As electric vehicles differ from vehicles with conventional drives in many ways, there are also major differences with regard to maintenance and inspection. What are these and how do they affect the work to be carried out? We explain them here!
Less work = lower costs for maintenance of electric vehicles?
An electric motor is less susceptible to wear than the combustion engine. This is due to the much lower complexity of the technology compared to combustion engines, significantly fewer components and a very manageable engine periphery. For example, there is no need to change the engine oil, change the oil filter and replace the air filter, which ensures that no dirt particles get into the combustion chamber during combustion on conventional engines. No spark or glow plugs are used in an electric vehicle either, and there is no fuel filter or an exhaust system that can rust installed.
Compared to vehicles with conventional drives, electric vehicles therefore require less maintenance and less work is involved in inspections. The costs of an inspection for an electric vehicle may vary depending on the vehicle type and workshop. According to a study by the IFA (Institute for the Automotive Industry), however, the costs are usually up to 35 % lower than for inspections on a vehicle with a conventional drive.
Inspections are also important for electric vehicles!
However, this does not mean that electric cars do not need regular servicing and inspection. On the contrary: Hybrid and electric cars also require regular checks in the workshop! After all, it must be ensured that they work properly and do not pose a risk to other road users. It is clear that: Electric vehicles still have numerous components and systems installed that have to be checked regularly. These include, among other things, the chassis components, the tyres and the brake system including brake discs, brake pads and handbrake.
Locking leads to rusting! The brakes must be used properly!
Brake pads and brake discs worn on one side, for example, are a TÜV failure. The recuperation means that the brake discs, brake pads and drum brakes in an electric vehicle usually last longer. However, only if the breaks are freed up in between. The saying: "Locking leads to rusting" is particularly true for the brake system. Some electric car manufacturers use lower-maintenance drum brakes on the rear axle.
Top breakdown cause for electric cars: The starter battery!
The vehicle's starter battery is also checked during inspection to ensure that it works properly. A 12-volt battery in an electric car? That’s right! This is because the current circuit of the high-voltage system is switched via the 12-volt battery. This therefore also has to be checked because a failure of the starter battery - like vehicles with combustion engines - can mean that the car no longer starts. One interesting fact in this context: In the ADAC breakdown statistics 2021, the most common breakdown cause for electric cars was the 12-volt battery, just like the combustion engine.
Maintenance intervals specified by manufacturers differ greatly
As is the case for vehicles with a conventional drive, compliance with the regular maintenance intervals specified by the manufacturers is also a requirement for electric cars to maintain the warranty. And there are major differences between the manufacturers. The ACE carried out a comparison and listed examples of intervals to the first maintenance:
- Smart, Renault, Kia and Nissan: 12 months
- VW and Tesla: 24 months
- Aiways U5: 36 months or 100,000 kilometres
One thing is clear: A regular inspection of your own electric vehicle helps to detect and resolve potential problems early before they develop into larger, more expensive repairs. Regular inspection can also help to extend the service life of the vehicle and help to guarantee safety.
