Do electric cars require less maintenance?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity in Canada, with the country experiencing a 57% increase in "battery electric vehicles" (BEV) registrations between 2023 and 2024. With fewer moving parts and the absence of an internal combustion engine, as more Canadian motorists opt for eco-friendly travel alternatives, many wonder whether electric cars require less maintenance than conventional gas-powered vehicles.

In this post, we'll examine how EV maintenance compares to conventional cars, potential savings, and what EV owners should anticipate regarding their car maintenance.

Key differences in maintenance: electric vehicles vs. gas-powered vehicles

According to the Government of Canada, one of the primary benefits of electric vehicles is that they can save owners between 40% and 50% on annual maintenance costs, which is mainly due to their differences in how they operate:

Battery vs. internal combustion engine

Internal combustion engines feature numerous mechanical components that require service periodically throughout the year. From oil changes to the transmission, each part requires careful maintenance to ensure the engine remains functional and no mechanical failures occur.

In contrast, all-electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts, relying solely on a battery and an electric motor, meaning that electric vehicles generally require less maintenance throughout the year and over their service life.

Brake system

Electric cars are known for their regenerative braking system, which allows EV batteries to recover when they slow their speed, which significantly extends the lifespan of the car's EV brakes.

Fewer vehicle fluids

Finally, unlike gas-powered vehicles, fully electric vehicles have fewer fluids, like engine oil, which also lowers the amount of maintenance they need.

Cost Comparison: electric cars vs. gas cars

A 2023 study conducted by Vincentric analyzed 50 different types of electric vehicle models in Canada, discovering that 49 out of the 50 electric cars analyzed had lower ownership costs compared to gas cars. The study also found that 37 out of the 50 models analyzed had lower maintenance costs. Take a look at the maintenance cost table below:

While the cost of electric cars in Canada tends to be higher than that of gas-powered cars, the savings on maintenance costs, combined with provincial incentives, can help make your purchase more affordable.

Electric vehicle maintenance tasks

Although electric vehicles require less maintenance overall, electric car maintenance is still necessary. Here's a closer look at some electric car maintenance tasks you'll need to adhere to if you do decide to purchase an EV:

Battery coolant replacements

Replacing or changing the battery coolant in your EV may be a necessity, though this isn’t the case for all EVs. For example, Tesla models do not typically require battery coolant replacements, whereas other automakers, such as Chevy, include battery coolant replacement on their maintenance schedule for the Bolt EV. The good news is that if your EV requires a battery coolant replacement, it usually doesn’t happen very often - once every 15 years or so. Most drivers haven’t even owned their vehicles for this long, which means it may be a non-issue.

Brake fluid exchange

One type of fluid that an electric vehicle uses is brake fluid, just the same as a traditional gas-powered vehicle. Thus, EV owners will need to monitor their brake fluid levels to ensure they are topped up when needed. Further, the brake fluid in electric cars absorbs water over time. Once your brake fluid contains 3% water, it should be exchanged with fresh fluid. Why? A high water concentration in the brake fluid can cause rusting or even boiling. Brake fluid exchanges in electric cars typically must be performed every three to five years.

Brake pad replacements

As with traditional cars, electric cars also use brake pads, and these brake pads are prone to wear out with time. Thus, you should expect brake pad replacements to be a part of your maintenance routine. It is worth noting that the stress on the brake pads is usually greater with an electric car than with a combustion engine vehicle, since electric cars are heavier.

Thus, you might even need to replace your EV brakes more frequently; this could cost more if your EV has regenerative brakes. Make sure to have a professional perform a vehicle inspection at least once a year to check your brake pads.

Tire rotation

Electric cars use tires just the same as regular vehicles, and these tires need to be rotated from time to time. The typical rotation schedule for EV tires is twice per year. Forgetting to rotate your tires regularly can cause uneven wear, significantly reducing the lifespan of your tires.

Tire pressure

Checking and topping up the tire pressure on your EV is another type of maintenance that you will need to perform. Tire pressure should be checked multiple times a year, especially in the winter when tires are known to lose pressure faster. Keep in mind that driving a car that has too little or too much pressure in the tires can lead to faster wear and decreased overall efficiency.

Windshield wiper replacements and fluid top-ups

As an EV owner, there will likely come a time when the windshield wipers on your car need to be replaced or when the windshield wiper fluid needs to be topped up. Same with the wipers on all cars, the blades will degrade over time due to factors like heat, sun, and freezing temperatures, all of which can render them less effective.

Experts state that most windshield wipers need to be replaced every 15,000 miles. Meanwhile, fluid should be topped up as needed. There is usually a greater need for windshield wiper fluid in the winter when driving in snowy and icy conditions.

