Yes, electric cars (EVs) still need servicing, but typically less often and for different components than petrol cars, focusing on tires, brakes (due to regenerative braking), suspension, cabin filters, and essential fluids like coolant and brake fluid, while avoiding oil changes, spark plugs, and exhaust systems, making them generally cheaper and simpler to maintain. Regular EV servicing ensures safety, maintains warranty, and checks specialized high-voltage systems, often recommended annually or every 10,000-15,000 km, depending on the manufacturer.
How often do you need to service your EV? Every car, electric or not, needs a regular service. At TrustFord, our EV technicians recommend a service every 18,000 miles or yearly, whichever comes first. However, how you use your car will vary, of course.
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The use of regenerative braking also means there is less wear on the physical brakes. EVs still require regular maintenance, generally every two years as part of a general safety inspection. EVs also require tyre replacement similar to combustion engine vehicles.
An independent garage with the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and qualifications can service your electric vehicle. However, if your electric vehicle is leased, you may be contracted to get a service at your franchised dealer network.
As EVs get older, the batteries progressively degrade. It is expected that at around 75% of the battery's original capacity, it has reached the end of its life in an EV. In reality what this means is that if the car was sold with 400 km driving range, at the end of its useful life it could be down to around 300 km.
Simply, the 20-80% rule suggests keeping the battery of an electric vehicle charged between 20% and 80% of full capacity. It's a method of electric vehicle charging meant to improve battery life. Think of it as the green zone.
A 2022 study by Geotab found that most EV batteries degrade at a rate of only 2.3% per year. That means after 5 years, your battery will still hold over 88% of its original range. Factors that affect battery longevity include: Fast charging too frequently (like using DC fast charging daily)
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Financially, EVs are the gifts that keep on giving, bringing savings now and continuing well into the future. Maintenance savings, lower running costs, and government incentives, including decreased road tax and congestion charge exemptions, are just a few of the financial rewards of electric car adoption.
Multiple sites and surveys point to a standard electric car service costing between £100 and £250, with the average being just over £140. This works out cheaper than the average of £175 for a full service for a petrol or diesel car. Of course, it all depends on the amount of work needed.
Service is fundamental in ensuring your car's safety and optimal performance. However, ignoring service can cause critical safety components such as brakes, engine, steering, and suspension to fail. As a result, you compromise your safety, as well as that of other drivers.
Heat and Air Conditioning
Controlling the cabin and battery temperature is the biggest power drain second to driving the vehicle.
The short answer to the question is no. Generally, you should not charge your electric car every night because it isn't necessary for most drivers. In some cases, the practice of charging an electric vehicle every night may shorten the lifespan of the car's battery pack.
But Musk's influence within conservative politics has inspired a growing segment of people to ditch their Tesla, as they don't want to be connected to Musk and had tied his political actions to their ownership of vehicles produced by his company.
What battery will replace lithium? Sodium-ion batteries are seen as a safer and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. There are also other lithium-ion alternatives like iron-air batteries, zinc-based batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries.
The 69-year-old actor's piece was headlined: “I love electric vehicles – and was an early adopter. But increasingly I feel duped.” EVs were attacked by Atkinson as being “a bit soulless” and criticised them for using lithium-ion batteries.
Recent claims data shows that in 2024 and into 2025, battery‑electric vehicles cost roughly 20% more to repair after a crash than comparable gas cars. Average repairable EV claims in the U.S. often land in the $6,000‑plus range, versus just under $5,000 for internal‑combustion vehicles of similar size.
Not all garages can service electric cars. It's important to take your EV to a garage with mechanics trained to work on electric cars. These garages have the right tools and knowledge to maintain your EV properly.