Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity in India, marking a significant shift towards the electrification of cars. As petrol and diesel engines gradually give way to alternative fuel options, EVs are poised to become the future of transportation. Even in India, the rise of EVs has been remarkable, transforming what once seemed like an infrastructure challenge into a common sight on Indian roads.
With the growing market share of electric cars, it’s crucial to understand how to maintain your EV. While numerous articles exist online about maintaining internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, information on EV maintenance is relatively scarce. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding EV Maintenance: Fewer Parts, Unique Needs
Before we begin, it is important to note that EVs have fewer moving parts as compared to internal combustion engines (ICE). This means that maintaining an EV requires much less effort and care as compared to ICE cars. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t require regular maintenance. EVs too, require frequent oil changes (although the oils used are less than ICE engines) and filter cleaning.
EV Battery Life: Factors and Expectations
A car battery, according to studies, is said to last between 12 to 15 years if used in moderate temperatures, and 8 to 12 years if used in extreme conditions. Now this may seem very less as compared to ICE cars which can even last up to 100 years if maintained well, but we will cover that in another article soon.
Despite the rather short lifespan of EVs, there are a number of things users can do to increase the lifespan of their electric cars. Let us take a look at a few crucial things that you can do to keep your EV happy and healthy for a long time.
1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures are like the kryptonite for EVs. Be it extreme cold or extreme heat, any kind of extreme temperature will deplete your car’s battery health. In extreme colds, the lithium-ion batteries used in cars have slower chemical reactions, leading to less power and smaller charge cycles.
In extreme heat, on the other hand, the opposite happens. When the cells used in these batteries overheat, the chemical reactions are accelerated, leading to degradation of battery components, reduced capacity, and potential thermal runaway risks that can lead to an explosion.
Now, in modern cars, manufacturers keep all these conditions in mind and fit these cars with necessary auxiliary cooling and heating mechanisms to avoid depletion of battery health in extreme temperatures. However, it is still advisable to avoid extreme temperatures in order to keep the battery health optimal for a longer time.
2. Don’t Overcharge Or Fully Deplete The Battery
Since electric cars are very much like smartphones and laptops in terms of the whole battery scenario, overcharging an EV battery may result in overheating, which will degrade the battery. Some manufacturers do put in features to prevent full capacity charging, and automakers have time and again said that ideally users should charge their batteries to 85 or 90 percent.
Like with overcharging, depleting the battery too much also degrades the battery life. Hence, it is again advisable to charge your car at about 10 percent battery and not leave the car without battery for too long.
3. Do Not Overuse Fast Chargers
The DC chargers that can charge at speeds that are north of 50kW per hour sound extremely cool with the ability to charge your car in an hour or less. However, the impact of these fast chargers on the battery is not known yet in the longer term. If our experience with gadgets is anything to go by, using fast chargers can overheat the batteries resulting in a smaller life cycle.
Apart from this, the public chargers are also more expensive. Charging your car at a price of more than 20 rupees per unit is not as economical as you may think. For a 70kWh battery, you would end up spending more than 1400 rupees per charge. While it is still substantially less than petrol and diesel, EVs are also substantially more expensive as compared to ICE cars, while making the purchase so even a 20-something per unit running cost is not exactly cheap.
4. Regular Cooling And Wiper Fluid Checks
While EVs don’t have as many oils and fluid as ICE cars, there are still things to keep a check for. Cooling in EVs is as integral as in any other Internal Combustion Engine. However, some carmakers use air to keep things cool, while some use fluids like coolant to keep things cool. Most EVs in India use the liquid cooling methods, so it is important to timely check your coolant in order to keep the battery running smoothly and efficiently.
5. Regular Brake Oil and Pads Check
Just like coolant, it is also important to keep a check on the brakes of your EV. Like ICE cars, EVs also rely on brake fluids. So replacing brake fluids in a timely manner is a necessary service for your EV. Similarly, keeping a check on the brake pads is also integral. While EVs don’t stress the brakes as much as ICE cars, thanks to regenerative braking, changing them regularly is important, despite the lower rate of wear.
6. Tyre Maintenance
Probably the most obvious maintenance tip for any car. Tyres on any vehicle are like the shoes of the car. Keeping fit and fine will not only keep your car safer, it will also result in a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Now, tyres on electric cars tend to give in quicker, mainly because of the weight of these cars. EVs are by default heavier due to the massive battery packs installed in these cars. Now, there are multiple schools of thought in terms of tyre replacement. Some say that you should change your tyres every 20,000 kilometers, while some say it should happen when the tyre’s tread depth starts depleting.
While both of them are correct in their own way, it is said that you should replace your car’s tyre before the tread depth reaches 1.6mm. For some, this can happen in less than 10,000 kilometers, while some may go on for longer.
7. Keep Water Away From Charging Port
Washing EVs is like washing any other car. You can, of course, use generous amounts of water and soap to clean your car. However, there are two major things to keep note of. First, do not keep any charging equipment plugged in while washing the car. Secondly, you need to make sure that water stays away from the charging port. After washing and drying your car, always check that there is no water deposit on the charging port.
Cost Analysis: EV vs. ICE Vehicle Maintenance
EV maintenance generally costs less than ICE vehicle maintenance due to fewer moving parts. However, battery replacements can be expensive. Consider factors like electricity costs, service costs, and component replacement costs when comparing overall maintenance expenses.
Keeping Your EV in Top Condition:
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure a smooth driving experience and extend the lifespan of your electric car and other electric vehicles. Remember that regular maintenance, regardless of the powertrain, is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