Cabin air filter replacements

Since electric cars don’t run on internal combustion engines, there is no need to replace the engine air filter. That said, EVs typically have cabin air filters, and it is not uncommon for them to collect dust, smoke, and other pollutants over time. In turn, this causes them to become clogged, which makes them less effective. It can even result in a strange smell in your car. As such, EV owners should expect to change their cabin air filters every three years.

Wheel alignments

The wheels and tires on an EV are similar to other types of cars, which means just as your tires will need to be rotated from time to time, your wheels will also need to be aligned. The reality is that wheels can shift over time, and misaligned wheels can result in uneven tire wear, as well as make your car pull to one side while driving, which can be dangerous. Thus, it is good practice to have your wheel alignment checked once or twice per year.

Software updates

Most electric vehicles require routine software updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and prevent security issues. These updates are performed using an "over-the-air" (OTA) system, which allows the updates to be performed over Wi-Fi.

Unlike a gas-powered car, which needs to be brought into the dealership to undergo software updates for navigation purposes and the sound system, this electric vehicle maintenance task improves battery efficiency and safety. Failing to perform software updates can lead to security issues and other safety hazards like outdated technology.

Car battery maintenance

EVs have special batteries. These batteries are largely made out of lithium-ion; over time, they can wear down or even break down completely. Electric car batteries tend to last between eight and ten years, so you may never need to replace your EV’s battery, depending on how long you plan to own it. However, it is something that you should be prepared for.

EV battery replacements cost a lot more than regular car batteries. However, many automakers offer battery warranties that last up to ten years or up to 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Please note that certain habits, such as frequently charging your EV in Level 3 DC fast chargers, can cause the battery to wear quickly.

Addressing common EV maintenance myths

The automotive industry is full of myths, especially when it comes to electric motor cars. Luckily, we've taken some of the most common ones and debunked them for you below:

• EV batteries need to be replaced frequently: The battery life of electric battery packs can range anywhere between 10 and 15 years before they'll need to be replaced. Most vehicles come with battery warranties, which will cover your replacement up to 100,000 kilometres.
• EVs require no regular maintenance: Electric vehicles are reliable alternatives to gas cars, with fewer moving components and mechanics. But, they still need regular maintenance like any other vehicle, like tire rotations, battery upkeep, new tires, windshield washer fluid, and more. But, compared to ICE vehicles, you'll save more money on upkeep over time. Make sure to look at your owner's manual for maintenance information.
• EVs break down more frequently than gas-powered cars: According to a report by Smart Rescue, electric vehicles are 59% less likely to break down than gas-powered cars. However, because EV technology is still advancing, some models may experience software glitches and other problems that require certain repairs and maintenance.

Maintenance tips for EV car drivers

Part of the responsibility of owning a car is properly maintaining it over time. Not only will this extend its service life, but it will also help prevent costly repairs and safety concerns. Here are some maintenance tips for drivers of EV vehicles:

• Battery care: Avoid parking your vehicle in extreme temperatures year-round, as it can cause you to need your battery replacement quicker, by degrading your battery pack.
• Tire rotation and alignment: Check the alignment of your car's tires annually and rotate tires every 6 months to prevent uneven wear and more frequent replacements.
• Software updates: Keep your EV software up-to-date to benefit from ongoing performance improvements and security features. Regular updates can improve your overall driving experience and safety.
• Brake system checks: Even though regenerative braking reduces wear on your EV, occasional inspections ensure that your brake fluid levels remain optimal and that there is no wear on your brake pads.
• Cooling System Maintenance: EV cars use a cooling system to ensure the battery doesn't overheat. Make sure to check your fluid levels consistently to ensure they remain at optimal levels.

For more maintenance tips, check out our winter car maintenance guide!

Auto insurance for electric vehicles

While technically not a maintenance requirement, if you plan to operate an electric vehicle on Canadian roads, you'll need to purchase electric vehicle insurance. While the types of coverage and coverage limits will vary between provinces, some of the most common mandatory and optional car insurance policies include:

• Third-party liability car insurance
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Direct compensation-property damage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision coverage
• Accident forgiveness

Get in touch with BrokerLink

With annual maintenance savings of 40% to 50%, fewer mechanical components, and longer brake life thanks to regenerative braking, EVs make an impressive financial and environmental option for Canadians who want to reduce long-term maintenance costs associated with gasoline-powered cars.

If you've recently purchased an electric car and require car insurance in Toronto or other cities across Canada, the experienced brokers from BrokerLink are here to help. Our experienced insurance brokers in Ontario have access to numerous policies from some of Canada's top providers, enabling them to help you compare quotes, shop around, and unlock discounts to save you money. To work with us, contact us over the phone or via email to speak with a broker directly. You can also get a free insurance quote using our online quote tool right from your phone!

Get an auto insurance quote [phone]