Trystan Casey
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, but are they less prone to repairs than traditional cars? On the one hand, electric cars have fewer moving parts and don't require regular maintenance for engines or fluids, leading to potentially lower repair costs. However, there are concerns about the reliability of electric vehicles, especially with newer manufacturers, and the high cost of replacing batteries. While EVs may be more stable and have advanced safety features, they also present unique challenges for first responders in the event of an accident. As the market grows, automotive repair businesses will need to adapt to meet the distinct needs of electric vehicles.
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts
Electric vehicles (EVs) have far fewer moving parts relative to conventional fuel engines. The motor contains perhaps half a dozen moving parts, compared to the hundreds of working parts in an internal combustion engine. With fewer moving parts, there is less that can wear out and need to be replaced. This means that EVs are less prone to repairs and require less maintenance.
The battery, motor, and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance. There are also fewer fluids, such as engine oil, that require regular top-ups or changes. Brake wear is significantly reduced due to regenerative braking.
While EVs require less maintenance, they still need regular service to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Some key maintenance tasks for EVs include changing the cabin air filters, and servicing the brake pads, tires, and suspension components. EVs also have a cooling system that uses antifreeze, which does not need to be changed as frequently as in a gasoline engine because there is no danger of contamination by engine oil or combustion byproducts.
The simplicity of the electric motor means that when something does need to be replaced, it will be relatively simple to do so. By the time an EV's five-year warranty runs out, even a local mechanic will likely have learned how to service an electric motor and will probably not charge a high price to do so.
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Lower fueling and maintenance costs
Electric vehicles (EVs) generally have lower fueling and maintenance costs than traditional cars. They require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts, fluids, and engine oil, and experience less brake wear due to regenerative braking. These factors contribute to reduced maintenance needs and lower associated costs.
According to Consumer Reports, EVs have 79% more reliability problems than gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. However, this higher number of problems may be due to the inclusion of build quality issues that are not as severe as engine, transmission, or drivetrain problems. When comparing vehicles of similar sizes and features, the lower fueling and maintenance costs of EVs can offset their typically higher purchase price, resulting in long-term savings.
Surveys involving hundreds of thousands of CR members found that EV and plug-in hybrid drivers pay about half as much for repairs and maintenance as conventional car owners. On average, EV owners can expect to save around $4,600 in repair and maintenance costs over the vehicle's lifetime. This is because EVs have fewer parts that can wear out, making them less likely to require repairs and reducing maintenance expenses.
While EV batteries can be expensive to replace, ranging from $5,500 to $15,000, they tend to last a minimum of eight to ten years and often outlast the vehicle itself. Additionally, EV batteries gradually lose their ability to hold a charge over time, so owners can plan for their eventual replacement. In contrast, gasoline engines can fail suddenly, and their repairs can be costly.
Overall, the lower fueling and maintenance costs of EVs contribute to their cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, making them a more economical and sustainable choice for consumers.
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Less brake wear
Electric vehicles (EVs) are typically heavier than traditional cars due to the weight of the battery. This can put more strain on the tires and brake pads. However, EVs have a unique feature called regenerative braking, which can help to reduce wear and tear on the brake pads.
Regenerative braking is a process in which the electric motor is used to slow down the vehicle and generate electricity, which is then stored in the battery for later use. This process is highly energy-efficient and reduces the use of mechanical brake discs and pads. It also adds more range to the vehicle. The strength of regenerative braking is such that some manufacturers have switched from brake discs and pads to brake drums on the rear of their EVs.
The lifespan of brake pads depends on various factors, including driving habits, the quality of the brake pads, the weight of the vehicle, and the type of driving conditions. Frequent and aggressive braking can cause brake pads to wear down more quickly. Heavier vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, require more force to slow down and stop, which can also increase wear and tear on the brake pads. Driving in stop-and-go traffic can also cause brake pads to wear down faster than driving on open highways.
EVs with regenerative braking may experience reduced brake pedal feel because the majority of the braking force is generated by the electric motor, resulting in less resistance when applying the brakes. Additionally, because EV brake components are exposed to rain, salt, and debris, rust can form. On gas-powered vehicles, this rust is usually burned off as the brakes are used, but since EV brakes are not used as frequently, the rust can build up and lead to diminished braking performance. Regular brake inspections are recommended to ensure the conventional braking system is ready for sudden stops.
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High-voltage electrical systems
Electric vehicles (EVs) have high-voltage electrical systems that typically range from 400 to 1,000 volts, with current battery systems usually operating at 200-600 volts. These high-voltage systems are a critical component of functional EVs and include the battery pack, electric motor, motor control unit (MCU), power distribution unit (PDU), and more.
The high-voltage systems in EVs come with certain inherent risks due to the vast amounts of power they store and utilise. One of the main risks is the potential for electrical arcs to occur, which can cause fires or fuse the contactor's contacts. To prevent this, resistors are used to increase safety. Additionally, safety loop circuits are employed to detect faults and immediately remove power from the high-voltage system, isolating the battery.
To address the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, EV manufacturers have implemented safety measures such as using nitrogen gas to lower oxygen levels in the power battery box, preventing thermal runaway, and mitigating explosion risks. These safety features are crucial to ensure the safe operation of EVs and to enable safe repairs in the event of an incident.
While EVs with high-voltage systems offer improved performance and efficiency, it is essential to prioritise safety. This includes following maintenance guidelines, such as regular coolant changes and inspections, to extend the lifespan of the vehicle and mitigate potential risks associated with high-voltage electrical systems.
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Battery life and replacement
Electric vehicle batteries are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. However, over time, EV batteries can slowly lose their capacity to store energy, a phenomenon called "battery degradation". This degradation is not easy to predict as it depends on the brand, usage, charging, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Battery degradation does not render the vehicle unusable; it simply reduces the range and charging efficiency of the vehicle. On average, electric car batteries lose about 1-2% of their range per year. Modern EV batteries often last more than 10 years, with some going beyond that before needing to be replaced. The average electric car owner will sell their car long before needing to replace the battery pack.
Battery packs tend to last a minimum of 8 to 10 years, and manufacturers often offer warranties for 8 years/100,000 miles, with some offering up to 150,000 miles. These warranties cover both complete failure and degradation of the battery pack. For example, Tesla guarantees that its vehicles must retain at least 70% of their capacity during the warranty period, providing a free replacement if they drop below that threshold.
The cost of replacing an EV battery pack is declining, and it is predicted that EV battery life could be up to 500,000 miles. The cost of replacing a battery pack currently averages $5,500, which is similar to the cost of an engine replacement in a mid-range gasoline vehicle. To extend the life of an EV battery, it is recommended to avoid discharging below 20% and to only charge up to 80%.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric vehicles (EVs) generally require less maintenance than conventional vehicles. This is because they have fewer fluids that require regular maintenance, less brake wear, and fewer moving parts. However, EVs are not without their own set of challenges. The battery, for instance, will likely be the reason your electric car needs maintenance work.
According to RepairPal's Trotta, the cost of repairing an EV after its five-year warranty runs out is about $900 a year, whereas a comparable gasoline-powered car costs about $1,200. However, replacing a battery pack can cost $5,500 on average, and electric motors can be even more expensive to replace, ranging from $6,000 to $9,000.
According to data collected by Consumer Reports, electric vehicles are significantly less reliable than conventionally powered cars. However, it's worth noting that auto makers are constantly trying to improve EV reliability, and newer models tend to feature better batteries and other improvements.
Electric vehicles have unique characteristics, such as high-voltage electrical systems and lithium-ion batteries, that present distinct risks and require specialized knowledge, equipment, and safety protocols for repair.
