Electric cars are rapidly gaining popularity, as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The push towards sustainability has been further accelerated by the impending 2030 step towards achieving net-zero emissions. For more details on this initiative, you can read the full announcement from GOV.UK here.
In this blog post, we will look at maintaining electric cars, covering topics such as battery maintenance, charging cable care, comparing electric car maintenance to petrol cars, and the overall benefits of regular maintenance.
Are Electric Cars Maintenance Free?
Electric cars have a reputation for being low maintenance. While not entirely maintenance-free, electric vehicles (EVs) require significantly less upkeep than their petrol and diesel counterparts. This is because electric vehicles have fewer parts when compared to traditional cars. For instance, they don’t need oil changes, spark plug replacements or any other emissions-related maintenance.
Electric Car Maintenance: What’s Required?
Neglecting maintenance can have a negative impact on your vehicle’s performance and overall reliability. In this section, we’ll explore the essential maintenance tasks required to keep your electric car running smoothly and efficiently.
EV Battery Maintenance
Maintaining your electric vehicle (EV) battery helps maximise its lifespan and performance. Here are some ways to ensure your EV battery remains in good condition:
- Minimise Rapid Charging – Rapid charging, while convenient, can accelerate battery degradation compared to slower charging methods. When possible choose slower charging to reduce stress on the battery. This approach helps preserve the battery’s long-term health and capacity.
- Monitor Battery Health – Most electric vehicles have built-in diagnostics that allow you to monitor the battery’s health. Regularly check these diagnostics to track the state of charge, overall health and any potential issues affecting the battery. Addressing issues promptly can prevent further deterioration and help to maintain performance.
- Follow Manufacturer Recommendations – Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging and discharging cycles. Each EV model has specific recommendations to maximise battery life. Sticking to these guidelines ensures you maintain the battery’s long-term performance.
- Watch for Signs of Reduced Performance – Reduced driving range or slower charging times could indicate battery degradation or other underlying issues that require attention. Prompt diagnosis and action can prevent further problems and repairs.
EV Tyre Maintenance
Ignoring tyre maintenance can lead to several issues affecting performance and safety. In an electric vehicle, tyre health directly impacts range and efficiency. Worn-out tyres can reduce range due to increased rolling resistance. Tyres not properly maintained may wear unevenly, compromising vehicle handling and increasing the risk of accidents.
Electric vehicles typically have heavier batteries, meaning tyres bear a greater load, especially during turns. This increased weight can accelerate tyre wear compared to traditional cars. Proper tyre maintenance is essential for electric vehicle owners to maximise range, enhance safety and prolong tyre life. So, how do you maintain your tyres? Regular inspections, monitoring tread depth and maintaining correct air pressure are simple yet effective ways to ensure your EV tyres perform at their best.
EV Charger Maintenance
EV charger inspections will highlight any issues preventing you from charging your vehicle. Without a functioning charger, you may experience delays in charging, reduced charging efficiency or the inability to charge your EV.
Keep the connectors and charging port clean and free of dirt. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently clean the connectors to ensure a secure connection during charging. View APD’s electric charging cable products here!
EV Brakes Maintenance
While electric vehicles benefit from regenerative braking, it’s still important to perform regular maintenance on the braking system to ensure safety and optimal performance.
· Brake Pads: Even though regenerative braking reduces the need for frequent pad replacements, brake pads can still wear out over time, especially if the vehicle is driven aggressively or in hilly terrain.
· Brake Fluid: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can lead to decreased braking performance and potentially affect safety. Regular checks and changes of brake fluid are essential for maintaining effective braking.
For more insights into maintaining and upgrading your car’s brakes and traction control, check out APD’s blog ‘Safety On The Road: Upgrading Your Car’s Brakes And Traction Control’.
Electric Car Maintenance vs Petrol Car Maintenance
Electric and petrol cars differ significantly in maintenance requirements, mainly because of their distinct powertrain technologies and components.
Simplified Powertrain: Electric vehicles do not have complex internal combustion engines with components like pistons, valves, timing belts and spark plugs.
No Clutches or Gearboxes: Electric cars typically use a single-speed transmission or direct drive, eliminating the need for clutches and reducing wear on transmission components.
No Exhaust System: Electric cars do not produce emissions, they do not require exhaust systems, catalytic converters or regular emission testing.
No Fuel System: There are no fuel pumps, fuel filters, or injectors to maintain.
Electric cars offer significant advantages in maintenance compared to petrol cars, thanks to their simpler drivetrain and fewer mechanical components. While the maintenance requirements for electric vehicles are generally lower, regular inspections and conforming to manufacturer guidelines are advisable.
What are the Benefits of Electric Car Maintenance?
Regular maintenance ensures that your electric vehicle maintains its acceleration, smooth operation and overall performance on the road.
Longer Charge
Battery maintenance, including monitoring charging habits and keeping the battery in good condition, helps preserve its capacity and extend the driving range of your EV per charge, meaning that you get the most out of each charge!
Environmental Benefits
Electric vehicles are already environmentally friendly due to zero emissions. By maintaining your EV properly, you contribute to reducing its overall environmental impact. Efficient operation means fewer resources consumed and less waste generated over the EVs life.
More Reliable and Efficient
A well-maintained electric car is very reliable, with fewer chances of unexpected breakdowns, providing peace of mind to EV owners.
Safety
Regular inspections and maintenance checks ensure that safety items such as brakes, tyres and suspension are in good condition. This enhances vehicle safety and reduces the risk of accidents on the road.
View Go.Compare’s interactive cost of charging an EV calculator and understand the real costs of charging an EV.
APD, Trusted Suppliers of Electric Vehicle Charging Cables
For reliable electric vehicle charging solutions, look no further than APD. We are committed to providing high-quality EV charging cables that ensure efficient and safe charging for all electric vehicle owners. APD has partnered with Cord EV to offer premium charging solutions, backed by a three-year guarantee on Cord EV charging cables. Enjoy free delivery on orders over £30 when you shop with APD Car Parts!
