Are Electric Cars Truly Cheaper to Maintain? What No One Tells You About the Hidden Costs

Home » Are Electric Cars Truly Cheaper to Maintain? What No One Tells You About the Hidden Costs

With the shift towards sustainable transportation, the world is seeing a surge in electric vehicles (EVs). EVs come with the promise of cheaper maintenance than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. But are electric vehicles actually less expensive to maintain over the long haul? In this article, we’ll look into the maintenance costs of EVs, the factors affecting these costs, and whether they give you any significant margin when compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Understanding EV Maintenance Needs

Electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered cars. Compared to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles that need oil changes, repairs to the exhaust system, maintenance of the fuel system, and complex transmission service, EVs have a simpler design and thus incur fewer of these costs. Basic maintenance of electric cars includes the following:

Battery health and replacement

When it comes to the most important and costliest element in an EV, it would have to be the battery. EV batteries are typically designed to last between 10 to 15 years in modern vehicles. These batteries do degrade over time, which can influence performance and driving range.

Brake system maintenance

Regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on traditional brake pads and discs. This results in much more longevity from brake components than gasoline vehicles.

Tire wear and alignment

Like any vehicle, EVs need tire rotations, alignments, and replacements on a regular basis. However, because of their instant torque and heavier battery weight, EV tires can potentially wear out faster.

Coolant system and battery thermal management

Due to battery maintenance and thermal management, EVs need regular coolant replacement to maintain the efficiency of the battery and manage its heat build-up.

Software updates and electronics maintenance

EVs rely on sophisticated software in a way that traditional vehicles do not. Some hardware problems, especially those involving sensors and electronic components, can be expensive to address, although regular software updates improve performance.

Cost of Ownership: EVs Compared to ICE Vehicles

Multiple studies indicate that electric vehicles are typically cheaper to maintain than ICE cars. A report by Consumer Reports found that maintenance and repair costs for EVs are 50% lower than for gasoline-powered vehicles over a car’s lifetime. Only about 5% of drivers are aware of these cost-effective advantages of EVs.

Maintenance Aspect	EVs (Annual Cost)	ICE Vehicles (Annual Cost)
Oil Changes	Not required	$75 – $150
Brake Maintenance	$50 – $100	$250 – $500
Battery & Cooling System	$100 – $200	Not required
Transmission & Exhaust	Not required	$400 – $1,000
General Repairs	$200 – $400	$500 – $800
Total Annual Cost	$350 – $700	$1,200 – $2,500

Looking at this data, it’s clear that EVs carry a significantly lower maintenance burden, which will save you money in the long term.

The Hidden Costs and Long-Term Implications

While EVs have lower upkeep costs, a few hidden costs that owners should be aware of include:

Battery replacement cost

Battery replacement is the biggest potential cost for EV owners. Although most EV batteries are designed to last more than 150,000 miles, replacing one may cost between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the vehicle model and battery capacity. However, recent improvements in battery technology and extended warranties (typically for 8 to 10 years) help mitigate that risk.

Labor and specialized repairs

EVs require specialized technicians and diagnostic equipment, which can drive up the cost of repairs. Unlike the well-established network of experienced mechanics that gasoline cars benefit from, EVs often require certified professionals for repairs, driving up the price of labor.

Tire wear and suspension problems

Tires also wear out faster because EVs are heavier than gasoline vehicles. The increase in weight can also contribute to early suspension wear and tear, raising maintenance costs down the line.

Do EVs Have Lower Maintenance Costs?

Yes, electric cars are actually less expensive on average to maintain than gas-powered ones. The simpler design, lack of oil changes, less stress on the brakes, and fewer moving parts all contribute to much lower annual maintenance costs. However, the potential long-term costs in terms of battery replacements, specialized repairs, and tire wear should be taken into account.

That said, also worth considering are the potential long-term costs such as battery replacements, specialized repairs, and tire wear.

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