or diesel engine. Electric vehicles (or “EVs”) come in a wide variety of designs and functions. Plug-in hybrids are powered by both a gasoline or diesel engine and an electric motor; the latter is recharged via a plug-in battery.
Some EVs run solely on electricity while others use a hybrid system (“battery electric” vehicles). Others turn hydrogen gas into electricity to power an electric motor (“hydrogen fuel cell” vehicles). Even though they include an electric motor, conventional hybrids aren’t classified as EVs because they can’t be plugged in.
Normal Car Vs Electric Car
The environmental footprint of each vehicle will be compared in order to determine which one is preferable. The standard automobile runs on either gasoline or diesel. Toxic fumes from these fuels are constantly released while the car moves from one point to another. The electric vehicle, on the other hand, is powered by electricity from a charging station rather than gasoline, thus it does not contribute to pollution. Given that electricity can be created by energy sources like solar or wind power, electric cars are the greener option because they require fewer fossil fuels.
Costs of Conventional vs. Electric Vehicles
One of the most essential concerns is the cost difference between owning and operating an electric automobile and a gasoline one. There are various aspects to consider, including the cost of fuel and maintenance, as well as the total purchase price of the car. Electric vehicles are typically more expensive to purchase in the beginning. For example, the electric 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $38,790, whereas the similarly sized, gasoline-powered VW Tiguan starts at $27,785. Nevertheless, as electric vehicles become more common, the upfront cost differential is shrinking, and there are considerably more cheap options to select from.
All You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Maintenance
When compared to internal combustion engines, electric motors feature significantly less moving parts. Because of this, electric vehicles often have a lower cost of ownership (and maintenance) than their gasoline-powered equivalents. Still, EVs need to be serviced frequently. Common maintenance procedures like tire rotation, fluid top-offs, and filter swaps are all part of this. The owners of these battery-powered vehicles also need to stay current on a variety of EV-specific services.
1. Battery Maintenance
In mild climates, battery life for electric vehicles is predicted to be between 12 and 15 years. Its lifespan can be reduced to 8 to 12 years if used frequently in extreme environments. In any case, EV batteries have a very low maintenance profile over their useful lifespan. The battery pack in an electric vehicle (EV) has a limited lifespan, however drivers could take steps to extend its life.
Keep away from extreme temperatures.
Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) are battery Kryptonite. Automakers take this into consideration when designing their EVs, integrating them with the appropriate auxiliary cooling and heating systems to keep the battery temperature within acceptable limits.
It’s not a good idea to rely on fast chargers constantly.
Quick chargers may be useful for emergency situations, but they are more exhausting on battery packs than standard 120- or 240-volt chargers. Fast charging is a feature of many modern electric vehicles, but its ultimate effect on battery life is still unclear. There’s no reason to avoid quick charging, as it’s required in the case of a road trip. But, from a cost and endurance perspective, it is not a good idea to purchase an EV with the intent of using fast charging regularly. Fast charging can cost three to four times as much per kilowatt-hour of electricity, making the cost of filling an electric vehicle comparable to that of a gas-powered vehicle.
It’s best if you don’t overcharge or deplete the battery.
Batteries deteriorate more rapidly after being fully charged or completely discharged. Fortunately, many producers disable full charging in an effort to slow down battery deterioration. Several automakers recommend charging to 85 or 90 percent rather than the maximum possible for daily use, and most vehicles have the option to do so.
2. Motor
Electric motors are far less complex than internal combustion engines and rarely require maintenance or repair. As most EVs just have one motor with multiple speeds, there is no transmission to change gears. (Other EVs feature two to four motors, but instead of shifting gears, power is distributed electronically between them.) Because of this, conventional transmission fluid is unnecessary.
Some electric vehicles (EVs) contain a reduction gearbox (or transmission) between the motor and the wheels that requires transmission fluid for operation. The gearbox is typically sealed, therefore it must be inspected and serviced by a trained professional mechanic.
3. Brakes
Brake discs and pads last longer in electric vehicles since regenerative braking is used most of the time instead of friction braking. Depending on your driving style, brake pads may need to be replaced. The brake pads on your Tesla Model 3 should be replaced as they become worn. Regular checks on the brake fluid, linings, hoses, and drums are also important.
4. Tires
Tires, rotors, shocks, struts, driveshafts, and boots on electric cars require inspection, maintenance, and replacement just like their counterparts on internal combustion engines. It’s crucial for any automobile, but especially for an EV, to keep the tires properly inflated and with sufficient tread.
The instantaneous torque (rotational force of the wheels) of EVs can cause them to skid more easily on wet or slick surfaces. When the going gets slippery, it can be even more challenging to keep an electric vehicle under control because they tend to be heavier than similarly sized gas-powered vehicles. You may avoid skidding by regularly inspecting your tires, investing in a good set of snow tires for the winter (if necessary), and practicing safe driving habits.
5. Software Upgrades
As electricity is what makes an EV go, having up-to-date equipment is much more crucial in one than it is in a conventional gas-powered car. The efficiency of an EV, the number of available functions, and the safety of its electronic components can all be improved through software and firmware updates. Over-the-air (OTA) upgrades are available from several electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. For many vehicles, this requires being within range of your home Wi-Fi. Performing upgrades on other manufacturers typically necessitates a trip to the dealer.
Recommended EV Maintenance Routine
It should be noted that schedules differ depending on the model. These are some broad guidelines:
1. Monthly: Inspect interior and exterior lights. Inspect tires for wear and proper pressure, Check for loose wheel lugs. Inspect windshield washer fluid level. Check coolant level. Check exterior lights.
2. Six Months: Check 12-volt battery connections. Clean if necessary. Check body and door drain holes for obstructions. Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength. Check door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate hinges, latches, and outside locks if necessary. Check parking brake for proper operation. Inspect safety belts for wear and function. Inspect safety warning lights for operation. Inspect windshield wipers and washer spray for wear and function. Use plain water to flush corrosive materials like road salt from the underbody.
3. 12 months or 10,000 miles: Rotate tires. Replace climate control filter. Perform a multi-point inspection (12-volt battery, lights, fluids, horn, half-shaft dust boots, suspension, steering, tires, windshields, washer spray and wipers). Inspect brake pads, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses, and parking brake. Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, and tie rod ends.
4. Every 15,000 miles: Replace the windshield wiper blades.
5. Every 20,000 miles: Change cabin air filter.
6. Every three years: Change brake fluid. Change coolant.
7. 10 years or 150,000 miles: Change transmission fluid. Change air conditioning desiccant.