How Often Should an Electric Vehicle Be Serviced?
4 Answers
Electric vehicles should be serviced approximately every 1 month or 3,000 kilometers. Routine maintenance mainly includes: 1. Inspecting the motor, chassis, and lights; 2. Checking tire wear and replacing them in a timely manner; 3. Replacing the cabin air filter, power steering fluid, transmission oil, coolant, and brake fluid. An electric vehicle refers to a vehicle powered by an onboard power source and driven by an electric motor. They can be categorized into: 1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Vehicles powered solely by an electric motor; 2. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs): Vehicles powered by a fuel cell; 3. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Vehicles that derive power from a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, either simultaneously or separately.
I've been driving this electric vehicle for over two years, and it feels like the maintenance intervals are much longer than for gasoline cars. The manufacturer recommends an inspection once a year or every 10,000 kilometers, mainly focusing on battery health, brake pad wear, and tire condition. Last month during maintenance, the technician said EVs have fewer mechanical components, so they don't require frequent oil changes like conventional cars. However, the cabin air filter needs more frequent replacement, especially in northern areas with heavy smog - I change mine every six months. Also, it's important to check underbody waterproofing during rainy seasons. Last time, we discovered slight water stains on the battery pack, but fortunately caught it in time.
Let me tell you the truth, the maintenance cycle for electric vehicles depends on the brand and driving habits. My neighbor's Tesla only requires maintenance every two years, while my domestic EV's manual specifies the first service at 5,000 km followed by annual checkups. During my last service, they focused on inspecting the three-electric system, especially the battery coolant condition. For mechanical parts, they mainly checked the brakes since regenerative braking reduces brake pad wear, but prolonged parking can cause sticking. I'd recommend annual inspections for urban commuters, while frequent long-distance drivers can extend intervals to 15,000 kilometers.
EV maintenance is really hassle-free! I basically only visit the 4S shop once a year, mainly for battery diagnostics, tire rotation, and infotainment system upgrades. Last service revealed an interesting tip: vehicles with frequent fast charging need extra attention on battery health monitoring. I usually schedule maintenance in spring or autumn to avoid peak electricity seasons in winter and summer. The service cost is just around 300-400 RMB, much cheaper than gas cars. However, wear-and-tear items like wiper blades and brake fluid require personal attention - I make it a habit to check tire pressure every six months.
