Electric European Cars: Repair and Maintenance Considerations

Electric vehicles are a relatively new concept in the car industry. Even though they first appeared in the late 1800s, the dawn of the electric car as we know it today only happened around 2000 with the release of the Prius.

Even then, they still have much catching up to do: 42% of all EV sales in America are in California, although they only make up 17.7% of total cars sold in the Sunshine State. In short, EVs are rare, but electric European cars are even rarer, as they only comprise 17% of all European car sales.

Since information on repairs and maintenance is hazy, and considering the limited service options even Tesla owners have, this article highlights the repair and maintenance considerations for electric European vehicles.

How Often Do Electric European Cars Need Servicing?

Electric cars have fewer moving parts than conventional internal combustion engines (ICE), so they need fewer maintenance and repair intervals.

In standard conditions, an electric European car or truck needs an annual maintenance and repair period of about 18,000 miles (30,000 km), although cars like Volkswagen ID.3 might require one sooner (11,000 miles).

Under the same conditions, a gas engine requires annual maintenance after 6,000 miles (10,000 km), while a diesel engine truck or car will need the same after 9,000 miles (15,000 km).

What Maintenance Do These EVs Need?

All the EV’s main parts need little maintenance, but other parts, especially those typically found in gas cars, will need maintenance:

Tires: Although EVs use unique tires, you should still rotate and top up pressure as directed in the owner’s manual.
Battery: Ensure the battery does not run out completely and charge it according to the owner’s manual.
Coolant: flush and top coolant as the manufacturer recommends, to keep battery temperatures manageable.

EVs use regenerative braking, so the normal wear and tear on the normal brakes will not be as severe.

Repairs Needed by European Electric Vehicles

Although electric vehicles require less maintenance, every vehicle will eventually break down and need repairs. EVs use unique parts to gas engine cars, so their repairs are slightly different.

Some common repairs reported for electric vehicles include regenerative brake failure, air filter and windshield wipers replacement, battery swap, operating system bugs, and electric motor installation.

Before you whip out your tools and try to repair your electric car or truck, remember that only highly qualified personnel with the appropriate technical training have the authorization to carry out repairs.

Electric vehicles use high voltages, so for your own safety, leave repairs to professionals. If you are in Hartford, CT, Roggi’s Auto Service is within easy reach. We have qualified mechanics who have the certification to maintain electric European trucks.

Costs of Servicing an Electric European Car

The cost of maintaining electric cars is very low. According to a study, it is 40% cheaper to repair and maintain electric vehicles than ICE vehicles.

There have been reports of a Tesla owner who only needed to only clean their brakes and apply WD-40 on the door hinges during the first service at 80,000 miles. A Jaguar I-Pace owner claimed the braked had only worn down 25% after 70,000 miles.

Get Expert European EV Repair and Maintenance at Roggi’s Auto

If you are in Hartford, CT, and have an electric European car that needs servicing or repairs, don’t hesitate to call Roggi’s Auto Service.

We are an award-winning shop that treats our customers as family and carries out electric car maintenance and repairs on all European cars. Our certified mechanics will handle all repairs, such as:

Electric motors
Cooling system
HV inverters
Vehicle control unit

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