Electric vehicles, just like their gas-powered counterparts, need maintenance and repairs from time to time. But what are the true maintenance costs for an EV? This is a common question asked by many prospective EV drivers. Some groups in the automotive industry argue EVs have higher reliability issues; therefore, they will have greater maintenance costs. However, other industry experts believe EVs come with lower maintenance costs than gas-powered vehicles. The answer to those arguments is still somewhat unclear, and calculating a precise cost estimate for EV maintenance and repairs depends greatly on vehicle models and personal driving habits. However, after doing some research, a rough budget can be determined.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at EV maintenance and repair and provide a cost estimate for each area. We’ll also list some ways EV drivers can lower their maintenance costs throughout the course of ownership.
*Note: For this article, we will primarily focus on battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Batteries
An electric vehicle battery is an important component of the vehicle; after all, it provides power to the car. The durability and lifespan of an EV battery are significant points of concern for many EV drivers since they are the most expensive part of the vehicle. The cost of replacing an EV battery can be high, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 USD. There are also stories of drivers being billed $50,000 CAD for battery replacements. The total price is based on the pack, size, and manufacturer of the battery, the brand and model of the EV, and labour and taxes. OEM batteries tend to cost more than aftermarket EV batteries ($2,000 to $20,000 respectively), but you’ll be paying for better build quality and a longer lifespan.
Certain factors can shorten or lengthen these lifespans. For example, aggressive driving can strain an EV battery; more energy is used, which will eat up the EV’s driving range. Over time, the aggressive driving style can shorten the lifespan of the EV battery. Batteries will also lose some of their capacity over time due to the effects charging has on the chemistry of the battery. This is known as battery degradation.
However, according to EVConnect, an EV battery lasts longer and degrades slower than is commonly thought. For example, an EV battery can retain its working capacity for 10 years and fulfill 1,500 to 2,000 charge cycles. This would be a longer lifetime than the standard 8-year or 100,000 km warranty offered by automakers. And if your battery warranty is still valid, you could replace it at little to no cost. Before purchasing the vehicle, read the warranty’s fine print to learn the conditions or exclusions that will impact the coverage.
While EV battery replacements are expensive, they are not frequent. EV batteries are designed with longevity in mind. According to the Natural Renewable Energy Laboratory, the average EV battery lasts 12-15 years in a moderate climate. That range lowers to 8-12 years in extreme environments (e.g., colder regions of the world). Both timeframes are equivalent to and in some cases longer than the average length of ownership.
There are simple actions drivers can take to extend an EV battery’s lifespan. To start, follow the EV model’s specific guidelines for optimal battery performance. For example, many EV batteries perform best with an 80% charge, while the Tesla Model 3’s battery performs best on a 100% charge. Next, try and park your EV in an area with moderate temperatures. Extreme cold and heat negatively affect a battery’s lifespan, so parking your EV in a garage whenever possible will help preserve your EV battery’s health. Aggressive driving (e.g., quick acceleration and harsh braking) places added stress on an EV battery; therefore, it’s best to minimize this driving style.
Tires
A key difference between electric vehicles and gas-powered vehicles is the tires used for each. EVs tend to weigh more than internal combustion vehicles (ICE) due to the battery pack. EVs also tend to have faster acceleration, which leads to greater torque. Both of these qualities place greater wear and tear on the tires, which results in EV tires tending to wear out faster. That’s why many EV models come with tires designed for maximum efficiency and durability. The following are some of their properties:
- New rubber compounds to increase durability
- Smaller tire diameter and using more rigid quality to lower rolling resistance
- New thread patterns are designed to stand up to torque and reduce noise.
- Foam inserts are sometimes included to reduce road noise further.
Although each of these properties can improve the driving experience, they can lead to higher operational costs and more expensive tires. According to Electric Autonomy Canada, EV-specific tires can be 30-40% more expensive than a comparable standard tire.
As you can see, replacing the tires on your electric vehicle could be a costly endeavour. In fact, tires may comprise 90% of your maintenance budget for your EV for 10 years of ownership. However, there are steps you can take to reduce potential costs and increase the tires’ lifespan. Before buying, check the Uniform Tire Quality Guage (UTQG) treadwear rating on the side of the tire. The rating grades a tire for treadwear, traction, and temperature, and the UTQG rating comprises a three-digit number and two letters (e.g., 300 AA). The higher the number, the longer the tread will last. Traction grades are assigned by letters AA, A B, and C; AA is the highest traction grade. Temperature is also rated by letter grade, with A being the highest and C being the lowest. For example, a tire with a rating of 800 AA A is preferable for an EV over a tire with a 300 AA rating. Also, ensure the tire has the proper load rating specified by the OEM. Since EVs are heavy, they tend to require tires with higher load ratings; ignoring this requirement will likely result in the tire wearing down faster, further increasing replacement costs. Another important thing to know is whether your EV is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. Front and rear-wheel drive vehicles tend to wear out tires faster due to the combination of power transfer and using all four tires in braking. All-wheel drive EVs can spread tire wear more evenly.
