Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?
30 Mar 2023
Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?
As the world gradually shifts gears to a cleaner, greener, more circular economy, EVs are driving change on the roads. If you have recently switched to an electric or hybrid vehicle – or you’re thinking about it – this change has likely sparked some questions.
Electric cars are quite different from their combustion engine counterparts. Therefore, it’s worth cluing up on all the ins and outs to ensure your new vehicle stays safe on the roads and maintains peak performance.
In particular, you’ll need to know all about electric car servicing, MOTs, and maintenance, which can differ from what you might be used to with traditional diesel and petrol cars. This quick guide covers everything you need to know.
- Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?
- Do Electric Cars Use Oil?
- Do Electric Cars Need MOT?
Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?
It’s worth noting that generally, you are under no legal obligation to have your car serviced, electric motor or otherwise. However, servicing is highly recommended to ensure the safety of your car, keep it operating at peak performance, and extend its lifespan. A full service history can also increase the value of your car when you come to sell.
If you buy a car on finance, you may also be contractually obligated to keep up with the manufacturer-recommended service plan, so always check your paperwork. This is the same for both electric vehicles and those with internal combustion engines. Put simply, all moving parts cars need servicing to keep those parts moving smoothly.
The good news is that electric cars have far fewer moving parts, and therefore the interval between recommended services is usually longer. The exact time frame between recommended services depends on the make and model of your car. Many EV manufacturers recommended a fixed schedule, with services every two years and no mileage limit. Compare this to the average petrol or diesel car, which requires a service every 12 months or 10,000 miles – whichever comes first.
EV Servicing: What to Expect
When you do book your EV in for a service, you may need to visit the main dealer or shop around for a garage with knowledge of high voltage systems. Your technician will inspect things like the brake system, high voltage cables, charging cable and port, battery packs, and steering linkages.
In terms of servicing costs, you’re likely to pay less overall than you would with a petrol or diesel car. Even in cases where servicing intervals are the same, the cost of the service itself is usually lower because there are fewer moving parts to inspect. Components such as brake pads and discs also last longer because of regenerative braking, where the motor creates friction to reduce speed.
Do Electric Cars Use Oil?
As well as professional servicing, new EV owners also need to know about routine maintenance – which begs the question: do electric cars need oil? The short answer is no, electric cars do not need continuous engine oil because the electric motor contains only a few moving parts. These parts are lubricated and sealed during manufacture, eliminating the need for regular oil checks and changes.
Nevertheless, electric cars do rely on a number of fluids to ensure they function correctly. Known as E-fluids, this includes brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid and of course, windshield washer fluid. Aside from windshield washer fluid, E-fluids are usually checked and changed by your mechanic during servicing, if required.
Do Electric Cars Need MOT?
Yes, electric cars in the UK need an MOT just like regular petrol and diesel cars. The requirements are exactly the same. Starting three years after registration, every car should have annual MOT tests to ensure safe and legal roadworthiness.
EV MOTs: What to Expect
During an electric car MOT, inspectors will check many of the same things they would with a petrol or diesel car MOT. This includes windscreen wipers, brakes, tires, electrics, lights, mirrors, safety features, and stability control. The key difference is that cars with internal combustion engines also have their exhausts tested for pollutant levels. As they produce no emissions, electric cars don’t require this test.
MOT cost is the same whether you have an electric car or not, with garages limited to charging a maximum of £54.85 per test.
Hopefully, this guide has answered some of your questions when it comes to electric car servicing, MOT and routine maintenance. As well as lowering your carbon footprint, switching to an EV is likely to lower your car maintenance costs too, with no oil changes to worry about on a regular basis. Don’t forget though, your EV still needs essential fluids to maintain peak performance, reduce wear and ensure passenger safety.