Comprehensive guide to electric car maintenance and tips

Planning the maintenance of an electric car is straightforward. Contrary to popular belief, it requires less upkeep than a thermal vehicle, with often lower costs and far fewer surprises. In this article, we explain why and how often you should check certain elements, what you can do yourself, and what is best left to professionals for diagnosis. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to drive with peace of mind in your electric vehicle.

Simplified mechanics for reduced maintenance

One of the major advantages of electric vehicles is their much simpler mechanical architecture compared to thermal engines. There is no timing belt, clutch, or oil change to schedule. The systems are less complex, which directly impacts wear and tear. For example, brakes last longer thanks to energy recovery during braking: the car slows down largely without using the brake pads, extending their lifespan.

Another benefit is fewer moving parts, which means less friction and, most importantly, fewer risks of breakdowns due to wear. An electric car thus saves you from many regular interventions while significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs associated with engine oil and other concerns specific to hybrid or thermal cars. With an electric vehicle, you mainly need to worry about the battery, its autonomy, and its maintenance.

The often overlooked: the 12V auxiliary battery

This small component plays a crucial role. In addition to its main battery that powers the engine, an electric car also has a 12-volt auxiliary battery. It resembles the one found in a thermal vehicle and is responsible for powering all so-called "accessory" systems: lights, windshield wipers, central locking, dashboard, alarm, connectivity, etc. Most importantly, it activates the electronic components for starting. If it's flat, you won't be able to start the car, even with a full main battery.

This battery can discharge silently, especially if you leave your car unused for a long time or in very low temperatures. It is therefore recommended to drive regularly or leave your vehicle plugged in if you are away for several days. During check-ups, professionals usually check the general condition and operation of this battery, but there's nothing stopping you from equipping yourself with a small 12V booster to be prepared for any eventuality.

Did you know?

Some brands are starting to replace the 12V lead battery with a lithium-ion version, which is lighter, more durable, and less prone to unexpected discharges. This is good news for reliability.

Good daily habits for maintaining your electric vehicle

Even though maintenance is generally simplified, a few simple actions can extend the life of your electric vehicle. It is recommended, for example, not to systematically charge your battery to 100%, but rather to favor cycles between 20% and 80%, which limits the premature aging of components. Also, try to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures (heatwaves or severe cold), which can alter the operation of the main battery and its recharge.

As with any vehicle, it's important to keep an eye on certain elements: tire wear, brake condition, suspension, and various fluids such as windshield washer fluid, coolant, or battery fluid. These checks can be done quickly during scheduled maintenance, which is recommended every 30,000 kilometers, or about every 1 to 2 years depending on your driving habits.

Good to know

Today, more and more garages are approved for the maintenance of electric vehicles, even outside manufacturer networks. Some brands even offer home maintenance services, which can be particularly convenient if you lack time or live far from a service center.

Reduced budget for your car maintenance

Financially, the average annual maintenance cost of an electric vehicle ranges between 300 and 500 euros. This is a significant saving compared to an equivalent thermal vehicle, whose maintenance budget can easily reach 600 to 900 euros per year. This difference is easily explained: there are fewer parts to monitor, fewer heavy operations, and therefore fewer costly interventions. Electric vehicles not only provide peace of mind but also save you money, whether on maintenance or recharging.

In summary

Maintaining an electric car is much simpler and more economical than maintaining a thermal vehicle. Thanks to an electric motor without oil, oil changes, or timing belts, maintenance is reduced: fewer moving parts mean fewer breakdowns. Regenerative braking limits brake wear. Regular checks of the 12V auxiliary battery, tire condition, coolant, and traction system help preserve the vehicle's lifespan. A check-up every 30,000 kilometers is sufficient, with an average annual cost of 300 to 500 €, compared to 600 to 900 € for thermal or hybrid cars.

Be sure to monitor the battery, autonomy, and main components during each technical inspection or diagnosis. Opt for a reliable charging network like Electra to optimize charging and preserve performance. By following these maintenance tips, you extend the life of your vehicle and enjoy a smooth driving experience. Suitable for all types of electric cars, whether a Renault Zoe or any other model, this guide helps you reduce costs and maximize the reliability of your car.

Sources:

Service-Public.fr