The Beginner’s Guide to Common Repairs for Electric Cars

When electric vehicles first came out, several drivers were concerned that they would require more regular maintenance than conventional vehicles and that any repairs would have to be done by an expensive expert.

Here’s all you need to know about electric car repair and maintenance whether your electric car is having problems or if you just want to know what to expect in terms of costs.

Basics of Electric Car Repair

What do we mean when we state that electric automobiles are less expensive to repair and maintain than conventional vehicles? You might think about the battery pack and other high-tech components like the navigation system when thinking about electric car maintenance. However, even traditional automobiles now have embedded computers, and mechanics are getting more adept with high-tech electrical systems.

The most significant distinction is that electric cars do not require oil changes or other typical tune-ups since they do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE). Although hybrid electric cars and plug-in hybrids require oil changes since they contain an internal combustion engine (ICE) in addition to their electric motors, they often utilize synthetic oil, which lasts longer.

Electric cars require less maintenance than gas cars because they have fewer moving elements under the hood that might break down or malfunction. Electric cars may have cheaper maintenance and repair expenses than gas-powered vehicles, but they are not maintenance free. It’s worth going through some of the most frequent electric car repair difficulties, as well as how much they cost to fix.

• Maintenance and repair on electric cars are cheaper than gas-powered 

   vehicles

• Allows for increased savings in the long run
• Less costly to maintain while saving time 
• Improve your safety by making fewer trips to the mechanic

1. Battery Problems

The first thing that may cause trouble for electric car batteries is a standard 12-volt battery, while the second is a lithium-ion battery. If you’re having trouble starting your car, the first thing to check is the 12-volt battery, just as you would with a gas-powered car. This is not the engine battery, but rather the one that powers the dashboard and other electrical components. If it dies, you may jump-start it with a gas-powered vehicle, but not with another electric car.

• If you want to save time and money, electric cars may be the answer
• Take advantage of this cutting-edge technology in a low-cost way by 

   buying an electric car

• Electric cars are not only better for the environment, but also cheaper on 

   gas 

• The 12-volt battery is unique to your car; if it dies, you 

   will either need another 12-volt battery or a jump from another vehicle

The lithium-ion battery is the most significant problem with electric cars. While all-electric car batteries lose some charging capacity over time, some circumstances, such as overheating, can hasten the process. Because newer models have more effective heat management technologies, this isn’t as much of a concern as it was previously. Electric vehicles have the potential to survive as long as, if not longer than, conventional vehicles.

However, if the capacity of your electric vehicle’s battery degrades and your warranty has passed you may have no alternative but to replace it yourself, which may cost thousands of dollars.

The battery is typically the most expensive part of an electric car, and it will eventually need to be replaced. The good news is that you can usually get quite a bit of use out of a battery, so it may not need to be replaced for several years.

2. Problems with Coolant

To minimize overheating, keep your electric car cool, just like any other automobile. While electric automobiles are less prone to overheat, they are sensitive to severe temperatures, and using air conditioning in hot weather might harm the battery.

If your electric car is overheating, it may have a coolant problem. The manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule may vary from model to model, so consult the owner’s manual for further information.

If you have any concerns, contact a mechanic; attempting to change the coolant yourself may void your warranty.

3. Brake Problems

Regenerative braking is a mechanism in electric automobiles that saves energy by utilizing it to charge the battery when the vehicle slows down or stops. Some electric cars even include a one-pedal driving mode that allows you to slow down without using the brakes, simply removing your foot off the accelerator.

The good thing is that your brake pads will last considerably longer since they will not be subjected to as much pressure as regular brakes. Brakes, on the other hand, require attention regularly. They must be serviced at least once a year. However, they must be maintained from time to time.

A one-pedal driving mode may seem strange at first if you’re not used to regenerative braking. Get to know how your brakes feel so you can spot any problems before they become a problem.

Brake pads and brake discs, for example, will last longer on an electric vehicle due to the lack of constant stopping and starting. However, when they wear down, they must be replaced as well.