Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as people are more aware of the tremendous benefits they offer. However, many are unaware of what electric vehicle servicing entails and how to properly maintain the battery. In this article, we will discuss EV servicing and everything else you need to know to keep your car running smoothly.
We will also answer some common questions about electric car maintenance, such as “How does Regenerative braking work on an electric vehicle?” and “What maintenance does an electric car need?” Keep reading for more helpful tips!
Electric Vehicle Servicing: Everything You Need To Know
When it comes to electric vehicle servicing, there are a few key things you need to know. First of all, EV’s and PHEV’s take longer to service than traditional petrol cars. This is because the high voltage system needs to be isolated in order for the technician to work on the car. This process can take between 15 minutes and an hour and a half, depending on the make and model.
PHEV servicing is very similar to ICE servicing, but you will also need to check the battery life of the high voltage system. It’s important to keep an eye on this as it can affect your car’s performance in the long run. We’ll look at EV battery maintenance tips in the next section.
Electric Vehicle Servicing Checks And Differences
Once the high voltage system is off, mechanics can go about servicing the car as they would any other vehicle. This includes checking and topping up fluids, changing the oil, checking brakes and tyres etc. Here are some of the checks technicians will perform at an electric vehicle servicing centre near you.
- Checking high voltage battery system health
- Inspect the inverter coolant system for leaks
- Check for brake binding which occurs in EV’s as most of the braking process happens through regenerative braking as conventional brakes are used less frequently
- Checking the condition of the high voltage cabling
- Inspect the charging port and cap condition to ensure the car is charging
What Maintenance does an Electric Car Need?
Electric cars require very little maintenance, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. The most important is to regularly check the battery condition and water levels. You can do this yourself or take your car to a technician for a more thorough inspection. Another thing to watch out for is corrosion on the battery terminals. If this is left untreated, it can damage the battery and reduce its life span.
Electric Car Battery Maintenance Tips
Aside from regenerative braking, the biggest difference is that electric cars have much larger batteries than ICE cars. That means there are a few additional checks as part of the electric vehicle servicing process to ensure the battery is in good condition. Here are a few more tips for keeping your electric car battery in good condition:
- Considering EV batteries work best when at a moderate temperature, if possible avoid leaving them outside in freezing temperatures, and out of sunlight during the peak of summer.
- Don’t let it run flat and try not to charge until your battery drops below 20% of full charge.
- If possible, try to avoid fully draining the battery as this can damage the cells and reduce its lifespan.
- Make sure the battery is fully charged before storing it.
How Does Regenerative Braking Work on an Electric Vehicle?
One of the best things about electric cars is the regenerative braking system. It recycles energy that would usually be lost through heat and, instead, uses it to recharge the battery. It’s a great way to conserve energy and increase your EV range. There are two types of regenerative braking systems – active and passive.
Active Regenerative Braking
This system uses the brakes to regenerate energy. When you apply the brake pedal, the electric motor becomes a generator, creating electricity that charges the battery.
Passive Regenerative Braking
This system relies on inertia to generate power. When you slow down or come to a stop, the electric motor switches into reverse and generates power to charge the battery. It’s important to know the different types to fully understand electric vehicle servicing.
Are Electric Cars Expensive to Run?
One of the main concerns people have about electric cars is that they’re expensive to run but it really depends on your driving habits. If you drive frequently, you’ll likely see a difference in your electricity bills. However, if you only use your EV for short trips, you could save money in the long run.
The other main cost is maintenance and servicing. EVs require less regular maintenance than ICE cars, but the parts are more expensive so they can work out a little more expensive over time. The good news is that this may change as EV technology continues to evolve.
So, are electric cars expensive to run? It really depends on your individual circumstances. For some people, the running costs will be higher than for others. But, overall, electric cars are cheaper to operate than petrol or diesel cars.
Looking For Electric Vehicle Servicing Near Me?
Electric vehicles have been on the market for a few years now and as their popularity grows, so does the need for qualified technicians to service them.
Elite Garages prides itself on having qualified technicians and embraces the move towards a greener future. Our expert technicians are IMI Level 3 trained for electric vehicle system repair and maintenance.
If you are searching for EV servicing near me, you are spoiled for choice as Elite Garages have branches across the south of England. Visit the website for more information or contact your nearest branch about electric vehicle servicing.
