As we evolve into an emission-friendly planet, it’s become apparent that driving an electric vehicle is part of all our futures. There are many environmental benefits to driving an EV, but there are financial ones too.

Although electric vehicles may cost more to purchase upfront, they are generally cheaper to maintain over the long term. With way fewer mechanical parts to maintain and the avoidance of high gas prices, owning an EV can save you money monthly, yearly, and beyond.

Fewer Parts…Less Cash

There are about two dozen extra mechanical components in a regular internal combustion vehicle compared to an EV, and all those parts require much more maintenance. An EV owner avoids tune-ups, oil changes, cooling system flushes, transmission servicing, air filter replacement, spark plug changes and drive belts. It is fair to say that EV owners spend about a third of what regular gas-powered car owners spend on standard service.

All this doesn’t mean that owning an EV is maintenance-free. All electric vehicles need periodic checks, and most new EVs require scheduled check-ups to maintain the warranty. Tire rotation, replacing the air filter and wiper blades and topping up washer fluids are standard, but a few minor mechanical things should be checked to ensure your EV runs efficiently.

A Typical EV Maintenance Schedule

Here is a basic electric maintenance schedule from Hyundai Canada to give you a good idea of what most EVs require.

12,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation

24,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
4-wheel brake service
Cabin & engine air filter

30,000 km
4-wheel alignment

36,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation

42,000 km
Brake fluid service

48,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
4-wheel brake service
Cabin & engine air filter

60,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
Reduction gear fluid service
Cooling system service
4-wheel alignment

72,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
4-wheel brake service
Cabin & engine air filter

84,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
Brake fluid service

90,000 km
4-wheel alignment

96,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
4-wheel brake service
Cabin & engine air filter

108,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation

120,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
4-wheel brake service
Cabin & engine air filter
4-wheel alignment
Cooling system service

126,000 km
Brake fluid service

132,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation

144,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
4-wheel brake service
Cabin & engine air filter

150,000 km
4-wheel alignment

156,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation

168,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
4-wheel brake service
Cabin & engine air filter
Brake fluid service

180,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
Reduction gear fluid service
Cooling system service
4-wheel alignment

192,000 km
Service EV
Tire rotation
4-wheel brake service
Cabin & engine air filter

The above is just an example of one automaker’s EV maintenance schedule and might slightly differ by vehicle or brand. Keep in mind that just because maintaining an EV is cheaper than a conventional vehicle, it doesn’t mean that it’s bulletproof. Tires, brakes, steering components, hoses and headlamps might need repair or replacement.

There’s also the battery to consider. All EV batteries degrade over time and lose the ability to provide the same range they did when they were new. This happens very gradually, mostly to older EVs that have batteries with less power to begin with. That said, very few electric vehicles manufactured to date have reportedly degraded to the point where the battery has had to be replaced. However, if you own an EV long enough, you will see its range decline and if it ever is a significant issue, replacing a battery is expensive.

At the end of the day, owning an EV is better for the environment, easier on the bank account and a choice you will never regret. If owning an EV is something you’ve been thinking about, check us out at EVsDirect.com. At EVsDirect.com, every single one of our used EVs goes through a rigorous 150-point inspection to ensure that the  EV you purchase is as close to perfect as possible. We’re so confident you will love your “new-to-you” electric ride that we back it up with a 10-day money-back guarantee. Browse our used electric vehicles from the comfort of your home at EVsDirect.com. Drive Clean, Drive Green. Your Electric Vehicle, Delivered.