Hybrid car maintenance

If you're looking to save on gas and reduce your environmental impact, you're definitely not alone. More and more Canadians are making the switch to hybrid and electric vehicles. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, nearly 1.9 million new vehicles were registered in 2024, with hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) increasing by 24.6% and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) increasing by 52.8% compared to the year before.

But this move to greener modes of transportation also means a change in our mindset toward vehicle maintenance. Hybrid vehicles have a bit more going on under the hood, combining a gas engine with electric motors and a battery system. That means your hybrid vehicle maintenance routine might look a little different than what you're used to.

Common maintenance tasks for hybrid vehicles

Hybrid vehicles combine the efficiency of electric motors and the reliability of internal combustion engines to make up the hybrid powertrain. However, this dual system means they have more unique regular maintenance needs.

Since all hybrids have both an electric motor and a gas engine, you'll still need to stay on top of regular car maintenance, like oil changes, checking coolant, brake, steering, and transmission fluids, suspension, spark plugs, hoses, filters, and of course, keeping an eye on your tire pressure and getting them rotated.

That said, HEVs and PHEVs come with a few additional components you’ll want to keep an eye on, too, including the:

• Hybrid battery

• Hybrid cooling system

• Hybrid battery air intake filter

• Regenerative braking system

• Charging port (PHEVs specifically)

• Software updates

High-voltage battery inspection

The high-voltage battery is the heart of your hybrid. While these batteries are designed to last many years, periodic inspections are important. You or your mechanic will want to look out for signs of wear, corrosion, or decreased performance. Some manufacturers suggest battery checks every 20,000 kilometres.

Cooling system inspection

Hybrids have multiple cooling systems working behind the scenes, including one for the engine, one for the high-voltage battery, and one specifically for the inverter.

It’s important to check all coolant levels regularly and look out for leaks, blockages, or any signs of trouble. The battery coolant helps regulate the battery’s temperature, and the inverter coolant helps prevent your hybrid’s electrical system from overheating.

If any part of the cooling system isn’t working properly, it's important to get it looked at right away, as a delay can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems later on.

Hybrid battery air intake filter

Hybrid vehicles also have an additional filter, called the hybrid battery air intake filter. This extra filter keeps dust and debris out of the battery cooling system.

Toyota Canada says a dirty air intake filter can interfere with the cooling of the hybrid battery and even affect your fuel economy. Check your manufacturer's schedule to see how often it should be cleaned or replaced.

Drive train inspection

It’s also a good idea to have a qualified technician check your hybrid’s drivetrain from time to time. That includes the electric motor, transmission, and power electronics. Catching any signs of wear or trouble early on can help you avoid expensive repairs down the road.

Regenerative braking system inspection

Hybrids use regenerative braking to recharge the battery, which reduces wear on traditional brake components. However, it's still essential to inspect brake pads and rotors regularly to ensure safety and performance.

Charging port (PHEVs specifically)

If you drive a plug-in hybrid, the charging port is an essential part of your setup. Keep it clean and check for any signs of wear, corrosion, or connection issues. If you notice trouble with charging speed or connection, it might be time to have it inspected.

Software updates

Hybrid cars rely on smart onboard computers to balance power, boost performance, and improve fuel efficiency. Just like your phone or laptop, these systems get updates from the manufacturer. Keeping your software up to date can fix bugs, improve reliability, and sometimes even add new features, so make sure you're checking for updates often.

Battery lifespan and replacement insights for hybrid vehicles

One of the biggest questions hybrid and PHEV owners have is: How long will the battery last? Which is soon followed by: How much will it cost to replace? It’s a fair concern for any hybrid owner, especially since the high-voltage battery is one of the most expensive components in the hybrid system. We’ll explore these insights in more depth:

Hybrid battery lifespan

Thankfully, most hybrid batteries are built to last. According to Mitsubishi Motors Canada, fully electric vehicle batteries last around 8 to 15 years, or anywhere from 160,000 to over 300,000 kilometres. However, because hybrids rely on the battery all the time (and PHEVs aren’t charged and drained as often as full EVs), it’s not unusual for a hybrid to keep going well past 480,000 kilometres without needing a battery replacement, especially if it’s well maintained.

