What Needs to Be Serviced on an EV?

Designed with the latest tech, some Canadians might assume vehicles powered by batteries to be more costly to service and maintain than a tried-and-true internal combustion engine (ICE) model. However, with fewer mechanical components, electric vehicles (EVs) require owners to spend less time and money on maintenance or service. 

But that doesn't mean you should ignore the condition of your EV entirely. While they require less maintenance than ICE vehicles, certain components, like the brake system, suspension, and tires, need routine checks and servicing. 

Here's a thorough look at what needs servicing on an EV.

What Unique EV Parts Need Servicing?

Whether it's a gas-electric hybrid, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or a battery-electric vehicle (EV or BEV), the electric motor (or motors) will require less maintenance than a gas car's engine, which is assembled from thousands of moving parts. Most electric motors consist of no more than 20 parts. There's no oil to change, filters or spark plugs to replace, or a cambelt and water pump to swap out. A check on the status of an EV’s electric motor with a diagnostic machine is all that’s recommended.

With zero moving parts, an EV's main battery pack requires even less maintenance. A technician can check individual battery cells for performance (a key element in most factory warranty coverage claims) and damage. This is also a good time to visually inspect the high-voltage electrical cables for any damaged or loose connections.

The transmission in most EVs contains a single reduction gear and differential — that's it. It’s essentially maintenance-free, unlike an ICE vehicle's manual gearbox or automatic transmissions, which require frequent maintenance and fluid replacement.

What Other EV Parts Need Servicing? 

As the major parts that make EVs different from gas-powered cars have been designed for low service and maintenance needs, the remaining consumable parts are fundamentally the same, which means you'll have to service and maintain them regularly, as with any vehicle. However, some EV components will need special attention.

With an EV's extra mass and instant torque delivery, expect a faster tire wear rate. The same physics applies to an EV’s suspension, which should also be checked for extra wear or damage. Most EVs use regenerative braking, a system that converts energy when a vehicle slows down or brakes into electricity and then stores it in the battery. Because the electric motor's resistance helps slow the car, the traditional friction brakes will require fewer disc and pad changes. The negative part of regenerative braking is that, due to an EV's extra weight, the brake fluid must be changed regularly, typically every two years.

Like ICE cars, EVs have a cooling system, too. Instead of cooling a fuel-burning engine, it keeps the battery at optimum operating temperatures. Most of the batteries in modern EVs are liquid-cooled. The good news is that the only maintenance it requires is a visual inspection of the fluid levels and topping up if necessary.

An EV's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system also requires regular servicing. This includes changing the cabin air filter at some point. The air conditioning system's refrigerant levels should also be checked.

Regular checks and replacements of consumables, such as tires, brake pads, wiper blades, and fluids, are essential for maintaining any vehicle's overall performance and safety, including an EV.

Finally, it’s important not to overlook the traditional 12-volt battery in an EV. This battery powers essential systems such as lights and entertainment, and should be checked as often as in a gas-powered car.

How Often Do EVs Need to Be Serviced?

Despite the advanced technology, maintaining an EV is surprisingly straightforward. EVs usually follow a service interval similar to that of ICE models. Depending on the manufacturer, your requirement to visit a dealer will be based on time and distance intervals.

For example, an entry-level EV, like the Nissan Leaf, requires regular service every 15,000 kilometres or 12 months, whichever comes first. BMW's iX luxury mid-size SUV maintenance schedule is every 6,000 to 9,000 kilometres or once a year (depending on the vehicle's use). However, it's important to note that some items like brake fluid and air filters are checked or replaced every 12,000 kilometres or two years.

Where Can EVs Be Serviced?

There are multiple options available to service your EV in Canada. You can get your EV serviced at the vehicle’s original authorized dealerships, specialized service centers, and some independent repair shops specializing in EVs and offering various services, including high-voltage repairs, battery testing, and general maintenance. 

For most owners, the best maintenance option is through an authorized dealer. Many dealerships, especially those for EV-specific brands like Lucid, Rivian, Tesla, and Polestar, have specialized service departments for EV maintenance and repairs. They often have factory-trained technicians and access to genuine parts.