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How much does an electric car service cost?

30 Dec, 2023 Auto Electrician Written by ServiceTasker Team 271 Views Last Updated 23 Feb, 2024
Electric cars, while a bit pricier upfront, end up being kinder to your wallet in the long run, especially when it comes to maintenance. Forget about shelling out big bucks for petrol – with an electric vehicle (EV), you can save a bundle on servicing costs. Why? You can check this” How much does an electric car service cost” guide. Well, it turns out that EVs are the budget-friendly champs when it comes to keeping them in tip-top shape. You might wonder if electric cars even need servicing, given all their fancy tech. Surprise – they do! But here's the cool part: maintaining an EV is generally $300 to $400 cheaper than your regular gas guzzler. Imagine this: for an annual checkup, the cost hovers between $200 and $400, depending on your car's make and model.
How much does an electric car service cost?

The real savings kick in because EVs lack a traditional internal combustion engine with numerous moving parts. This translates to reduced maintenance hassles and more money staying in your pocket. Forget about fretting over fuel filter changes, oil checks, or fluid replacements – electric cars eliminate these concerns. A study among Australian Tesla owners by the Electric Vehicle Council revealed that 41% of respondents estimated saving more than $1,000 annually on maintenance, with 7% pocketing over $2,000 in savings. So, while EVs may demand a bit more for certain high-tech components, the simplicity of their design and the absence of traditional engine complexities make electric cars not just eco-friendly but also wallet-friendly in the maintenance department. Don't worry about "How much does an electric car service cost"? Transitioning to an electric vehicle not only helps in the pursuit of a cleaner energy future but also ensures significant savings in the long haul.



The Basics of Car Maintenance vs. Service


Car maintenance involves regular, scheduled tasks to keep your vehicle in good shape, such as routine oil changes. It's the plan to maintain your car in top condition. On the flip side, car service is when you address specific issues outside your regular schedule, fixing unexpected problems. People often use "maintenance" and "service" interchangeably, but there's a slight difference. Maintenance follows a set schedule, ensuring your car runs smoothly. Service is the extra attention your car needs for unexpected hiccups, keeping it running without surprises. In short, maintenance is like a routine checkup, while service is the cure for unforeseen issues.



How much does an electric car service cost?


If you're diving into the world of electric vehicles (EVs), understanding service costs is key. Here's a snapshot of annual service expenses for various EV models:





  • Audi e-tron: Free for 6 years, $850 every 2 years afterwards.



  • BMW iX: $380



  • BMW iX3: $300



  • BMW i4: $310



  • BYD Atto 3: $299



  • Hyundai Ioniq 5: $337



  • Hyundai Kona: $289



  • Jaguar I-Pace: Free for 5 years



  • Kia EV6: $226



  • Kia Niro: $400



  • Mazda MX-30: $255



  • Mercedes-Benz EQS: $687



  • MG ZS EV: $223



  • Mini Cooper Electric: $235



  • Nissan Leaf: $307



  • Volvo XC40: Free for 3 years




Explore this quick guide to plan your EV's maintenance and keep those wheels turning smoothly.



Why Maintaining Electric Vehicles (EVs) Is a Budget-Friendly Drive?


The secret behind the remarkably lower service costs of electric vehicles (EVs) lies in their streamlined design. Traditional cars, powered by internal combustion engines (ICE), require various components like oil filters, fuel filters, and air filters, contributing to significant maintenance expenses. Thomas Wacker, Kia Australia's general manager of service, highlights the costliness of these components, especially the oil, which can be expensive per litre.



EVs, in contrast, simplify the maintenance game by eliminating complex engine parts, belts, chains, and pipes. Without the need for oil changes and intricate filters, the workload for technicians decreases substantially, reducing both material and labour costs. Kia, showcasing a range from naturally aspirated petrol to pure EVs, serves as a striking example of the maintenance cost divergence.



To illustrate, let's compare the costs over seven years and 105,000 kilometres for the Kia Niro Hybrid and EV with the Seltos compact SUV, a conventional ICE model in Kia's lineup. The comparison reflects the 12-month/15,000km service intervals for both Niros and the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Seltos. Notably, the difference in service intervals becomes even more pronounced when considering the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol Seltos, with shorter service intervals and potentially higher costs over time.



The cost-effectiveness of maintaining EVs stems from their simpler mechanics and reduced need for extensive labour hours. As the automotive landscape shifts toward electric mobility, the financial benefits of choosing an EV extend beyond the environmental perks, making it a smart and economical choice in the long run. So how much does an electric car service costs is not of much concern.



What exactly needs maintenance in an EV?




Without an internal combustion engine, the checklist narrows down to essential components:



  • Tire rotation

  • Brake pad change

  • Cabin air filter replacement

  • Cooling system flushes

  • Transmission fluid replacement

  • Windshield wiper replacement




What's off the worry list for EV owners? A substantial list, indeed:



  • Tune-ups

  • Engine oil change

  • Fuel filter change

  • Coolant change

  • Spark plug replacement

  • Drive belt replacement

  • Transmission fluid replacement



The absence of these traditional ICE components translates into significant long-term savings for EV owners. In a nutshell, choosing an EV not only contributes to a greener planet but also ensures a lighter load on your wallet when it comes to maintenance. We provide comprehensive cost guides on loft conversion costs, and wedding cake costs, aiding you in making informed decisions regarding your projects and expenses.




Some Factors That Influence How Much an Electric Car Service Cost


When it comes to electric vehicle (EV) servicing costs, several factors play a crucial role:














Vehicle Make and Model





Just like traditional gas-powered cars, the make and model of an EV impacts maintenance expenses. Luxury EVs from brands like Porsche and Audi may incur higher servicing costs compared to smaller, consumer-friendly models.





















Investment in New Technology





EVs represent a newer technology compared to conventional internal combustion engine cars. Unfortunately, this novelty contributes to overall service costs. Repair shops must invest in specialised facilities, and mechanics need additional training to handle the advanced technology present in EVs.





















Expensive Electronic Components





Electric vehicles come packed with sensors, driver assistance systems, and other advanced technologies that tend to be pricier to replace when broken. Repairing these sophisticated components can significantly raise EV servicing costs.





















Vehicle Battery





The battery stands out as one of the most critical components of an electric car. The cost of a new battery can range from $2,000 to $12,000. Thankfully, manufacturers often provide warranties ranging from eight to 10 years or up to 160,000 kilometres, offering reassurance to EV owners.












*Do not take the given prices and costs as actual prices for your services. These are subject to change based on local market rates for various things like labour and material.

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