How Is Electric Vehicle Maintenance Different To Conventional Vehicle Maintenance?
At this stage electric vehicles appear to be the future of transport, and it’s easy to see why. Along with slick looks and whisper quiet motors, these vehicles conveniently allow for massively decreased service costs, contain moving parts (which means less problems) and they don’t require you to constantly fill up at the petrol station so there’s no more need to wait for cheap fuel day! These are all enticing factors, of course, but there are other considerations that need to be mad when comparing electric cars to conventional vehicles. In this article, we take a look at what goes into the maintenance of electric vehicles to give you a better idea if they’re the right option for you.
How is servicing and maintenance different for electric vehicles?
If you’re tired of the long waits to get a car service in Sydney, an electric vehicle might be a better option for you. While they won’t negate the need to get a service entirely, because electric vehicles contain fewer moving parts than traditional combustion vehicles, electric vehicles are for the most part cheaper to service in the long run. Electric vehicles do away with emission checks, fuel filters, oil changes and spark plugs, all things that combustion-powered cars rely on. It’s not all good, though – the efficiency of batteries in electric vehicles can decline over time, and although EV batteries are designed to last significantly longer than conventional vehicle batteries, they won’t last forever. Batteries can range in price, but they can range from a few thousand to over ten thousand, depending on the model.
A few considerations that might have slipped your mind
Although the service costs are more affordable overall, this shouldn’t necessarily indicate that electric vehicles can’t cost you in the long-run. The battery needs of electric vehicles will inevitably require you to have the infrastructure in your home to recharge whenever you need to, and this is not going to be cheap a lot of the time. A charging system with adequate enough power delivery can cost several thousand dollars and the electricity itself should also be factored into your budget. For this reason, installing a solar system in your home can be a fantastic idea and while it’ll save you in the long run, it’ll be another cost you have to consider. For the moment, the resale value of electric cars isn’t fantastic either, as people are still unsure about second-hand electric vehicles for the most part. If you’re treating your car as a long-term investment it shouldn’t matter, though.
Is an electric car for you?
Electric cars are a great option for those who are looking for a no-fuss transportation option. With an electric car you don’t have to get your vehicle serviced regularly and worry about individual parts failing, which can be especially good for someone without the time to drop their car off to the mechanic regularly. It can also mean better peace of mind, as these cars requiring fewer fluids to run (such as oil and transmission fluid) and having fewer moving parts means less things can go wrong overall. The only concern is the upfront cost and battery issues, but if these are things you’re willing to embrace, then perhaps an electric car would make for an excellent option for your next vehicle.