Does an EV need regular general maintenance?

Electric vehicles have a reputation for needing less maintenance than traditional gas-powered vehicles. After all, they have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes. But less maintenance does not mean no maintenance. In this article, we’ll highlight the key maintenance areas that EV owners should prioritize.

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Battery Health

The high-voltage battery in an EV is mostly maintenance free and should last at least 10 years, if not longer. So, stay mindful of a few practices that can help your battery last its full lifetime.

Charge level

Draining your battery to 0% or charging to 100% may increase the wear on high-voltage battery cells. It’s best to keep the battery charge between 20% and 80% daily, only charging to 100% before long trips.

Cooling system

In an EV, coolant circulates through the tubes surrounding the battery to keep its temperature between 20 and 30°C. The sealed coolant system doesn’t require frequent changes. Some manufacturers don’t recommend ever replacing the coolant, and others suggest a periodic coolant flush.

Your owner’s manual will have more specific details. However, you can have your EV coolant levels examined during routine service visits to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Software tools

Advanced software monitors the batteries in an EV. Many EVs have settings for battery care, including daily charging limits or winter battery warming tools. Using these tools can help maximize the life of your EV’s battery.

Regenerative braking system care

Regenerative braking is one of the more well-known features of an EV. Using the brake in an EV powers the electric motor to work as a generator. This slows the car while simultaneously sending power back to the battery.

Regenerative braking also reduces the load on your hydraulic brakes, which can extend the life of your EV’s brake calipers, pads, and other braking system components. For example, EV brake pads have the potential to last two to three times longer than those on gas-powered vehicles. Follow these steps to keep your EV’s braking system in top condition.

Inspection and cleaning: On Canadian roads, dust, grime, and winter road salt can accumulate on your brake pads and rotors, resulting in corrosion and other damage.
Brake pads: Replace brake pads about every 100,000 km. (This is a far greater distance than the 40,000 km recommended for brake pads on gas-powered vehicles.
Brake rotors: This part becomes susceptible to rusting from less frequent use compared to brake rotors used in gas-powered vehicles.
Brake fluid: Check or replace hydraulic brake fluid every two to three years to prevent internal corrosion and maintain firm, controlled braking.
Using your hydraulic brakes: In EVs, hydraulic brakes can go days or weeks without use. Use them occasionally to help remove any rust or grime. This ensures the brakes are ready to use should you need them for an emergency stop.

Tire maintenance

All tires in all vehicles need regular care. Because EV’s are heavier than gas-powered vehicles, the extra weight adds more pressure to the tires and can lead to faster wear. Aside from the weight of the battery, the power delivery and quick acceleration supported by an EV battery cause faster tire wear.

So, stay on top of regular tire rotations, inflations, tire alignment and balance, seasonal tire swaps, and selecting the right tires for your EV. You may opt to select EV-specific tires to better support the extra weight and reduce noise in your vehicle.

Software updates and diagnostics

One of the unique aspects of EV maintenance is regular software updates. Many EVs receive manufacturer updates via Wi-Fi or cellular connections, so updating your car is as ease as updating a computer or cell phone.

Stay informed: Your EV will typically notify you either via an app on your phone or on the dashboard when a software update has become available.
Diagnostics: The extensive self-diagnostic systems and tools within an EV keep you and your vehicle safe. Occasionally using them to assess your vehicle is simple and convenient. Most EVs come with built-in maintenance-related information. You can often see statistics, such as your current tire pressure, and receive alerts should the car detect any issues.

Regular maintenance on EVs

Preventive care goes a long way in the longevity of your EV. Caring for an EV requires less frequent check-ins than a gas-powered vehicle, but EVs do still require regular attention.

If you’re wondering how regular general maintenance can extend the life of your EV, or you’re looking for tips on EV upkeep, visit your nearest NexDrive service centre to speak with an expert.