How to Maintain Your Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicle sales are rapidly growing. It is estimated that by 2030 nearly 30% of all vehicles sold in the world will be electric. Already in 2021, nearly 30% of all two-wheelers sold globally are electric vehicles. In India too the electric vehicle segment is making huge strides. WIth advances in battery technology, newer electric cars are capable of running up to 400 kms on a single full charge, setting the stage for greater adoption of electric vehicles.
Maintaining Your Electric Vehicle
Like all machines, electric vehicles too need periodic maintenance. However, the good thing about electric vehicles is that their maintenance is not as complicated as petrol or diesel vehicles. This is because electric vehicles have far fewer moving components. To begin with, there is no engine. Which means there is no requirement to change engine oil periodically. You also do not have to worry about spark plugs, clutch plates, valves, belt and chain assemblies and the like. There is also no requirement to worry about getting constant emission checks done. Combined with its low running costs, this makes the overall cost of owning an electric vehicle very attractive.
This however does not mean that electric vehicles do not require any maintenance at all. Make sure you take care of the following to keep your electric vehicle running in mint condition for years to come.
- Battery – The battery is to an EV what the engine is to an internal combustion engine, which is to say, it is the heart of the vehicle that keeps it running. Batteries can be delicate and need elaborate care, especially when it comes to charging your EV. For instance never allow your battery to drain out completely as this can damage the battery completely. Similarly, it is not advisable to charge your battery all the way to 100% every time. A 90% charge is good enough most of the time.
- Tyres – Electric vehicles tend to be heavier than petrol or diesel engines of similar capacity. This puts a greater load on EV tyres. As a result it is important to regularly monitor the health of your EV tyres. If they look worn out, get them replaced.
- Brakes – Electric vehicles use regenerative braking that uses the energy dissipated from braking to recharge your battery. In a normal hydraulic braking system, this energy would only have gone into creating heat and friction, thereby causing damage to your brakes, the result of which is frequent brake pad replacements. Since regenerative braking takes the heat and friction out of the braking system and puts it to use recharging your battery, your brakes experience less wear and tear. This however does not mean that EV brakes do not need servicing at all. Since brakes are so important to road safety, make sure you get your brakes checked regularly.
- Other Maintenance – In addition to these, EVs may also need periodic maintenance and replacement of other components such as air filters, windshield wipers, etc. Each time you take your car to the service center make sure to keep a record of the service done. It is also important to check that your car insurance is up to date. If you do not have one, you can get car insurance online by logging on to a reliable portal such as Finserv MARKETS. Since electric vehicles do not need a pollution clearance certificate, you do not have to worry about one.
To Sum Up
Electric vehicles combine low cost of running with low maintenance costs to give their owners a hassle-free driving experience. There are however, a few small things that need to be taken care of. These include batteries, tyres, brakes, car insurance etc. A comprehensive car insurance online covers the financial costs of damage to or theft of your electric vehicle. For the best coverage you may consider getting a bumper to bumper insurance, also known as zero depreciation car insurance. A bumper to bumper insurance provides coverage to your car and its components irrespective of the amount of depreciation or wear and tear suffered. Remember, cars are like good friends – if you take care of them, they’ll take good care of you in return.
