The biggest difference between an “electric” vehicle and an Internal “Combustion” Engine (ICE) car is in the name itself. While electric cars use batteries to generate power, cars running on gasoline require combustion to generate power. Other than that, the only major difference between an electric car and a gas-powered car is gears… or the lack of gears. As a result, the servicing process for EV’s and ICE cars is more or less the same. After all, even electric cars need wiper blades, cabin air filters, air conditioning, etc.
For example, the local mechanic who’s been replacing the cabin air filter in your gas-powered car for the past 5 years will just as easily be able to change the cabin air filter in your electric car. Having said that, if you’ve shifted to an electric car, the odds are you’ll be seeing your mechanic a lot less.
If you’re wondering why, it’s because electric cars don’t have as many moving components as gas-powered cars. This means there is significantly less wear and tear within the power source of an electric car. Whereas an engine running on gasoline has multiple moving parts that are constantly experiencing wear.
So, what’s the difference?
A typical electric car battery can last up to 15 years depending on the usage without any servicing at all. On the other hand, a car running on an internal combustion engine regularly needs its air filter, oil filter, belts and wiper blades replaced to function properly.
Plus, electric cars’ brakes suffer much less wear and tear compared to ICE cars as most electric cars now come with regenerative braking. If used often and correctly, you can prolong the life of your car’s brake pads and rotors.
And what’s the similarity?
Well as with all vehicles, regular checks are required to ensure everything is running properly. So just like with gasoline cars, it’s best you get your car serviced every 12 months or so depending on how much you drive. Having said that your service cost would still be significantly lower than the service of an internal combustion car for the same reasons mentioned above.
Additionally, brake pads, discs, calipers, tires, wiper blades, cabin air filters, suspensions, etc. will need regular maintenance. For example, the cabin air filter will still need to be replaced every 6 months especially if you’re living in an area with high pollution.
So, if you think about it, servicing an electric car is the same as servicing a gas-powered car. The only difference is in the long run, an electric car will save you some time as well as some money.
