Do EVs Require Maintenance?
Written by Larry Thompson
The short answer
Like all cars and trucks on the road today, BEVs require periodic windshield wiper replacements, tire rotations, inspection of the brakes, and replacement of brake fluid.
However, BEV’s do not have gasoline or diesel engines, transmissions, and exhaust and emission systems and therefore do not require many of the scheduled maintenance items which are required internal combustion engine cars. Due to the regenerative braking, the brake pads will last much longer on a BEV.
PHEV’s have internal combustion engines and battery systems, therefore, require many of the same maintenance items associated with internal combustion engines. There is considerable variation across PHEVs and that will affect the necessary maintenance accordingly.
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Using Tesla as an example BEV’s will require some maintenance as follows:
Tire rotations
Windshield wiper replacement
Inspection/replacement of the battery coolant
Inspection/replacement of the brake fluid
Internal combustion cars and trucks require the following maintenance items:
Tire rotations
Windshield wiper replacement
Inspection/replacement of the battery coolant
Inspection/replacement of the brake fluid
Engine oil/filter changes
Replace air filters and spark plugs
Exhaust system inspection
Comprehensive service check-up
Emissions check (usually required by State Agencies*)
*In 2020, Connecticut requires an emissions check every two years for cars manufactured between 1996 and 2016.