How to maintain your electric car

While there are some major differences between electric and ICE vehicles, they actually have much more in common than they do setting them apart.

The largest difference between the two is that an EV utilises battery packs and electric motors, either solely or in tandem with an ICE, depending on the type of EV.

EV owners should refer to their ‘owner’s manual’ for advice on owner care procedures and the service book for scheduled service information.

Maintaining the battery

Lithium-ion is the most common style of battery used in EVs, similar to what is found in modern mobile phones and laptops.

Much like its application in these devices, the batteries in EVs are not serviceable, meaning repurposing or recycling them is often the most economic option.

Owners should refer to their manual for guidance on correct charging procedures to maximise battery life.

Charging your EV for maximum battery life

The lithium-ion batteries used in EVs deteriorate at the extremes of charge state and are happiest somewhere in the middle – between about 30–80% of their capacity.

By nature, lithium-ion batteries have a finite amount of charge/discharge cycles, however making sure not to stress the battery unnecessarily will ensure a long life.

Owners should read the owners' manual follow the manufacturer's advice on the best charging practice to maintain battery life.

Keeping your EV’s battery at optimum temperature

Much like extremes of charging capacity, lithium-ion batteries can be weakened by extreme temperatures.

The hottest an EV’s battery gets is during rapid charging and discharging.

Some, but not all, EVs use liquid cooling to keep batteries at their optimum temperature during these conditions.

Just like in conventional ICE vehicles, this coolant degrades over time, reducing its ability to transfer heat and keep components cool.

If your EV is lliquid-cooled, ensure this fluid is changed as part of routine maintenance.

Avoiding heavy, constant acceleration (to limit discharge) and using lower kW output chargers where possible (to limit charge) will also help keep batteries happy.

Parking your EV in the shade or under cover when possible can also save the battery from heating up under Queensland’s sun.

What else should I do?

When the electric motor and battery are taken out of the equation, an electric and ICE vehicle are almost identical and their servicing should be approached in the same way.

Both types of car use suspension, steering and braking components, tyres, fluids, wiper blades and even a normal 12-volt lead-acid battery. All wear out over time and need replacing.

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure as specified in your owner's manual will also improve range.

RACQ will help with Roadside Assistance in the event of a breakdown all year round, including roadside recharging.

If you are not high-voltage certified don’t never attempt to service any part of the high-voltage system on an EV.

How much do services cost?

Car makers generally advise battery electric vehicles (BEVs) should follow an annual service schedule (or every 15,000km) to ensure they are safe to operate and to maintain factory warranty.

This annual routine inspection of all components (such as brakes, suspension and steering, airconditioning, lights and wipers, battery terminals, instrument warning lights and gauges, safety systems, tyres, a diagnostic system check, recall check and lubing of hinges) could cost between $200–$400 depending on the manufacturer or service centre.

Given that BEVs use fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles – and don't require as many fluids in their operation (such as engine oil) – costs of these consumables are subtracted from your servicing bill as they no longer need to be replaced.

Unlike ICE vehicles which require major servicing for their engine at predetermined mileage, each service interval for an EV will have the same parts checked over, so servicing costs are likely to be stable over the lifetime of the vehicle.

The only possible exception for an EV being an issue arising with its battery pack.

How much will a new EV battery cost?

EV batteries are by far the most expensive component in the vehicles, but they are designed to last much longer than standard batteries in conventional vehicles.

Most manufacturers offer eight or 10-year or 160,000km warranties, exceeding the typical mechanical warranty on ICE cars.

If an EV battery fails outside of warranty, it could be very expensive to replace.

There are many variables, from battery size to labour charges, so contact the manufacturer to get an exact quote.

As the EV market grows, improving battery technology and economies of scale should see battery prices fall.

Article written and supplied by the NRMA

READ MORE ABOUT RACQ'S VISION FOR AUSTRALIA'S EV STRATEGY HERE.