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Electric car maintenance costs vs. gasoline cars: our comparison
Mar 5, 2026
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Maintenance costs for electric cars vs. gasoline cars: our comparison
Changing your engine type also means changing your maintenance routine. No more oil changes every 15,000 km, timing belts to monitor, oil and fuel filters to replace. Electric vehicles radically simplify car maintenance. But are they really cheaper in every respect? This comparison details each item of expenditure, with figures to back it up, so you can make your choice with complete transparency.
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Why is it cheaper to maintain an electric vehicle?
The answer can be summed up in one figure: an electric motor contains around 20 moving parts, compared to more than 1,000 in a combustion engine. Fewer moving components means less friction, less wear and tear, and fewer mechanical breakdowns. Electric motors require no lubrication (no oil changes), no combustion (no particulate filters, no EGR valves, no catalytic converters), and no exhaust systems. The transmission is also simplified: most electric vehicles have neither a traditional gearbox nor a clutch.
Operations that disappear
In concrete terms, here is a list of operations that you will never have to pay for again when you switch to electric: engine oil and oil filter changes, timing belt replacement (which alone costs an average of around $100 per year), spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, exhaust system and particulate filter maintenance, and clutch replacement. These items account for two-thirds of the maintenance bill for a combustion engine vehicle. Their complete disappearance explains most of the cost difference.
Less frequent servicing
A gasoline or diesel vehicle requires servicing every 15,000 to 20,000 km. An electric vehicle can travel 30,000 km before requiring a full service. Servicing an electric car mainly involves checking the electronic systems, battery coolant, brake fluid, and cabin filter. The cost ranges from €120 to €250 depending on the model.
Item-by-item comparison: electric vs. gasoline
The table below compares the main maintenance items for an electric vehicle and a gasoline vehicle in a comparable segment (Peugeot e-208 vs. Peugeot 208), based on 15,000 km per year.
Maintenance item | Electric car | Gasoline car | Advantage |
Annual service | €120 to €250 | €300 to €600 | Electric |
Service frequency | Every 30,000 km | Every 15,000 to 20,000 km | Electric |
Engine oil change + filter | None | €60 to €120/year | Electric |
Timing belt | None | Approximately $100/year (amortized) | Electrical |
Spark plugs | None | €30 to €60 / replacement | Electrical |
Brake pads | Lifespan x2 to x3 | Replacement every 30,000 km | Electrical |
Tires (set of 4) | €230 to €260 / replacement approximately every 29,000 km | €150 to €180 / replacement approximately every 40,000 km | Gasoline |
Clutch | None | €800 to €1,500 (replacement) | Electrical |
Brake fluid | Every 2 years (approx. $35/year) | Every 2 years (approx. $35/year) | Equal |
Technical inspection | €85 to €100 (every 2 years) | €70 to €80 (every 2 years) | Gasoline (+8%) |
12V battery | Every 4 years (approx. $120) | Every 4 to 5 years (approx. €100) | Equal |
Average annual maintenance budget | Approximately $450 | Approximately $800 to $1,000 | Electric (-30 to 50%) |
Indicative costs for a B-segment vehicle, 15,000 km/year.
The verdict is clear on most items. Only two items cost more for electric vehicles: tires (approximately 30% higher purchase price and faster wear) and technical inspection (approximately 8% higher cost, or about ten euros more). These two items do not offset the savings made on servicing, oil changes, belts, and clutches.
Brakes and regenerative braking: the most spectacular savings
Regenerative braking is one of the most tangible advantages of electric vehicles in everyday use. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity to recharge the battery. This natural deceleration puts much less strain on the conventional braking system (pads and discs). As a result, the brake pads on an electric vehicle last two to three times longer than those on a combustion engine vehicle.
In urban driving, where braking is frequent, some electric vehicle drivers only change their pads after 80,000 to 100,000 km, compared to 30,000 to 40,000 km for a gasoline vehicle. Over the lifetime of the vehicle, the savings on this item alone can amount to several hundred euros.
