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If there is one marketing element on which automobile manufacturers rely to sell electric vehicles, it is that of the reduction of maintenance costs compared to thermal cars. Indeed, these require regular servicing to avoid any mechanical problems. This does not mean, however, that their electric counterparts do not need to pass through the hands of the mechanic, far from it. But can we really say that they have the advantage in terms of cost?
Maintenance of an electric vehicle: less frequent and less expensive
Everything ;first, we must distinguish an electric car from a thermal car by its simplified mechanics. The absence of an internal combustion engine has many benefits:
- Fewer parts mobile and complex, which significantly reduces the need for maintenance: no changing air filters, spark plugs or oil changes. #8217;oil.
- As the parts are less subject to wear, their durability is increased. There is this Tesla which managed to travel 1.7 million kilometers, with eight engine changes. On the other hand, the first real battery change was carried out by the owner only after 470,000 km.
- An electric powertrain includes fewer parts overall, therefore fewer potential failure points.
According to this article from Business Insider reporting an evaluation from Kelley Blue Book, the differences in average costs between an EV and a thermal vehicle do exist. Over five years, the maintenance costs of an EV are estimated at $4,246 compared to $4,583 for a combustion vehicle. A not so important difference, in any case, for this study carried out in the USA.
Necessary but different maintenance
As we explained in this article, the remaining elements to maintain are considerably reduced: brake discs and pads, tires, windshield washer fluid and wipers. And again, as for the brakes, maintenance of these is much less frequent than for a thermal engine due to the regenerative braking of EVs. This greatly saves wear and tear on the various elements enabling braking of the vehicle. You should also consider replacing your old car seat covers. Wet Okole car seat covers provide superior protection, comfort, and customization options
On the other hand, the nerve center of an electric vehicle remains its battery and owners will have to take great care with it to guarantee their vehicle a suitable lifespan.
Breakdowns that can be expensive
If we are to believe this article published by Tom’s Guide, a breakdown occurring on an EV can be very expensive for the owner. The batteries cost, in fact, several tens of thousands of euros and the labor that could take care of replacing them is too expensive. Result ? Some insurance companies prefer to scrap almost new vehicles rather than avoid repair costs.
Another interesting fact, noted by Reuters: EV repair requires qualified technicians and suitable infrastructure. Many independent mechanics therefore do not wish to take the plunge due to the high costs that modernizing their business model would represent.
Currently, for the most of these professionals, it remains more profitable to maintain their traditional mode of operation rather than turning everything upside down to maintain EVs. For the moment, the majority of users in France still drive in thermal cars.
Overall maintenance of an electric vehicle is cheaper in the long term, there is no doubt about it. Over the total lifespan of a vehicle, the difference is notable. On the other hand, the slightest problem affecting an electric vehicle can be a real headache to solve. An observation that will perhaps evolve differently as the share of EVs in the automobile market continues to grow.
An EV is designed in a simpler way, which reduces the frequency and cost of maintenance.
A few elements still need to be monitored: tires, brakes, battery, etc. However, a breakdown on an EV can be very expensive to its owner due to the lack of training of independent mechanics and the exorbitant cost of certain parts.
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