Electric vehicles (EVs) generally require less maintenance than cars with an internal combustion engine. The electric motors that propel EVs have fewer moving parts than gas engines. Having fewer components means they need minimal maintenance.
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Less maintenance means less money. For example, Ford estimates scheduled maintenance costs for the F-150 Lightning are more than 49% lower than for a gas-powered F-150 over five years or 75,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Drivers should always follow the maintenance guidance in the owner’s manual. Service schedules typically suggest check-ups at 10,000-mile intervals. EV tires should be rotated regularly. Changing the cabin air filter is also on a typical electric vehicle maintenance schedule.
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However, EV drivers don’t need to worry about engine oil or transmission fluid in their cars. There aren’t many fluids to monitor in an EV — just things like windshield washing fluid and brake fluid. Speaking of brakes, regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on an electric car’s brake pads, making their replacement less frequent than for gas cars.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
