Maintaining an electric car is significantly less involved than maintaining a gasoline or diesel vehicle. There’s no oil change, no timing belt, and no exhaust system to worry about. That said, there are several maintenance points you should never skip, such as brakes, coolant, tires, and the annual vehicle inspection. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about electric car maintenance, so you know exactly what to expect.
What is different about maintaining an electric car?
An electric car has far fewer moving parts than a combustion engine. That means less wear and therefore less maintenance. There’s no engine oil, no timing belt, no clutch, and no exhaust system. The drivetrain is simpler, which structurally reduces maintenance costs compared to traditional vehicles.
That doesn’t mean an electric car is maintenance-free. The components that are present still need to be properly looked after. Think of the brakes, tires, windshield washer fluid, battery coolant, and the climate control system. In addition, the battery itself requires attention, though that’s more a matter of mindful use than periodic replacement.
Another difference lies in the braking system. Electric cars use regenerative braking, where the motor recovers energy during deceleration. As a result, brake discs and brake pads wear much more slowly than in conventional vehicles. But precisely because they are used so infrequently, they can rust or seize up — which is something that needs to be checked regularly.
Which maintenance items are required for an electric car?
The required maintenance items for an electric car are: brakes, tires, coolant (for the battery and climate control system), windshield washer fluid, cabin filter, and the annual vehicle inspection. These are the items that manufacturers standardly include in their maintenance schedules for electric vehicles.
Below is an overview of the most common maintenance points:
- Brakes: Check for rust and wear, even though they are used less intensively
- Tires: Check pressure, tread depth, and wear; EVs are heavier due to the battery, which puts extra strain on tires
- Battery coolant: Must be flushed periodically according to the manufacturer’s schedule
- Cabin filter: Replace regularly for good air quality inside the vehicle
- Windshield washer fluid: Top up and inspect
- Brake fluid: Hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, even in an EV; periodic replacement is necessary
- Vehicle inspection (APK): Legally required; for electric cars, the first inspection is due after four years, then annually
The 12V battery, which powers the onboard electronics, is also a component that deserves regular attention. It charges less readily than in a conventional car and can run flat sooner than you might expect.
How often does an electric car need to go to the garage?
Most electric cars go to the garage once a year or once every two years for a service, depending on the make and the number of miles driven. Manufacturers typically use an interval of 12,000 to 18,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
That’s less frequent than with a gasoline car, where you often need an oil change every 9,000 miles or annually. With an electric car, that reason no longer applies — but all the other checks still do.
In addition to the periodic service, don’t forget the vehicle inspection. For electric cars, it’s required after four years and then every year after that. During the inspection, safety-critical components are also checked that you might otherwise overlook.
What does electric car maintenance cost on average?
Maintaining an electric car costs less on average than maintaining a comparable gasoline vehicle, since expensive services like oil changes and timing belt replacements are not required. An annual service for an electric car typically runs between $150 and $350, depending on the make, age, and work to be carried out.
Keep in mind that costs can increase if specific components need to be replaced, such as brake pads, coolant, or the 12V battery. Battery replacement is a separate category — it’s a significant expense, but under normal use it is rarely necessary within the first ten years.
Over the full lifespan of the vehicle, the maintenance costs of an electric car are lower on average. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to budget for anything. Regular minor maintenance prevents major repairs down the line.
Does an electric car have to go to an official dealer for maintenance?
No, an electric car does not necessarily have to go to an official dealer for maintenance. An independent garage with the proper training, diagnostic equipment, and knowledge of high-voltage systems is permitted to carry out maintenance without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty, provided the work is performed according to the manufacturer’s schedule and properly documented.
This also applies to leased vehicles, although in some cases you may be required to use an approved workshop that meets specific requirements. Always check your lease agreement for the exact terms.
What is important: make sure the garage has certified technicians for high-voltage systems. Working on an electric car is not the same as working on a gasoline vehicle. The safety risks are greater and the knowledge must be up to date. Always ask about this when choosing a new garage for your EV maintenance.
Want to know more about what we do for your car? Check out our workshop services for a complete overview.
What are the most common mistakes in EV maintenance?
The most common mistake in electric car maintenance is assuming that an EV barely needs any attention. Because the drivetrain is simpler, many drivers think they can go years without doing anything. As a result, brakes, tires, and coolant are neglected for too long, leading to unnecessary wear or safety issues.
Other common mistakes include:
- Not checking the brakes: Precisely because they are used so little, brake discs can rust or seize up without you noticing right away
- Forgetting tire pressure: EVs are heavier than comparable combustion vehicles; low tire pressure increases energy consumption and wear
- Ignoring the 12V battery: Many drivers only think about the main drive battery, while the small 12V battery can also fail
- Skipping the coolant: The battery requires active cooling; old or insufficient coolant reduces battery lifespan
- Putting off the vehicle inspection: The inspection is legally required and applies to electric cars too — don’t forget the four-year deadline
In short: electric car maintenance is less demanding, but it’s not zero. An annual check at a garage that knows what they’re doing prevents unwanted surprises.
How Autobedrijven Verdonk helps with electric car maintenance
We are specifically trained and equipped for the maintenance and servicing of hybrid and electric vehicles. Whether you drive a Renault Zoe, a Peugeot e-208, a Citroën ë-C3, or any other make — we are the right place for electric car maintenance in the Veldhoven area.
- Certified technicians for high-voltage systems
- Advice on battery condition, charging capacity, and regenerative braking
- Brake inspection, tire service, and coolant replacement
- Vehicle inspections for electric vehicles
- Transparent pricing and honest explanations, even if you don’t know much about cars
- Maintenance for all makes, not just Renault
Would you like to have your electric car inspected, or do you have questions about maintenance? Feel free to contact us or stop by in Veldhoven. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. Curious about who we are? Read more about our history and discover why people have trusted us for over 95 years.
Autobedrijven Verdonk also carries out maintenance and repairs for all other car makes.