Essential EV Maintenance Tips for Electric Car Owners

Electric vehicle (EV) owners enjoy a unique driving experience, defined by rapid acceleration, near-silent operation, and the satisfaction of reducing their carbon footprint. But while the thrill of instant torque and eco-conscious driving is undeniable, it's important to remember that EVs, like any other vehicle, require regular maintenance to perform at their best.

Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs have fewer moving parts. However, just like their petrol-powered counterparts, proper care of EVs can enhance your driving experience, maximise its lifespan, and help your EV retain its value over time.

For those currently driving EVs or those planning to switch over in the near future, let’s take a closer look at some essential maintenance tips.

How Often Do You Need to Maintain Your EV?

The simpler mechanics of an electric motor means that they generally require less frequent maintenance than their petrol counterparts. However, regular checkups are still needed to address potential issues and ensure your EV is running at peak performance. It is recommended that you send your EV for professional servicing every 10-12 months or after 10,000km to 12,000km driven.

While general guidelines for servicing intervals exist, the best way to determine your EV's maintenance schedule is to consult your owner's manual. EV battery manufacturers, along with car manufacturers, provide specific recommendations for each model.

How to Maintain Your EV

1. EV Battery Maintenance

The battery is the heart of your EV, and its health directly impacts performance and lifespan:

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme heat or cold can negatively impact battery performance and lifespan. Manufacturers design EV batteries to withstand a range of temperatures, but prolonged exposure to extreme conditions should be avoided.
• Charging Best Practices: Avoid consistently charging your battery to 100% or letting it drain to 0%. Most EV battery manufacturers recommend keeping the battery within the 20-80% range for daily use.
• Follow Manufacturer Recommendations: Adhere to the charging and storage guidelines provided in your owner's manual. This includes using the recommended charging equipment and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity.
• Regular Inspections: Schedule periodic battery inspections with a qualified technician to assess its health and identify any potential issues.

2. Brake Maintenance

Regenerative braking is an ingenious feature in modern EVs that increase your battery range. Instead of relying solely on friction to slow the car, regenerative braking utilises the electric motor to convert the kinetic energy generated during deceleration back into electricity.

While this feature significantly reduces wear and tear on your brake pads and rotors, it doesn't eliminate it completely. You'll still use your traditional friction brakes to come to a complete stop and for emergency braking situations. Being vigilant about brake maintenance is every bit as important for EV owners as it is for petrol car owners.

Regular inspections of your brake pads, rotors, and fluid are necessary for performance and safety. Look out for any signs of wear and tear, such as squeaking or grinding noises, reduced responsiveness, or vibrations when braking.

For optimum safety, brake inspections should be carried out every 18 months to flush out and replace the brake fluid, as well as the brake pad if required. The inspection schedule can be moved up if your mileage is higher, with a general recommendation of every 30,000 km.

3. Fluids & Lubricants in Your EV

While you can say goodbye to oil changes, there are other fluids that need to be checked and topped up periodically.

• Coolant: Just like petrol cars, EVs have a coolant system to regulate the temperature of the battery and electric motor and prevent overheating. Coolant levels should be checked during your yearly servicing. It should only need to be replaced every few years.
• Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is essential for proper brake function, and it should be checked and replaced. As mentioned above, a good rule of thumb is to have your brake fluid checked every 18 months or 30,000 kilometres.
• Other Fluids: Depending on your EV model, there might be other fluids that require attention, such as transmission fluid (for models with multi-speed transmissions) or windshield washer fluid.

4. Update Your EV Software

Software plays a vital role in your EV's operation, impacting performance, efficiency, and safety features. Keeping your EV's software up-to-date is crucial.

Software updates often include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and even new features. Many EVs offer over-the-air (OTA) updates, making it easy to stay current. Alternatively, you can visit an authorised service centre to have the updates installed.

Protection Beyond the Basics with EV Insurance

Just like with regular cars, EV car insurance safeguards owners against unexpected incidents, providing them with financial protection and peace of mind.

Insurance policies such as Income Insurance’s eDrivo Car Insurance offer benefits specific to EV owners. Some of the key features include:

• Emergency Mobile Rescue¹: If your car battery runs out of charge on the road, our service provider will arrive at the scene and provide DC fast charging up to 20% capacity so you can drive to the nearest charging station. Enjoy access to this service as a policyholder. 
• Unlimited battery replacement: Get peace of mind with unlimited replacement for your battery² in the event it is damaged in an accident.
• Cyber hacking coverage³: Protect your car against loss or damage due to malicious cyber acts.

Embracing the Electric Future

While most EV owners might be glad to say goodbye to frequent oil changes and exhaust system repairs, this doesn’t imply a complete neglect of maintenance needs. EVs, despite their innovative technology and fewer moving parts, have unique needs that must be addressed. A little care goes a long way towards a smooth and rewarding ownership experience.

In this exciting era of electric mobility, securing insurance for your EV is more crucial than ever. Income's eDrivo Car Insurance goes beyond traditional coverage to provide financial security against the unique risks of EV ownership. Discover how Income can empower your electric journey today.