HEV battery cost

HEV batteries are quite a bit smaller than the ones you'd find in a fully electric vehicle (BEV). Hybrids don’t need a massive battery because they can recharge it using the gas engine, and sometimes the battery doesn’t need to do anything at all if the engine is powering the car on its own. And because it's significantly smaller, it's also significantly cheaper. In fact, HEV batteries range on average between $2,000 and $8,000 in Canada.

PHEV battery cost

When it comes to PHEV batteries, the cost can vary a lot depending on the size and complexity of the battery in your vehicle. While PHEV batteries are usually smaller than those in fully electric vehicles, they’re still larger and more advanced than regular HEV batteries.

That means replacement costs can land anywhere from around $2,000 to $8,000, like you'd see with HEVs, or climb closer to $10,000 to $20,000 or more if you're driving a larger PHEV with a more powerful battery. For example, Global News reported back in 2023 that a PHEV owner in British Columbia was presented with a $15,000 quote for a new battery for his 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid.

Hybrid vehicles and car insurance

HEVs and PHEVs typically come with higher insurance premiums than conventional vehicles, and that mostly comes down to repair costs. Because hybrids have both a gas engine and an electric motor, they’re more complex under the hood. That can mean more parts to repair or replace, and sometimes, specialized service is required.

The battery in a hybrid is generally smaller and less expensive than what you’d find in an electric vehicle, but it’s still a high-value component, especially if you own a larger PHEV with a comparable battery to a BEV. If the battery gets damaged in a collision, repair costs can add up quickly. Because of this, insurance companies factor this in when calculating your premiums.

That's why many hybrid drivers carry additional insurance coverage, like collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, so they're not left paying for something as expensive as a new battery out of pocket. But with additional insurance coverage also comes higher premiums.

That said, many insurance providers in Canada recognize the environmental benefits of hybrids and offer discounts to eco-conscious drivers. To find out how hybrid insurance premiums compare or to get a free, personalized quote for car insurance, reach out to a BrokerLink advisor.

Learn more with BrokerLink

If you're interested in learning more about hybrid car insurance options available to you, reach out to BrokerLink. Our insurance advisors partner with numerous top insurance companies across Canada to ensure you can get the best deal possible without sacrificing your coverage.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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Hybrid car / EV maintenance FAQs

How much does it cost to maintain a hybrid car vs EV?

In general, the cost of maintaining a hybrid car is either the same or slightly less than that of a conventional gasoline-powered car. Many parts of hybrid vehicles are similar to those of traditional vehicles, such as the internal combustion engine, which needs routine maintenance, such as air filter replacements and oil changes. Conversely, when considering hybrids and gas-powered cars, electric vehicles usually have cheaper maintenance expenses. EVs don't need to have their oil changed and have far fewer moving parts, which makes maintenance more affordable.

Do EVs need regular maintenance?

Yes, regular maintenance is necessary for electric cars (EVs), but it's usually less complicated and occurs less frequently than for traditional vehicles powered by gasoline. Normal maintenance includes checking the brake system, rotating the tires, replacing the car's air filters, and making sure the battery system and electrical parts are in good working order. Even though electric vehicles (EVs) have a lesser number of moving components and require fewer services over their lifetime, efficiency and safety still depend on routine inspections and following the manufacturer's recommended servicing schedule is essential.

How much is car insurance per month in Ontario?

On average, Ontario residents can expect to pay approximately $300 per month on their insurance. Remember, this is an average price, and the actual amount will vary depending on a number of different factors, including your age, the make and model of the car you drive, your driving history, gender, and more. If you're looking for a more tailored quote, use the free quote tools available online through car insurance company websites or speak with an insurance broker.

How long do cars last in Canada?

While the actual lifespan will vary, one can expect their vehicle to last 10 to 15 years, or 322,000 kilometres travelled. Ultimately, factors that will determine how long your vehicle lasts include your driving habits, the make and model of the vehicle, how well you take care of your car, and more.

If I have more than one car, do I need multiple insurance policies?

Buying a multi-car policy instead of individual plans could make more sense if you own multiple vehicles under one roof. This kind of coverage is perfect for households with several vehicles and shared residents. We advise finding out whether you have access to this option by contacting your insurance provider, as multiple auto insurance policies can be challenging to manage and potentially more expensive.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.