Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?

Electric vehicles ( EVs) are an increasingly popular option for motorists looking for a new car.

One question that often comes up for new car owners is, do EVs need servicing?

Although an EV typically requires less maintenance than a car with an internal combustion engine – be it powered by petrol or diesel – it does still require regular car servicing.

Importance of Regular EV Servicing

Although they are powered by a different energy source and do have some different components, an EV still shares many parts with petrol and diesel cars.

Such as car tyres, brakes, suspension, cooling systems, and steering.

All these require regular checks and maintenance to ensure your EV remains in optimal condition for as long as possible.

Regular servicing is crucial for maintaining the longevity, safety, and efficiency of electric vehicles

What’s Included in EV Servicing?

An EV is constructed around 3 main components:

• Electric motor
• On-board charger
• Invertor

So, there is less that can go wrong.

However, there are still a number of additional components throughout the vehicle that require regular checks.

Depending on the type of service you book, the items checked may change. It can also depend on the model of vehicle you own.

However, generally speaking, items included in an EV service* can include:

• Tyres
• Brake pads
• High-voltage cables
• Air-conditioning filters
• Battery coolant
• Charging cable and port
• Battery condition
• Steering components
• Drive shaft

* Please note: EV servicing may not include these checks. Always check the itinerary of any EV service that you book to understand exactly what components will be checked during the specific service that you have booked.

How Does EV Servicing Differ from Petrol or Diesel?

EV servicing is generally simpler and less frequent than servicing for petrol or diesel vehicles.

This is because electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and don’t require maintenance on items like engine oil, spark plugs, fuel filters, or exhaust systems, which are common in internal combustion engine vehicles.

How Often Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?

As touched upon before, electric cars generally require less frequent servicing than petrol or diesel vehicles.

You will find that the recommended frequency between servicing a vehicle may differ from model to model based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Here's a breakdown of how often servicing is typically required and what it includes:

• Routine Checks - Every 12 months or 10,000–15,000 miles (whichever comes first), depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Battery & Software Checks - Typically done during the annual service. Some manufacturers offer remote software updates.
• Brake System - Checked annually. EVs use regenerative braking, which reduces brake wear, but brake fluid still needs replacement every 2–3 years.
• Coolant for Battery/Thermal Management - Usually inspected every service and replaced every 4–5 years.
• Cabin Air Filter & Wipers - Replaced as needed, often every 1–2 years.

EV Servicing

One of the key advantages of electric vehicles is their low maintenance requirements. With far fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and reduced wear on components like brakes, EVs are designed for simplicity and longevity.

Most electric cars need servicing just once a year, focusing mainly on software updates, battery health checks, and basic safety inspections. Over time, this translates to lower running costs, fewer unexpected repairs, and a smoother ownership experience.

Whether you're already driving electric or considering the switch, it's reassuring to know that EV maintenance is straightforward, predictable, and generally more affordable than with traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.