Consumer Reports reports that electric vehicles (EVs) are much more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts, yet still need regular upkeep. According to Consumer Reports, EVs cost half as much to maintain as comparable gas-powered models.
Good news is that most electric car models feature an Over-the-Air (OTA) update program for making changes to your vehicle’s software and firmware. It works similarly to when you update your smartphone with new software.
Battery
Battery maintenance is an integral part of any electric vehicle’s care plan. Most EVs come with a battery pack that typically lasts 12 years or longer, depending on the model and how often it’s used.
The battery is a sophisticated system that stores chemical energy. Common types include solid-state batteries (SSD) and lithium-ion batteries. With either type, cells are connected in series or parallel to an electrolyte made up of water or other organic solvents.
A battery’s capacity to store energy depends on its voltage. A higher voltage allows the battery to charge faster and provide more power over time, while lower voltages slow down its recharge rate.
Voltage is determined by how much current flows through a battery’s electrodes (cathode and anode), as well as what materials are used. It also reflects the different reactions that take place at each electrode. When one reaction occurs too rapidly or weakly, this electron tug-of-war becomes unmanageable and eventually leads to loss of power for the battery.
Modern batteries are often built to last. They’re typically capable of withstanding high temperatures and keeping a full charge for extended periods before showing signs of degradation. Usually, this takes place slowly over several years, with small percentage points lost in capacity over that time.
Most electric car manufacturers provide extended warranties for their batteries. Nissan and Tesla both provide coverage of up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, while Hyundai’s EV of the Year, the Ioniq 5, has a 10-year or 100,000 mile battery warranty which also covers degradation in performance.
When it comes to fixing an electric vehicle’s battery, most experts agree that the best approach is bringing it in for professional service. A service center can accurately diagnose the cause of the issue and work to fix it without further damaging the battery.
The battery is an essential element of an electric vehicle (EV), as it stores and transforms chemical energy that powers your car’s motor. As its primary source of electricity, maintaining it properly is paramount to its performance.
Tires
Electric vehicles tend to carry more weight than their conventional ICE counterparts due to the size and mass of their batteries. An example is the Ford F-150 Lightning, which weighs 1,600 pounds more than its gas-powered counterpart.
Due to their additional weight, electric vehicle tires require special designs in order to accommodate the increased pressure. EV tires typically feature high load indexes, aerodynamic sidewalls, low rolling resistance and sound deadening for quiet driving.
They must also provide the traction an electric car requires for instant torque delivery when accelerating. Tires with better grip may help reduce traction loss, but they may also wear out faster in cold, dry or icy conditions.
Thankfully, tire manufacturers are working to develop safer and more sustainable tires for electric vehicles (EVs). By focusing on lower rolling resistance, they aim to extend battery life, enhance fuel efficiency and contribute overall sustainability.
Additionally, electric vehicle tires (EV tires) are specially designed for a certain temperature range and can even be tailored for winter conditions if necessary. These features improve traction, handling and braking performance as well as helping prevent skidding or aquaplaning when weather turns cold or wet.
As with any type of vehicle, it’s essential to visually inspect your tires and measure their tread depth regularly. Doing this will keep you aware of any issues that could occur with your EV’s tires, and give you time to plan ahead for replacement as needed.
Rotating your tires is a wise idea to help distribute wear and tear more evenly across all of them. This is especially important with electric vehicles (EVs) since their heavier weight and higher wear rates may cause uneven wear that could require replacement before their time.
Tires are the only part of an electric vehicle (EV) that physically connects it to the road, so they’re essential for providing a secure, dependable and efficient journey every day. In addition to rotating your EV’s tires regularly as recommended by the manufacturer, you should visually inspect them every few months or as often as needed and check their air pressure on a monthly basis for best performance.
Air Filter
Owning an electric vehicle has many advantages, such as using electricity rather than fuel for their motors. Furthermore, they are classified as zero-emission vehicles meaning they produce no harmful emissions. It’s essential to remember though that just like any other car, your EV requires maintenance just like any other.
An air filter, for instance, is a component that keeps dust, debris and pollutants out of your cabin while driving. At some point it will need replacing; automakers recommend doing so every three to four years to keep your car healthy and safe.
Fortunately, you have several options to choose from. You can find a filter tailored specifically to your model at local retailers like AutoZone or take your car into a dealership where they will change the filter for you.
Audi is teaming up with MANN + HUMMEL to develop an electric vehicle (EV) air filter that can capture and collect particulate matter during driving or charging. The system works by passively capturing airflow from the engine or radiator and transporting it through the filter.
The filter works similarly to a vacuum cleaner, sucking up dust particles while air passes through it. This is beneficial for improving air quality and decreasing smog that enters an electric vehicle’s cabin.
Another advantage of an air filter is that it’s easily replaceable by your mechanic, making it a convenient choice for routine maintenance on your electric vehicle. Furthermore, it helps prevent dust accumulation and other particles that could clog ducts or harm the HVAC system.
Additionally, your air filter might need replacing more often if you drive in areas with poor air quality, like the desert or places with lots of pollution. This is because these filters tend to trap more dust and pollutants than in other climates.
Oil Change
Traditional gasoline engines use oil to lubricate pistons, valves and other moving parts so they stay greased and functioning as they burn fuel. Electric cars do not need these components so don’t require frequent oil changes either.
Other fluids that need changing in electric vehicles (EVs), include transmission fluid and brake fluid. Furthermore, a coolant is necessary to help regulate the temperature of the battery system.
Although electric vehicles (EVs) don’t need regular oil changes, they should still be checked for fluid levels and changed when necessary. Depending on how often the owner drives, this may need to be done every few months or once a year depending on driving habits.
Other maintenance tasks include tire inspection, cabin air filter replacement and windshield wiper blade replacement – most of these items can be done at a dealership for an affordable fee.
When you need an oil change for your electric vehicle, contact Lindsay Volkswagen of Dulles service department and we’ll be more than happy to get you taken care of!
Regular oil changes not only promote better gas mileage, but they also extend your engine’s life expectancy. This translates to less money spent on repairs in the long run.
According to IBISWorld, the US oil change services industry is expected to reach $7.9bn in 2020, an increase of 2.4% from 2015. Since 2015, this sector has seen steady growth with the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles; providing businesses with a brighter outlook than what exists currently.
When shopping for an electric vehicle, be sure to read the maintenance requirements listed in your owner’s manual. Many EV manufacturers require owners to adhere to a maintenance schedule in order to protect their warranties.
Most electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers recommend replacing brake pads and fluid regularly, since regenerative braking helps to reduce wear on those parts. Windshield washer fluid should also be refilled as necessary, along with steering fluid and other liquids used throughout your EV’s various systems. Finally, you should replace your cabin filter at least twice a year depending on what kind of environment you drive in.