Software/Firmware Updates
Electric vehicles, similar to other electronic devices, can receive regular software updates from their manufacturers. These updates can range from improving the infotainment and navigation systems to increasing the performance and efficiency of the vehicle. Free software updates usually fix issues with existing features (e.g., audio problems) or enhance existing features (e.g., unlocking new functionalities for the touchscreen). Paid upgrades tend to be for new features that were previously inaccessible. Most updates are installed via over-the-air technology, i.e., over a Wi-Fi network. For example, an OnStar system update may look like this:
- The EV is parked and connected to Wi-Fi
- Over-the-air technology sends the software update directly to the vehicle.
- The updates are automatically downloaded to the centre display
- The centre console screen notifies the driver when installations are ready.
While gas-powered vehicles also have software updates, they hold greater significance for EVs. The software plays an important role in the performance of an EV along with the vehicle’s hardware. Therefore, over-the-air software updates are almost like an engine tune-up at a lower cost. For example, Tesla’s 2020.4 update increased the range of the Tesla Model X from 527 km to 564 km, while the Model S increased in range from 600 km to 627 km.
Software updates for your EV are fairly quick and easy to perform, with most taking 20-30 minutes to perform. But before you start the software update, check your EV owner’s manual for any requirements specific to your model.
Brakes
Electric vehicles and gas-powered cars both require regular brake checks, but EV brakes last longer due to regenerative braking. In essence, regenerative braking is a system that recovers kinetic energy from braking and converts it into electrical power that charges the EV’s battery.
As a general example, an EV driver can expect to pay $200-$300 to replace the brake pads. Plus, brake replacements can be less frequent thanks to regenerative braking. However, the number can depend on the EV’s make, model, and other factors. For example, replacing the brakes on a Tesla Model X could cost $2,500.
As with EV batteries and tires, driving styles can impact brake wear. An aggressive driving style, paired with the heavy weight of an EV, puts added wear and tear on the brakes. A more moderate driving style will help preserve Additionally, EV brakes are more likely to generate rust as they are used less frequently and are in regular contact with moisture and salt. If left unchecked, corrosion will start to spread and can lead to expensive repairs.
Sample Costs
Using the CAA AMA car cost calculator, maintenance costs/year for a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV come to $174-$643. The price range is provided to reflect the impact various factors have on the end total costs, such as kilometres driven, vehicle condition, and trim level. The maintenance costs per year for the standard Chevrolet Blazer are $214-$613. As you can see, the Blazer EV has lower maintenance costs at the low end of the range but is more expensive at the high end of the range.
Maintenance costs for an EV increase as you move up the price scale. A 2024 Genesis G80, starting at $74,150, has an estimated maintenance cost of $270-$1,130 per year, while a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt with a price tag of around $38,943 MSRP has maintenance costs between $248-$651 per year.
In general, maintenance costs for an EV can be lower than that of a gas-powered vehicle. EVs have fewer internal components (e.g., timing belts, spark plugs) that require repairs and do not need regular oil changes. Plus, regenerative braking helps preserve an EV’s brake system. The following chart lists some of the maintenance requirements for electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles:
Data sourced from Electric Autonomy Canada. Image source: EnergyRates.ca
However, there are certain factors that can increase the costs. For example, aggressive driving habits increase the chances of accidents, which in turn will lead to expensive repair costs. Plus, aggressive driving puts more wear and tear on an EV’s battery pack and tires, which results in expensive repairs. Even living in a colder environment can have a slight increase in maintenance costs; for example, cold weather reduces the battery’s capacity and can shorten its lifespan.
There are several best practices you can do to minimize your maintenance costs. As with gas-powered vehicles, it is important to have scheduled inspections for your EV. This will help identify any issues and ensure optimal performance for your vehicle. For example, a scheduled maintenance visit for your EV can include tire rotation, replacing the cabin air filter, cleaning and lubricating callipers and brake components, and/or refilling if necessary the coolant for the battery, cabin heater, and charger modules. When charging your EV battery, avoid refilling it to 100%. Stress is put on the battery pack the closer it is to a 100% charge, shorting the lifespan in the process. Many EV manufacturers recommend charging an EV to 80%. Some models even allow you to set a maximum charging level. Tire pressure should be checked monthly and rotated about every 12,000 km driven.