Tires: where electric vehicles cost more (and how to keep the bill down)
This is the point to be aware of. Electric vehicle tires wear out faster and cost more than those of a gasoline car. On average, electric vehicle tires are replaced after about 29,000 km, compared to about 40,000 km for a combustion engine model. Wear and tear is 30 to 50% faster depending on the model and usage.
Why tires wear out faster
Two technical factors explain this difference. First, weight: batteries add 300 to 500 kg compared to an equivalent combustion engine vehicle. A Renault Zoé weighs around 1,500 kg, compared to 1,200 kg for a Renault Clio gasoline model. A Tesla Model Y weighs 1,979 kg, compared to 1,500 to 1,600 kg for a comparable combustion engine SUV. This extra weight puts more pressure on the tires. Second, instant torque: the electric motor delivers full power from the moment it starts, which puts more strain on the tires during acceleration.
In terms of price, a set of tires for an electric vehicle costs on average between €230 and €260, compared to €150 to €180 for a combustion engine vehicle of comparable size. This additional cost of around 30% is due to the technical specifications of "EV Ready" tires: reinforced casing to support the weight, low rolling resistance to preserve range, and soundproofing materials (the absence of engine noise makes the rolling of the tires more noticeable in the passenger compartment).
How to limit the additional cost
Adopt a smooth driving style by avoiding sudden acceleration, check the pressure regularly (underinflation of 0.3 bar accelerates wear by 25%), and choose tires that are suitable for your electric vehicle. Michelin e.Primacy, Hankook iON, and Continental EcoContact tires offer a good compromise between lifespan, range, and price. With the right tires and careful driving, the difference in wear can be reduced to around 20%.
The battery: the false problem that still causes concern
Battery replacement is the number one fear of potential buyers. And understandably so: a new battery can cost between €5,000 and €15,000 depending on capacity and manufacturer. But in the vast majority of cases, this expense will never arise during the lifetime of the vehicle.
A solid manufacturer's warranty
All manufacturers guarantee the high-voltage battery for 8 years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first), with a commitment to 70-80% residual capacity. Kia even offers a 7-year transferable warranty. In practice, data from Nordic countries (where the electric market is ten years ahead of France) shows that a well-maintained battery retains more than 85% of its capacity after 200,000 km. Some manufacturers, such as Tesla, report lifespans exceeding 500,000 km.
The role of the thermal management system
The battery management system (BMS) plays a crucial role in this longevity. Modern electric vehicles have one to three liquid cooling circuits that keep the battery within its optimal temperature range, whether it's 40°C in summer or -10°C in winter. Automatic preconditioning before fast charging at an Electra station prepares the battery to the ideal temperature to accept maximum power without thermal stress.
Energy costs: another major daily saving
Home charging vs. gasoline
Beyond maintenance, energy costs are the second major source of savings. For an electric vehicle consuming 17 kWh per 100 km (average observed on recent models), charged at home during off-peak hours (approximately $0.16/kWh), the cost per 100 km is around $2.70. For a gasoline vehicle consuming 7 l/100 km at the current price of SP95-E10 (approximately $1.92/l), the cost is around $13.40 per 100 km. Electric vehicles cost around five times less in energy.
Based on 15,000 km per year, the fuel savings represent between €1,200 and €1,500 per year. Even when charging exclusively at fast charging stations, the difference remains in favor of electric vehicles.
Fast charging: how much does it cost?
Withthe Electra+ Boost subscription at $9.99/month (from $0.29/kWh in France), the cost per 100 km with fast charging is around $4.90, which is three times less than gasoline. Boost subscribers also have access to ChargeLeague network stations (Ionity, Fastned, Atlante) at a preferential rate of €0.49/kWh. Without a subscription, the rate via the Electra app varies between €0.29 and €0.61/kWh depending on demand. Check the detailed rates before each session.
Total cost of ownership over 5 years: the verdict
The TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) includes all expenses related to owning a vehicle: purchase (after subsidies), energy, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. A €35,000 electric vehicle can cost less over 5 years than a €28,000 combustion engine vehicle thanks to savings on energy (around €1,800/year), maintenance (around €500/year) and purchase subsidies (€3,100 to €5,700 depending on income).
