Electric Vehicle Maintenance: What Owners Need to Know

EVs require less maintenance work because they don’t have internal combustion engines and have less moving parts. Still, performing regular maintenance work on an EV is necessary to ensure safe, smooth, and longer rides.

Electric vehicle maintenance involves many of the usual tasks, such as checking the tires and topping up fluids. On top of that, it also requires paying attention to the battery and regenerative braking systems. These are unique systems that aren’t found in traditional vehicles, and new EV owners may not be aware of them yet.

If you’re such an individual, consider using this guide to stay on top of essential EV maintenance tasks to keep your vehicle in optimal condition.

Find a Qualified Installer for Your Charger

Before arranging for an EV home charging point installation, make sure to find a reliable service provider who can do the installation. Certified and licensed service providers bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the task, guaranteeing that the installation is carried out according to the highest safety standards and local regulations.

Professional installers can conduct a thorough site assessment to determine the optimal placement for the charger, ensuring both convenience and compliance with electrical codes. This expertise minimises the risk of potential hazards, such as electrical faults or improper grounding, which could otherwise pose significant safety risks.

Alternatively, you can always do a quick search online to find a local EV charger installer near you with a good track record. They can help you with the proper EV charger installation that works best with your vehicle.

Avoid Frequent Deep Discharges

While many EV manufacturers offer eight-year or 100,000-mile warranties for their EV batteries, maintaining their health is crucial. One way you can do this is by avoiding frequent deep discharges.

Deep discharges happen when the capacity of a battery has been completely depleted. Batteries typically have a set voltage cut-off point at which they cease to function, which causes around 1.5 to 2 times as much electric discharge as the battery can support. This discharged state increases the battery’s internal resistance and makes subsequent charging more difficult.

Typically, the lithium-ion batteries used in EVs don't suffer from the memory effect like older battery technologies. However, frequent deep discharges can contribute to accelerated degradation. Instead, aim to keep your battery within a moderate state of charge range, typically between 20% and 80%, to minimise stress on the battery cells.

Avoid Extended Periods of High State of Charge

Prolonged exposure to high states of charge can also be unhealthy for EV batteries. While it's essential to keep your battery topped up for daily driving needs, charging to 100% capacity and leaving the vehicle plugged in for extended periods can also contribute to battery degradation, similar to the previous point. Whenever possible, aim to charge your EV to around 80% capacity for regular use and reserve charging to 100% for when you anticipate needing the full range for a longer trip.

Charging Port Maintenance

Aside from the EV battery, you also need to take care of your home charging port. This is to ensure safe and reliable charging for your EV. After the EV charging point installation in your home is complete, make it a habit to inspect cables, connectors, and electrical connections for any signs of damage or wear. Look for frayed cables, loose connections, or signs of corrosion and replace any necessary components should you find any issues.

Also, keep the charging station and connectors clean and free of debris. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt, dust, or other contaminants that may interfere with proper charging.

Check the Brake System

EVs utilise regenerative braking, which harnesses energy from braking to recharge the battery. Similar to traditional braking systems, an EV’s brake pads can wear down over time. As such, it's essential to perform regular brake checks and maintenance to stay safe on the road. Remember to inspect the brake pads and discs periodically and look for any signs of wear.

Additionally, check brake fluid levels regularly. Replace it according to the manufacturer's recommended intervals to maintain your EV’s brake system performance.

Monitor Tire Pressure

Proper tire maintenance is essential for both safety and efficiency, so make sure to regularly check tire pressure. Consider utilising tire pressure monitoring systems that commonly come with many EVs, as it can alert you to any deviations from the recommended tire pressure. When inflating your tires, do so according to the manufacturer's specifications for optimal efficiency and safety.

In addition to monitoring the tire pressure, rotate the tires at regular intervals. This is typically every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. It helps ensure even wear and prolongs tire life. You can consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific rotation patterns recommended by the manufacturer.

Regularly Do Fluid Checks and Top-Ups

While EVs have fewer fluids than traditional vehicles, it's still important to include this as part of your maintenance checks. Particularly, check and top up the coolant and windshield washer fluid regularly. That’s because EVs still rely on coolant to regulate temperatures in components such as the battery and motor. Ensure you maintain optimum coolant levels to prevent overheating.

In the case of windshield washer fluid, regularly topping it maintains proper visibility. Choose the appropriate fluid formulation, especially during winter. This prevents the fluid from freezing in cold weather.

Owning an electric vehicle is almost the same as owning a conventional vehicle in terms of maintenance. You need to regularly maintain it to ensure the vehicle remains in optimal condition. Consider following the tips mentioned here, and you’ll continue to enjoy owning and driving an EV for a long time.