Basic Maintenance for Electric Vehicles: What Do I Need to Worry About?

If you’re thinking of investing in an electric vehicle, or you’ve recently done so, then you might be thinking about how you’ll go about keeping the investment in good condition.

Electric vehicles, much like traditional internal-combustion vehicles, will degrade over time – but the components these vehicles rely on are different, and so too are the methods via which those components are looked after.

Let’s take a look at several of the things that EV owners will need to worry about.

Monitor Battery Health

A battery electric vehicle draws power from a single large battery, which is typically kept at the bottom of the car. The battery works in much the same way as your phone: it’s easiest to charge the battery when it’s nearly empty, but increasingly difficult to charge up to 100%. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep the charge between 20% and 80%, when you know you’re going to have access to charging facilities. If you’re going on a longer trip through an unfamiliar part of the world, you might top the battery up to 100%.

Maintain Tyre Pressure

Another very important thing to consider is tyre pressure. If you drive on underinflated (or overinflated) tyres, then you’re compromising on grip, and therefore fuel efficiency. This will mean you spend more money on electricity and that the lifespan of your battery will ultimately be limited. Because electric vehicles tend to be heavier, this concern is particularly pressing.

Update Software Regularly

Electric vehicles are highly computerised. There are specialised systems there to deal with everything from the engine to the infotainment system. By constantly updating the software, you’ll ensure that the system is protected against bugs, and that your vehicle runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Clean and Maintain Charging Ports

Your electric vehicle relies on a whole range of smaller parts that need to be cared for. We’ve already mentioned the battery, which should ideally be protected from very cold and very warm temperatures. You can set your vehicle to warm up in the morning to guard against cold starts.

Your brakes also matter. They should be tested and replaced every so often. This will tend to occur during an annual service, and your MOT. Ensure you book an MOT online, and get a full check on the car.

Other issues relate to your charging port, and your home charger. The cleaner the contact between the conductive metal of the plug and the socket, the more efficient the transfer of electrical energy. Consequently, it’s a good idea to inspect the port regularly, and to clean away any grime or corrosion that might interfere with your charging efficiency.