The acquisition price of an electric car is high, but in the long run, it will be amortized, bringing in some cases a significant saving compared to ICE (Internal Combustion Engine).
Electric cars comprise fewer moving parts than a car with an internal combustion engine. For this reason, some elements from conventional motors are no longer necessary for an electric vehicle, saving time and money. In this article, we will refer to BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) electric cars, along with a brief comparison with gasoline ones.
Top 5 maintenance costs for electric cars
1. Battery / repair / maintenance interventions.
Electric car batteries are the subject of reluctance for an electric future. Although technology is advancing every year, the distance we can cover in full is far from what we would like, at least in real conditions.
However, the batteries come with extended 8-year warranties, with the cost of a possible repair being covered by the manufacturer. Suppose you want to buy an SH electric car without a warranty. In that case, you should keep in mind that battery maintenance prices vary, from cheap to very expensive, depending on the repair's service and complexity.
In rare cases, when the entire battery is in a state of advanced wear and tear, it will be required to replace it completely, and the costs are between 5,000 and 10,000 euros. Therefore, our recommendation is to ensure that the car you want to buy has a valid warranty, thus avoiding unpleasant and costly surprises.
Other service operations on the battery side are related to its cooling system. For example, some models use passive air cooling to maintain the optimum battery temperature (Volkswagen e-UP, Nissan LEAF) and therefore do not require additional costs.
Instead, other models benefit from active cooling of the air (via a fan - Renault ZOE) or coolant (BMW i3). These two systems are more efficient in maintaining an optimal battery temperature but require maintenance (checking the proper operation of the fan and periodically changing the coolant).
2. Tires, discs, pads, and brake fluid.
Most electric cars are equipped with a regenerative braking system. This increases battery life but also saves the life of the brake pads and discs. Even so, a check will be required at some point, and some items will need to be replaced.
It is worth noting that the brakes will have a significantly longer service life due to regenerative braking, and thus, you will not need to replace them as often as in the case of a car equipped with an internal combustion engine.
3. Suspension and steering.
Depending on the quality of the asphalt material, the degree of loading, and the speed, the suspension suffers more or less. An electric car is heavier than one with a conventional engine, and as a result, the rest will be subjected to more stress.
4. Air conditioning system maintenance.
The air conditioning approach of electric cars is no different from that used in cars with heat engines, at least on the cooling side.
Also, the passenger compartment filter is essential in maintaining the air quality inside the car, one with activated carbon costing around 100 lei.
It is worth noting that the heating of the passenger compartment is provided by a separate installation, being an important energy consumer in the cold season. Autonomy will decrease significantly, especially if you drive short distances in urban traffic conditions. The battery will be constantly cold, will wear out prematurely, and will wear out quickly and inefficiently.
5. Transmission.
Some electric cars require the oil in the gearbox to be replaced at a certain time. A VW e-Golf requires a differential oil change every three years. In the service and maintenance guide, Nissan specifies to check and refill the oil in the gearbox.
Costs differ depending on the difficulty of the operation and the recommended type of oil. As a result, we cannot provide you with accurate data on the charges charged.
A brief comparison between electric cars and petrol cars
Electric cars need some maintenance, even minimal maintenance. Some points have in common with cars powered by a heat engine. However, when a gasoline engine wears out, it starts consuming oil, eliminating harmful substances from the environment. The repair is expensive. If overlooked, the car will pollute excessively, contributing to reduced air quality and the proliferation of pollution-related diseases.
Nowadays, petrol engines are smaller and more complex due to downsizing. This is meant to reduce the negative impact on the environment. However, although it is a good measure in general, repairs have increased in difficulty and implicitly in prices.
The gear of a car with a heat engine requires the replacement of relatively expensive consumables, especially for the clutch and steering wheel kit.
Strictly in terms of pollution and maintenance, the electric car wins.
The petrol car offers simplicity, enchanting sounds for enthusiasts, and the assurance that a gas station is always nearby in everyday use.
In conclusion, electric cars are easier and cheaper to maintain than their heat engine counterparts. However, a set of pads and discs will be priced the same. The electric car does not require a 10,000km / 1-year oil change or a 150,000km / 1-year distribution kit replacement.
Technology is constantly evolving. We can expect that one day we can count on an electric car as we rely today on one with internal combustion.
