EVs don’t need as much maintenance: Here are key differences

They have maintenance costs of $4,246 over 5 years of ownership, lower than the $4,583 estimate for gas-powered cars, according to a Kelley Blue Book assessment of the total cost to own an EV versus an internal-combustion engine vehicle.

But EVs have no engine oil, as they’re powered by electric motors, so their owners don’t ever have to think about changing it. EVs generally have fewer moving parts to begin with.

While the electric drivetrain is essentially fluid-free, there are some nuances. For instance, the more simple transmission of a Tesla requires an infrequent filter change. Door hinges still need to be lubricated. EVs still need brake and window washer fluids, too.

Because EVs only require electricity, that’s one less thing for an owner to worry about.

They’re essentially treated as computers on wheels. With EVs, a lot of software tweaks and infotainment updates are handled via over-the-air upgrades, though automakers are still getting a handle on that.

For instance, Tesla can unlock additional performance from an owner’s vehicle using over-the-air software updates. Mercedes-Benz and Polestar have also explored that concept.

While it’s still early days in the EV transition and battery replacements aren’t routine, it could be expensive — some estimates suggest as much as $15,000. That likely isn’t something a driver of a new EV has to worry about.

It’s why the battery’s health and state of charge will be important to determine whether a second or third owner can expect an expensive replacement cost.

While brake pads need to be changed every 20,000 to 50,000 miles or so on gas-powered vehicles (and brake rotors also need to be replaced), EV owners should expect to have brake maintenance far less frequently.

EV fixes may require unique tools and equipment, electronics like sensors can be costly, and there are far fewer technicians specialized in EV repair right now. EVs have around $1,712 in repair costs over 5 years of ownership, higher than drivers looking at $1,695 in repair costs for gas-powered vehicles, according to Kelley Blue Book estimates.

EV tires have to handle the heavy battery weight and faster initial acceleration, and play a role in noise reduction. Higher EV tire wear could mean it’s more often that they need to be replaced.

It’s something for any driver to keep in mind (whether they have a gas-guzzling muscle car or a Tesla), but it’s of note that many automakers’ early EV products have been recalled, like the Subaru Solterra, Toyota BZ4X, BMW iX, and many more.

Automakers have to provide access to information on how to fix gas-powered cars to their dealer service centers, independent repair shops and the aftermarket. EVs can be diagnosed with a lot of telematics tech, but if only automakers and their franchised dealers have access to that information, that might limit your repair options.

Replacing aging headlights or worn-out suspension parts is standard for both types of vehicles. In fact, EV suspensions might actually wear out sooner, given the vehicle’s battery adds to its overall weight.