The allure of electric vehicles (EVs) goes beyond just saving on fuel costs. In our series, “Driving into the Future,” sponsored by Electric for All, we delve into how EVs also boast lower maintenance expenses.
One of the key attractions for EV drivers is the seamless acceleration these vehicles offer. This smooth, responsive driving experience is often highlighted by those who have made the switch to electric.
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Electric vehicle owner Alysia Wiebe shared her thoughts, saying, “I feel like merging onto the freeway is quicker. That feels a little safer. And then, it’s almost too quiet sometimes.”
Beyond the tranquil ride, EV drivers are often delighted by the reduced maintenance costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars, adding another layer of appeal to the modern electric car experience.
In addition to the quiet ride, people who drive EVs are pleasantly surprised by the lower maintenance costs, compared to a gas-powered vehicle.
“I think it’s a huge selling point,” said Tanner Hedrick, the director of fixed operations at Hedrick’s Chevrolet in Clovis, California.
He went onto explain, “When someone is presented with the price of a vehicle, it’s important to take into account what that vehicle is going to cost over time.”
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Hendrick popped the hood on a Chevy Equinox EV for a look inside, noting, “When we have the electric vehicles we say, ‘Hey, we’re just doing a tire rotation. No oil change, obviously.’”
“I kind of make fun of my husband when he has to take his car in for an oil change. And I’m like, ‘Oh, I don’t know what that’s like,’” Wiebe said with a smile.
No tuneups, so no need to change spark plugs on an EV.
“You’re still going to have air conditioning and coolant,” Hendrick said. “Instead of engine coolant, you’re going to have battery coolant.”
Some EV owners still must check their brake fluid and windshield washer fluid.
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But you won’t even see an engine on Teslas when you open the “frunk,” or front trunk.
Mechanics don’t spend much time under the hood of EVs or under their chassis, because with less lubricated moving parts than a gas-powered car, there’s less upkeep.
“If it doesn’t have lubrication, it has a higher chance of failing,” Hendrick said. “Whereas these vehicles, everything is computer controlled, computer monitored.”
Sometimes EVs need a software update, which you can take care of on a touch screen.
Wiebe said process is easy, “It’s a lot like updating an iPhone.”
EV’s represent a small share of the new car market, about 10% nationwide. But Hedrick said he notices people often ask about them.
“I think there’s many great selling points,” he said. “Lower maintenance is definitely one of them.”
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