AUTOMOTIVE

EVs Explained

Looking after a battery-electric vehicle is simpler and cheaper than running a gas- or diesel-powered car.

By Graham Heeps

A man consults his cell phone as he stands beside his electric vehicle, which is plugged in.

Although an EV motor requires far less maintenance than a traditional engine, there are key steps to follow to keep your EV in top shape, including keeping up with software updates. | IMAGE: HALFPOINT/ADOBE STOCK

ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS) continue to gain popularity among Albertans, with drivers attracted to their power, low noise levels, low running costs — plus their environmental credentials. Whether you’re a newly minted EV owner or are simply curious about them, electric vehicles are quite different when compared to their internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered cousins.

It’s important to understand that EVs have different requirements to keep them in good working order. An electric-drive motor requires far less maintenance than a gasoline or diesel engine, and EVs are proving to last as long — and in some cases longer — than those ICE-powered vehicles. EVs have fewer moving parts, so there is less to fix. No more seasonal oil changes, exhaust corrosion or expensive head-gasket failures, saving you money in the long term. Keeping current with software updates — which can often be downloaded at home — can resolve issues and even improve your EV’s efficiency.

“Depending on climate and usage, EV batteries typically last between eight and 15 years.”

An electric powertrain still needs care and attention, however. The drive battery is the largest, heaviest and most expensive component of an EV. These battery packs typically come with an eight-year/160,000-km warranty, but replacement bills can be substantial. You can help to preserve the efficiency of these cells by keeping the pack within the optimum charge range of 35 to 80 percent. “Depending on climate and usage, EV batteries typically last between eight and 15 years,” says Klodian Spahillari, AMA automotive asset manager. “Modern lithium-ion batteries require very minimal day-to-day maintenance, but it’s important to monitor them for performance and range reduction. Usually, this can be done using an in-vehicle app.”

In most EVs, a thermal management system helps keep the pack within its operational sweet spot. Coolant should be replaced every five to seven years, according to Spahillari. He notes that this need not require a visit to a franchised dealer: this and other EV-specific maintenance tasks — even battery replacements under warranty — may be carried out by a high-voltage-certified technician at one of Alberta’s growing number of specialist EV repair shops.

Brakes tend to have a longer lifespan on EVs. Have them checked and cleaned when switching your seasonal tires to keep them in top shape. | PHOTO: UNAI82/ENVATO

Tires are another crucial area for EV maintenance. The battery makes this type of vehicle much heavier than most gas or diesel models, and the electric motors have much higher torque. These two factors combine to wear tires out more quickly — but it is possible to mitigate the effect.

“Good driving habits are one way to extend EV tire life,” says Gordie Henderson, director of retail at Kal Tire, an AMA partner. “Be gentle with the throttle and don’t accelerate hard off the line,” he warns, suggesting it would be best to slowly accelerate from a complete stop. “Another way is to ensure that the tires wear evenly. The extra weight and torque of an EV will amplify the impact if you don’t get your tires balanced, if you aren’t regularly rotating them, if the tire pressures are not correct or if the wheels are out of alignment.”

Henderson adds that replacement tires may offer better durability or a quieter ride than the tires that came fitted from the factory. However, the chosen tire must still meet the right load and speed ratings for your vehicle, regardless of whether the tire is explicitly badged as “EV-ready.” Tire specialists can advise you on the best options.

The third major area to pay attention to is brakes. In an EV, regenerative braking can slow the car without using the friction brakes. As a result, brake pads and rotors often have a much longer life than in conventional vehicles, which typically need to be replaced after 40,000 to 45,000 km. It’s good practice to regularly clean and lubricate infrequently used brake components — at least annually, during the spring tire swap — to clear any build-up of debris or winter salt. This will help prevent potential seizures and maximize component life.

According to AMA’s Spahillari, “You don’t need a specialist EV shop to perform brake cleaning and lubrication or replace small parts that are not connected with the regenerative braking system. The same goes for other routine vehicle-maintenance items like wiper blades and cabin air filters. AMA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS) facilities are a trusted source for this type of work.” AMA