Maintenance for Electric Cars vs Petrol Cars
Electric cars have become a popular choice among Australians in recent years. With more affordable and energy-efficient models available in the market, more drivers are making the switch from petrol to electric.
When it comes to performance, a lot of electric cars are going head-to-head with their petrol counterparts. But how do these electric cars compare when it comes to maintenance? In this article, we detail how electric car maintenance compares to petrol cars.
Do electric cars need servicing?
Yes, electric cars do still need to be serviced by professionals. Even though these vehicles don’t require oil changes or spark plug, belt, or engine inspections, electric vehicles still need a routine check-up.
Electric vehicle maintenance includes inspecting the tyres, suspension, braking system, coolant, steering components, and windshield washer fluid, among other components. Batteries for electric cars typically last between 10 and 20 years, so electric vehicle owners don’t have to worry about replacing them often.
There are special electric vehicle-specific components, such as electric motors and high-voltage battery packs, that need to be checked, as well. The type of maintenance needed by electric cars also depends on the make, model, and manufacturer.
How often do you need to service electric cars vs petrol cars?
Usually, electric vehicles need to be taken to service annually or every 15,000 kilometres. The annual service includes a routine inspection of all the components. Some makes and models may require more, depending on manufacturer recommendations.
For petrol cars, it is recommended that they be taken to service every six to twelve months or every 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. This could be almost double the recommended service checks compared to electric vehicles. As your petrol car gets older, it may be better to service it every 5,000 kilometres or every four to six months.
Unlike their petrol counterparts, electric vehicles don’t need regular oil changes or engine maintenance. For electric car owners, this means less time in the auto shops to have their cars fixed or serviced. Plus, electric cars can travel more kilometres without having to go for maintenance so there’s more freedom to go farther.
Are electric cars cheaper to service than petrol cars?
The average cost per service for both electric and petrol cars is typically around $200 to $400, depending on the service centre. However, it’s generally cheaper to service electric cars because they have longer service intervals.
If you follow the recommended bi-annual service for a petrol car, that’s already double the maintenance cost compared to an electric vehicle. Repairs for petrol cars may also be more expensive because of the labour costs and materials required.
In a petrol car, a lot is going on under the bonnet. Mechanics have to look at important parts like the engine, chains, pipes, attendant belts, and the like. Since electric vehicles don’t have as many components, they’re usually quicker to service, which may save on service costs, as well.
Overall, electric cars are generally cheaper to service compared to petrol vehicles. But there are instances when the savings aren’t as significant as you’d expect. Service costs vary depending on the kind of make and model of the electric car.
Difference between servicing: Electric vs Petrol
Here’s a quick overview of the main differences between electric cars and petrol cars:
| Electric cars | Petrol cars | |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Electric cars are recommended to be taken to service at lesat once every year—or once every 15,000 kilometres. | Petrol cars are recommended to be serviced at least twice a year or every 10,000 kilometres. |
| Maintenance | Electric vehicles require less work when it comes to maintenance because it doesn’t have the same amount of components as a petrol car. | Petrol vehicles need more maintenance, such as oil changes, engine repairs, and upgrades for any mechanical issues. |
| Costs | Electric cars generally cost more to buy compared to petrol cars. However, maintenance and running costs are usually significantly lower. | Petrol cars are less expensive compared to electric vehicles. The running and maintenance costs are typically higher in comparison to electric cars. |
| Battery or engine | Electric car batteries last around 10 to 20 years, depending on the type of battery. | Engines can last for around 10-20 years or 300,000 kilometres. |
| Longevity | Electric cars may require fewer repairs or replacements over time because there’s less mechanical wear and tear. | Petrol cars have more mechanical components, which means more areas for wear and tear. |
Do electric cars cost more than petrol cars?
For a lot of car buyers, the choice between electric cars and petrol cars comes down to cost. Regardless of the many merits of electric and petrol cars, if it’s out of the budget, then it’s not a good fit.
When it comes to upfront costs, electric cars are usually more expensive. Although sale prices aren’t as high when electric cars were first introduced, they’re often still costlier by around $10,000 to $20,000 or more than petrol cars.
As a starting point, small electric vehicles are priced at around $30,000 while petrol variants come at a minimum of $15,000. In some cases, an electric version of a particular model can be considerably more expensive than the petrol-powered variant.
Another thing to consider is depreciation. This is the single biggest cost of owning a car, as the moment you leave the dealership with your new wheels, they decline in value. The used car market has boomed in recent years; however, determining the resale value of an electric car against a petrol car is not as straightforward as it seems.
Resale value is generally on par with, if not less than, petrol vehicles, meaning one does not currently provide greater resale value over the other. The average resale value of these older electric vehicles is considered to be less than 40% of their original value. In comparison, petrol vehicles currently have a greater resale value of 50-60% of their original value.
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