Essential Maintenance for Your Electric Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide
Owning an electric vehicle (EV) is fantastic! However, driving engine-free doesn't exempt you from regular vehicle maintenance. Just like internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs require consistent servicing to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Understanding EV Maintenance
We spoke with Pete at our compliance centre in Auckland to get insights into what an EV service entails.
Cooling Systems: Protecting Your Battery
The high voltage battery is arguably the most crucial component of your EV, and its biggest enemy is excessive heat, which can reduce both battery range and lifespan. Pete highlights the importance of battery cooling systems:
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Air Cooling Systems: Some EVs have fans that draw in air to maintain the battery's optimal operating temperature. These systems often include an air filter to remove dust and dirt, which helps keep the fan and battery clean. However, many EV owners are unaware of their vehicle's battery cooling fan and filter, leading to neglected maintenance.
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Liquid Cooling Systems: Modern EVs typically use liquid cooling to manage battery temperature. The coolant in these systems needs regular checks and replacements to function correctly.
Similar to EVs, most modern hybrid vehicles also have cooling fan filters. According to Pete, 85% of the filters they see on hybrid vehicles are dirty, which can cause battery failure.
Brake Fluid: Ensuring Safety
Your EV's brake fluid must be checked regularly. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can lead to corrosion within the braking system if not monitored. The good news is that EVs use regenerative braking, reducing the wear on traditional brake friction materials. Regenerative braking involves electric motors slowing the vehicle when the accelerator pedal is released, simultaneously generating electricity for the battery.
However, Pete explains that regenerative brakes only work on wheels connected to an electromotor. Depending on your EV model, this could be the front, rear, or all four wheels. Regular brake inspections are still necessary, as they will eventually need replacement.
Steering and Suspension: Maintaining Stability
EVs share the same steering and suspension systems as petrol or diesel cars. During an EV service, these systems are thoroughly checked to ensure everything is in good working order, keeping you safe on the road.
Gear Mechanisms: The Good Oil
While EVs don't have traditional gears, they have a gear mechanism connecting the electric motor to the wheels. This reduction drive mechanism requires oil, which needs regular checks and occasional replacement. Like any ICE vehicle, these gear drives can develop leaks and require repairs and fluid top-ups. Ignoring this can lead to costly repairs.
Using the correct grade of oil is vital for the EV reduction drive. The electric motor's high torque exerts significant pressure on the gears, much more than an average ICE vehicle. This high torque is why EVs can accelerate quickly, but it also means the gear mechanism must be well-maintained with good oil.
Cabin Air Quality: Breathing Easy
The air conditioning cabin filters in your EV function similarly to those in any other vehicle. A dirty cabin filter can reduce air quality and flow, strain the interior fan, and shorten the fan motor's lifespan. Regularly changing your aircon cabin filters helps prevent breathing in harmful fungus, which can build up inside the system and negatively impact air quality and health.
Software Updates
EVs rely heavily on software for vehicle operation. Regular updates can improve vehicle performance, battery management, and even add new features.
Electric vs ICE Servicing
As you probably expected, there are several key differences between electric and non-electric car servicing.
Pete has outlined what he believes to be the key differences:
| Factor | Electric Car Servicing | Non-Electric Car Servicing |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Complexity | Lower complexity with fewer moving parts. Focus on electric motors and batteries. | Higher complexity with intricate engines, transmissions, and exhaust systems. |
| Servicing Frequency | Less frequent due to fewer mechanical parts and no oil changes. | More frequent servicing for oil changes, spark plug replacements, etc. |
| Maintenance Focus | Concentrated on battery health, software updates, and electric drivetrain components. | Focuses on engine and transmission maintenance, including fluid and filter changes. |
| Servicing Costs | Generally lower over the vehicle’s lifetime. Battery replacement can be costly but is infrequent. | Higher due to regular engine maintenance and part replacements. |
| Diagnostic and Software Updates | Relies on software for performance, and benefits from periodic updates often delivered remotely. | Less reliance on software updates; maintenance is more mechanically oriented. |
| Environmental Impact | Offers a cleaner alternative with reduced need for consumables like engine oils and filters. | Servicing involves disposing of oils and filters, contributing to environmental pollution. |
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your EV running smoothly and efficiently. From cooling systems and brake fluid to gear mechanisms and air quality, each component plays a crucial role in your vehicle's overall performance. Stay proactive with your EV servicing to enjoy a safe and enjoyable driving experience.