You can have your electric car serviced at authorized dealers, universal garages with EV knowledge, and specialized electric vehicle centers in Veldhoven. Many regular garages now also offer car maintenance for electric vehicles, although service may vary by location. The most important thing is that the garage has the right knowledge and equipment for high-voltage systems and battery diagnostics.
What’s different about maintaining an electric car?
Electric cars have far fewer moving parts than gasoline or diesel cars, making maintenance generally simpler. The electric motor requires no oil, spark plugs, or exhaust system. Instead, the service focuses on the battery, charging system, and electronics.
The main differences are that you no longer need oil changes, but do need regular checks of battery condition and the cooling system for the battery. The regenerative braking system ensures brake pads last longer because the electric motor helps with braking. However, you must pay attention to the tires: electric cars are heavier due to the battery and often have more torque, which can cause tires to wear faster.
Air conditioning and heating work differently because they don’t benefit from engine heat. These systems need their own maintenance to continue working efficiently without affecting the driving range.
Which garages in Veldhoven can service electric cars?
In Veldhoven, you can go to various types of garages for electric car maintenance. Brand dealers like Renault, Peugeot, and other brands with electric models offer complete EV service. Universal garages are increasingly investing in EV knowledge and equipment to be able to service electric cars.
Specialized electric vehicle centers focus entirely on EVs and hybrids. These often have the most advanced diagnostic equipment for battery systems. There are also increasingly more tire specialists who offer basic EV maintenance in addition to tires.
When choosing a garage, it’s important to ask about their experience with your car brand and whether they have the right certifications for high-voltage work. Many garages can do basic maintenance like MOT, brakes, and tires, but for more complex battery or charging system problems, you need a specialist.
Always check whether the garage has experience with repairs and maintenance of electric vehicles before making an appointment.
How much does electric car maintenance cost?
Electric car maintenance costs on average 30-50% less than that of a comparable gasoline or diesel car. You don’t spend money on oil changes and the brakes last longer due to regenerative braking. Basic service appointments cost between 150 and 350 euros, depending on what is checked.
The biggest cost savings come from eliminating:
- Oil changes and filters (savings of 100-200 euros per year)
- Less brake maintenance due to regenerative braking
- No maintenance on the exhaust system
- Fewer wear-sensitive parts
However, some parts can be more expensive. Tire replacement occurs more frequently due to the weight and torque of electric cars. If there are problems with the battery or charging system, these repairs can be costly, but fortunately this rarely occurs within the warranty period.
The hourly rate for EV maintenance is often slightly higher than that for regular car maintenance due to the specialist knowledge, but because many tasks go faster, you’re often paying less overall.
What service appointments does your electric car need?
Electric cars have a simplified maintenance schedule. The annual MOT test remains mandatory, just like with other cars. Additionally, you need a service appointment every 1 to 2 years to check the battery, charging system, and other components.
| Maintenance | Interval | What is checked |
|---|---|---|
| MOT test | Annually | Safety, lighting, brakes, tires |
| Minor service | 12 months | Battery condition, coolant, tires |
| Major service | 24 months | Complete system, software updates, charging cable |
| Tire check | 6 months | Tread, pressure, wear |
Specific points of attention are battery condition (charging capacity and temperature control), the cooling system for the battery, and software updates that can improve performance. The charging cable and plug must also be regularly checked for damage.
Pay extra attention to tire maintenance: due to the higher weight and direct torque, tires on electric cars wear differently than on traditional cars.
How Autobedrijf Verdonk helps with electric car maintenance
We are specially trained and equipped for the maintenance of electric and hybrid cars. Our team has the knowledge and experience to service your EV safely and professionally, from basic checks to more complex diagnostics of battery systems and charging equipment.
Our EV services include:
- Battery condition and charging capacity checks
- High-voltage system diagnostics
- Software updates and system optimization
- Battery cooling system maintenance
- MOT tests for electric vehicles
- Tire advice specific to EVs
- Regenerative braking system checks
We work transparently with fixed rates and always explain what is needed and why. Whether you have a Renault Zoe, Peugeot e-208, or another electric model, we treat all brands with the same care.
Do you want to have your car winterized or do you have questions about maintenance? Feel free to contact us or visit us in Veldhoven.
Read more about our history of 95+ years of experience in the automotive industry, or contact us for an appointment or advice about your electric car.