7 Things to Know about Electric Car Maintenance

Compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, in theory maintenance of electric vehicles (EVs) ought to be simpler due to the absence of an engine and gearbox. However, in reality, EVs have numerous components. Apart from tires, suspension systems, braking systems, and air conditioning systems, there is the most important component of all: the battery, which together make EVs even more complex than gasoline cars. Therefore, as an EV owner, it is essential for you to perform proper maintenance to ensure the longevity of your vehicle.

In this Kwiksure article, we will share EV maintenance tips with you, so that you can prevent irreversible issues due to inadequate maintenance.

Is Electric Vehicle Maintenance Costly?

According to data from the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the average regular maintenance cost for EVs is USD $0.06 (about HK$0.47) per mile, while traditional gasoline vehicles (including gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles) cost USD $0.10 (about HK$0.8) per mile. Based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles, an average of USD $600 (about HK$4,680) can be saved per year if you drive an EV.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: Battery

The battery is the heart and power source for an EV, and it powers all electronic devices on board, even the parking brake, steering, and braking systems. In actuality, the term 'battery' includes various components, including batteries, converters, inverters, motors, and electronic modules. Replacing these components can be costly, often setting you back by hundreds of thousands of dollars. To extend battery life, consider the four tips below:

1. Avoid frequent use of fast charging

Fast charging using direct current can cause the battery to heat up. High temperatures reduce battery efficiency, and in the long term can affect the overall condition of the battery.

2. Keep the battery within the optimal operating range

The optimal power range for an EV battery is between 20% and 80%. If the battery often goes below 20% or above 80%, its lifespan will be shortened. If your vehicle's system allows for setting a charging limit, it is recommended to set it to 80%.

3. Keep the battery at the right temperature

Presently, EVs mainly use lithium-ion batteries, which require a suitable operating temperature. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight or extreme cold can negatively impact battery life and reduce the range of your EV. Therefore, it is advisable to park your electric vehicle in an indoor or shaded area to help ensure stable battery performance.

4. Drive smoothly

Avoid sudden acceleration while driving, as it requires a high power output. Frequent sudden acceleration not only greatly reduces the driving range but also reduces battery performance.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: Cooling System

To achieve optimal efficiency for the battery, EVs utilize a cooling system to keep the battery in an optimal operating environment. The cooling system relies on coolant to regulate the temperature of the battery. Unlike coolant used in gasoline cars, the coolant for EV batteries needs to be completely replaced rather than simply topped up. Therefore, it is not recommended for most car owners to handle this themselves, and it is best to refer to the owner's manual for regular inspections.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: Tires

Tires directly affect the driving range, tire noise, and more. However, due to the weight of EVs, the tires on them generally wear out faster. Therefore, to reduce the burden on the tires, it is recommended to minimize the payload of the vehicle. Moreover, tire pressure and treads should be checked more frequently, such as every week.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: Air Conditioning System

The air conditioning (AC) system in EVs operates similarly to those in gasoline cars, using an AC compressor. As such, similar maintenance routines apply, where regular replacement (generally every 10,000 kilometers) of the cabin air filter is needed to ensure good air quality. However, if you often operate your EV in dusty environments, the air filter should be replaced more frequently. Alternatively, you may follow the manufacturer's recommendations contained in the owner's manual for replacement frequencies.

In the summer, to prevent condensation inside the air ducts caused by a temperature gradient and the formation of mold over time resulting in unpleasant odors, it is recommended to turn off the AC and let the air blow for 2 to 3 minutes before turning off the vehicle itself.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: Electronic Components

Although EVs do not have engines or gearboxes, they have a large number of electronic components connected to the motor and various electronic equipment in the vehicle. Unlike gasoline cars, even when the EV is 'turned off,' the electronic equipment inside the vehicle will continue to operate. Therefore, it is important not to connect other electronic devices to unsuitable outlets such as ports other than USB ports or the cigarette lighter port, as this could cause short circuits and damage the vehicle's circuit boards, potentially resulting in very high repair costs.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: Braking System

Most EVs use disc brakes, where brake pads press against brake discs to slow down the rotation of the wheels and bring the vehicle to a stop. Although EVs have regenerative braking systems that help alleviate the burden on the brakes, they are more effective for downhill driving or slow gliding situations. When braking at high speed, the demand on the brakes is high. Therefore, regular inspection of the brake pads and discs is important.

The lifespan of brake pads depends on the driver's driving habits, and they generally need replacement after 10,000+ km of driving (up to a few tens of thousands of km). With brake discs, you can pay attention to their surface groove patterns and look for signs of warping. If the wear is severe, replacement will be necessary. If you are not familiar with cars, consulting with a trusted repair shop is recommended.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: Suspension System

Many people know what the suspension system is there for, which is to dampen vibrations during vehicle operation, enhance ride comfort, and provide support to the vehicle body when the vehicle is tilted (such as during high-speed turns). The suspension system comprises multiple parts, including shock absorbers, springs, upper and lower control arms, strut mounts, stabilizer bars, even some parts of the steering system, and more.

Although the lifespan of the suspension system can be up to several years, aggressive driving styles, such as driving over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces at high speeds, can cause damage ranging from damage to the plastic cups inside the connecting strut mounts to damage necessitating replacement of the shock absorbers and strut mounts, with costs ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.