Milo Zanecchia/Ascent Xmedia/Photodisc/Getty images
Electric Vehicle Maintenance Guide
Written by Lisa Iscrupe
Edited by Hannah Hillson
Last updated 12/16/2022
Why trust SaveOnEnergy?
Learn MoreAt SaveOnEnergy, we work to offer accurate information with editorial integrity.Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read more about how we make money.
Key Points
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have less maintenance than internal combustion engine (ICE) conventional vehicles.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) have fewer mechanical components to maintain.
- BEVs do not require standard vehicle upkeep, such as oil changes, transmission care, and replacement of small parts like spark plugs.
- The primary maintenance on a BEV includes tires, brakes, filters, wipers, and lights.
How much does electric vehicle maintenance cost
Electric vehicles (EVs) save car owners significantly on maintenance costs over the vehicle’s lifetime. An EV motor uses fewer parts and therefore requires less upkeep. Charging an EV at home affects home energy costs, but the cost is less than fueling a gas-powered vehicle.
The total maintenance savings amount varies depending on location-based factors such as the price of gas vs. the cost to charge, car-related taxes, and annual inspection costs. However, According to Consumer Reports reliability surveys, “both BEV and PHEV drivers are saving 50 percent on their repair and maintenance costs, when averaged over a typical vehicle lifetime.”
Learn more about EV charging
Cost of maintenance for electric vs. conventional vehicles
According to Self Financial, Inc., “The maintenance cost for the average electric vehicle is $321 cheaper each year than a gas alternative.”This figure is based on a comparison of the Tesla Model 3 vs. the Toyota Rav 4, two of the most popular cars in the EV and gas-powered vehicle categories, respectively. Specifically, the data showed that the Tesla Model 3 annual maintenance costs equaled $190 per year, while the Toyota Rav 4 annual upkeep was $964.60.
Regional vehicle maintenance costs, such as fuel prices, local EV incentives, and other statewide cost-of-living factors, affect EV maintenance costs and savings. According to the Self Financial, Inc. interactive map, annual savings can be as high as $2,000 annually in states such as New Jersey and Oregon or as little as $100 in Mississippi and Alabama. Regardless, EV maintenance is cheaper than gas-powered vehicles in all 50 states.
Maintenance required on an electric vehicle
The following list shows the components in an EV that need routine maintenance. Most of these items require upkeep every few years or after a certain mileage amount. Check your EV maintenance guide for the recommended intervals of your specific vehicle.
- Brake system
- Cabin air filter
- Cooling system
- Headlights and taillights
- Tires
- Windshield wipers
How frequently is maintenance required for an electric vehicle?
Consult your owner’s manual for the exact frequency of scheduled maintenance of your EV. Generally speaking, these are some common timelines for EV maintenance schedules:
- Air filters are replaced every year.
- Most EV batteries are expected to last at least 10 years and require virtually no maintenance.
- Brakes need to be maintained every 5 years. This maintenance schedule is less frequent than a gas-powered vehicle because regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on brakes.
- Cooling system upkeep varies significantly depending on the vehicle. Frequency can run from every 100,000 miles to virtually never.
- Tires are the rare EV component that will need more frequent maintenance than a gas-power vehicle. EV tires tend to wear out quicker because EVs weigh more and accelerate faster. Recommended tire replacement is every 30,000-40,000 miles vs. 50,000-60,000 for the average gas-powered vehicle. However, recommended tire rotation is the same as conventional cars at around 5,000-8,000 miles.
- Wipers and lights should be replaced as needed.