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It is suggested that maintenance regarding the internal system be performed by a trained technician at the dealership. If the repair is performed outside of the dealership and something goes wrong, it may void your warranty.
Basic maintenance such as hosing down corrosive materials (i.e. road salt) from underneath the body of the car with plain water can be done at home. In addition, adjusting tire pressure, replacing windshield washer fluid or replacing the windshield wiper blades are all maintenance that can be done every 7,500 to 15,000 miles at home.
Driving an electric car requires a lot less maintenance than a gas-powered vehicle. There is still some long-term maintenance required, but the frequency and costs are lower with an EV.
About two dozen repairs and periodic maintenance normally required in gas-powered vehicles are no longer required with an EV. This means no tune-ups, oil changes, emissions tests, engine air filters, drive belts, transmission checks, spark plugs, mufflers and more.
As an EV owner, you will be required to maintain your tires, battery care, brake service, updates from the manufacturer and general maintenance (wiper blades, washer fluid, etc.).
Asking questions about the warranty is always important. Some important questions to ask include:
Certainly. You may find some locations are more enthusiastic and knowledgeable than others when it comes to electric cars. If sales associates aren’t familiar with EVs, they may suggest a gasoline-powered vehicle instead of trying to sell something they don’t feel comfortable with.
Because EV buyers often know what they want before entering the store, it’s not uncommon for them to be more educated about EVs than the sales associate.
While charging at home is ideal, there are moments you will need to have access to public charging.
Being a member of a specific charging network will help process payment faster. It may also give you a chance to join on a pay-as-you-go basis or a discounted subscription plan. It is a good idea to be part of a network so that, if you are unable to locate a free Level 2 public charger, you at least have other options available.
Costs can vary based on several factors such as location, time of day or membership to a charging network. The property owner may also add costs into the rate.
For instance, let's assume that you are at a mall and the cost for charging is 38 cents per kWh. Around the corner, a similar system may charge 18 cents a kWh. Another may simply be free.
