Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on Australian roads. If you are considering making the switch, one of the biggest questions is maintenance — what changes, what stays the same, and will it actually save you money?
What EVs Do Not Need
Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts than petrol cars. That means you can say goodbye to:
- Oil changes — no engine oil, no oil filter
- Spark plugs — no combustion, no plugs
- Timing belts — electric motors do not need them
- Exhaust system repairs — no exhaust at all
- Transmission services — most EVs have a single-speed gearbox with no fluid changes
What EVs Still Need
Despite the simpler drivetrain, EVs still have plenty of components that need attention:
- Brake pads and rotors — though they last longer thanks to regenerative braking
- Tyres — EVs are heavier, so tyres may wear faster. Proper alignment matters even more
- Cabin air filters — same as any car
- Coolant — EVs have thermal management systems for the battery that use coolant
- Suspension — same wear components as petrol cars
- Windscreen wipers — still rains on EVs
- 12V battery — EVs still have a small 12V battery for accessories
The Big Ticket: Battery Health
The high-voltage battery is the most expensive component. Most manufacturers warrant them for 8 years or 160,000 km. Degradation is normal but slow — most EV batteries retain 80%+ capacity after 200,000 km with proper care.
Cost Comparison
On average, EV maintenance costs around 30-40% less than an equivalent petrol car over the same period. The savings come mainly from no oil changes and longer-lasting brakes. However, when something does go wrong (battery or motor issues), the repair costs can be significantly higher.
Can Any Mechanic Service an EV?
Working on the high-voltage system requires specialist training and equipment. However, many maintenance items (brakes, tyres, suspension, wipers) can be handled by any qualified mechanic.
Whether you drive electric or petrol, Heatherdale Automotive is here to help keep your car in top condition.