Is it More Expensive to Maintain an Electric Car: What are the Biggest Costs?

Does maintaining an electric car cost more than maintaining a standard car? Are there more breakdowns and repairs on electric cars?

Differences in price and maintenance

Electric Car Cost vs Standard Car

Currently, the electric car on our roads is more of a luxury than something that can be characterized as an economical and ecological means of transportation. The reason for this is the fact that electric cars are significantly more expensive than similar models with gasoline or diesel engines.

The price itself is higher, but the mileage is significantly better. Another item that attracts a large number of drivers is the fact that electric cars are easier to maintain. The only question is – are they cheaper to maintain?

A concrete answer with precise examples cannot yet be given because the number of electric cars officially available on our market is still limited, so a larger sample comparison cannot be made. But what is known for now is that electric cars have a much smaller list of circuits that must be maintained during regular operation, writes Supertest.

There is no classic engine, so no oil changes, oil and air filters, spark plugs… Also, no complex transmission systems.

In electric cars, the brakes last incomparably longer because most of the braking under normal conditions takes place through regenerative braking, i.e. slowing down so that the electric motor takes on the role of a generator and thus charges the battery.

Advanced technology

However, the problem with electric cars is that it is currently an advanced technology that requires a highly skilled workforce.

The maintenance of an electric car requires trained workers, because apart from the fact that repairs can be carried out unprofessionally, there is an even bigger problem that they can also be dangerous because there is a possibility of injury due to electric shock.

Therefore, the theory that buying an electric car will save you on maintenance is not correct at this point. Every electric car must be maintained in an authorized service center, and this certainly does not imply low costs and finding different ways to reduce maintenance costs.

What should be noted is that repairs to electric cars in the event of traffic accidents are more expensive than when it comes to the same or similar damage to classic cars.

According to statistics from the insurance company Allianz, repairs on electric cars are on average 30 percent higher than similar models with gasoline or diesel engines.

It may not be the most significant, but it should also be mentioned that with electric cars, the condition of the tires should be checked more regularly.

Electric cars have higher torque motors, so the drive wheels wear out faster on average. Also, electric cars have more mass due to the batteries, which is an additional reason that tires have a slightly shorter lifespan.

The bottom line is clear – if the total cost of car ownership is your only motivation for buying an electric car, it’s not the best idea at this time.

The price per kilometer will certainly be more favorable, but when all other costs are added to it, as well as the high costs of purchasing the car itself, the calculation is not positive at all.