Let's take a concrete example over 5 years and 75,000 km (15,000 km/year). For a Peugeot e-208 electric vehicle, energy costs around $2,500 (at home during off-peak hours), maintenance around $1,900, and insurance around $2,500, for a total operating cost of around $6,900. For an equivalent Peugeot 208 gasoline model, energy costs around €10,000, maintenance around €2,700, and insurance around €2,500, for a total of around €15,200. The difference in operating costs is more than €8,000 in favor of the electric model.
Electric vehicle maintenance schedule: what to check and when
An electric vehicle requires fewer trips to the garage, but that doesn't mean you should neglect its maintenance. Here are the operations recommended by manufacturers.
Operation | Frequency | Approximate cost | Comment |
General service | 30,000 km or 2 years | $120 to $250 | Electronic checks, fluids, cabin filter |
Brake fluid | Every 2 years | Approximately $60 | Same as for combustion engines |
Battery coolant | Every 4 to 6 years | $100 to $170 | Battery thermal management |
Cabin filter | Every year or 15,000 km | €15 to €30 | Parts + labor |
Tires (check) | Every 10,000 km | Free (visual) | Pressure + wear + depth (minimum 1.6 mm) |
Brake pads | 80,000 to 100,000 km | $150 to $300 | Extended service life (regenerative) |
12V battery | Every 4 years | Approximately $100 | Powers the on-board electronics |
Technical inspection | 4 years, then every 2 years | $100 | 11 additional points vs. thermal |
Air conditioning system | Every 2 to 3 years | $60 to $120 | Crucial: also affects the battery |
Average indicative costs, which may vary depending on the model and maintenance network.
An emerging point of attention, reported by feedback from Nordic countries: electric vehicles are highly technological and show wear and tear on the electronic components (updating of computers, aging of sensors, wiring, and software). Less mechanical maintenance, but potentially more electronic diagnostics over the years. Maintenance must be carried out in an approved garage equipped to work on high-voltage systems (technicians must have electrical certification).
Frequently asked questions about electric car maintenance
How much does the annual maintenance of an electric car cost?
The average cost of maintaining an electric vehicle is estimated at around €400 per year for the first few years. After 5 years of use, the annual budget is around €800, including wear parts (tires, brake pads). For a comparable gasoline car, expect to pay between €800 and €1,700 per year.
Is servicing an electric vehicle really cheaper?
Yes. Servicing an electric car costs between €120 and €250 depending on the model (Renault Zoé around €150, Peugeot e-208 around €120). Servicing an equivalent gasoline-powered car costs between €300 and €600, largely due to oil changes, filters, and combustion components.
Does the battery in an electric vehicle need to be replaced?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Modern batteries are guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000 km and retain more than 85% of their capacity after 200,000 km under normal conditions of use. Most owners will never replace the battery during their ownership of the vehicle. After their first life in a car, the batteries begin a second life in stationary energy storage.
Do electric car tires really wear out faster?
The data confirms this: on average, the tires on an electric vehicle are replaced after approximately 29,000 km, compared to approximately 40,000 km for a combustion engine vehicle. The weight of the battery and the instantaneous torque of the electric motor explain this increased wear. By choosing specific tires (marked EV or EV Ready) and adopting a smooth driving style, this difference can be significantly reduced.
Is the technical inspection more expensive for an electric car?
Slightly. The technical inspection of an electric vehicle costs on average €85 to €100, which is about 8% more than for a combustion engine vehicle. Eleven additional checkpoints are verified (electric powertrain, high-voltage connectors, battery compartment). The schedule remains the same: first inspection at 4 years, then every 2 years.
Are electric vehicles cost-effective in the long term?
Yes. By combining savings on maintenance (around $150/year) and energy (€1,200 to €1,500/year), an electric vehicle can save around €1,400 to €1,700 per year compared to an equivalent gasoline vehicle. Over the lifetime of the vehicle, the total savings are estimated at around €4,000. With a network of Electra fast charging stations that now exceeds 644 stations in Europe (nearly 4,000 charging points in 10 countries), the charging infrastructure is no longer an obstacle to this transition.
Written by Nicolas, Electra mobility expert
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