As the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, the Maintenance and servicing requirements for these vehicles are becoming an important consideration. Compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. However, this lack of service requirements could pose a challenge for manufacturers who rely on ongoing service and maintenance costs as a revenue stream.
Tesla, for example, suggests that Model 3 owners replace the cabin air filter and HEPA filter every three years, check brake fluid every two years, and clean and lubricate the brake calipers every year or 12,500 miles, but only if local roads are salted during winter. This minimal maintenance schedule is one of the reasons why EVs are desirable for drivers. However, manufacturers are now looking for alternative revenue streams to make up for the loss in regular maintenance revenue.
BMW and Tesla, among others, have started offering subscription packages for add-ons as a way to generate additional revenue. For example, BMW has introduced a controversial plan to install heated seats as standard but require drivers to pay a monthly fee to activate them. This shift towards subscription services is driven by the manufacturers’ need to find new sources of revenue as the traditional maintenance revenue declines.
In terms of motor and Battery pack maintenance, EVs require very little maintenance compared to ICE drivetrains. Otmar Scharrer, head of engineering of electrified powertrain technology at ZF, explains that while ICE engines require regular checks and oil changes, electric drivetrains are virtually maintenance-free over their entire service life. However, depending on the design and usage of the electric drivetrain, there may be a need to check the oil level in the reduction gearbox or the oil cooling system after many years of operation.
Another advantage of EVs is their Battery Warranties, which often exceed the warranties for the cars themselves. However, as the first wave of EV battery warranties starts expiring this year, there is an opportunity for independent EV specialists to fill the gap in battery maintenance and servicing. This is particularly relevant for early Tesla Model S cars, as their battery warranties are coming to an end, creating a demand for aftermarket battery maintenance services.
Cleevely, an independent EV specialist, highlights that EVs are generally very reliable. However, there have been occasional electronic problems, such as faulty chargers or inverters, which can be expensive to fix. Nonetheless, these issues are not common, and affordable solutions are being developed by the aftermarket.
One challenge faced by independent garages is the use of coded parts by manufacturers. If these coded parts fail, they cannot be replaced with off-the-shelf replacements as the car’s computer rejects them. This coding issue can be overcome, but it requires conversations with electronic control unit manufacturers, trial and error with replacement parts, and reverse-engineering.
When it comes to brakes, EVs use them less frequently than ICE cars due to regenerative braking. This system allows the motors to slow the car down and feed kinetic energy back into the battery, reducing the reliance on traditional braking systems. In many EVs, this encourages drivers to adopt the one-pedal driving technique, where the car can be brought to a standstill without using the brake pedal.
In summary, EVs require less maintenance compared to ICE cars due to their simpler drivetrains and regenerative braking systems. While this is beneficial for drivers, it poses challenges for manufacturers who rely on ongoing service and maintenance revenue. As EV battery warranties start expiring, there is an opportunity for independent EV specialists to fill the gap in battery maintenance and servicing. However, there are still some technical challenges to overcome, such as the use of coded parts by manufacturers. Overall, EVs are generally reliable, and the aftermarket is finding affordable solutions to occasional electronic faults.
