Blog posts tagged with 'alternating current'

What are the Maintenance Costs for an Electrical Vehicle (EV)?

If you are shopping for a new vehicle and considering an EV, perhaps you have some questions about the hidden costs.

The EV has been around since the late 1800s. They were not as popular as the gas-powered vehicle back then, because gas prices were so low at that time. The modern EV is much more popular today because… well… gas prices have skyrocketed in recent years. In the late 1800’s the price of gasoline was around  $.07 per gallon. Today, gasoline prices vary from $3.00 to over $6.00 per gallon, depending on where you live.

But, of course, operating costs go further than the cost to charge an EV battery or fill the tank in a gas-powered vehicle. What do you need to know about maintenance?

What are the typical maintenance costs of an electric vehicle?

1. Because this type of vehicle has fewer moving parts in its engine compartment, the yearly maintenance cost is lower. By some estimates, EV vehicle maintenance costs about $0.06 per mile, whereas gas-powered vehicles cost around $0.10 per mile.
2. They also do not require oil changes, transmission fluid, or coolant flushes that are needed in a standard gas-powered vehicle.
3. In the case of the braking system, the electric motor assists in slowing down the vehicle, so there will be less pressure put on the brakes and rotors.
4. Generally, tires for EVs tend to be more expensive than tires for gas-powered cars, and they may also need to be replaced more frequently due to the unique demands of EVs. They require special tires to handle the added weight of the battery.
5. If the battery needs to be replaced, it can cost between $10,000 to $20,000. With that being said, these batteries are meant to last the lifetime of your vehicle, which is up to 20 years. So it is likely the battery will not have to be replaced while you own it. At the end of their use in the EV the battery can be repurposed or recycled.
6. If the electrical system has to be replaced, depending on what needs to be replaced, the starting cost is several thousands of dollars.
7. Accident repair costs can climb pretty quickly because of the specialized procedures that the mechanic would have to be licensed for. The equipment that would have to be replaced after an accident could also get expensive due to the specialized equipment due to high voltage systems.

Conversation with an EV owner

"Why would you invest in an EV?"

First answer: It does not have an engine that can break down. There is very little maintenance (typically, the only thing that an owner needs to do every 5,000 to 7,000 miles is tire rotation).

Second answer: It is so quiet and they like not having to gas their vehicle up, and they love having the green option. They charge their vehicle at home, which is so much more economical for their busy family.

Third answer: They have three boys and it gives them peace of mind knowing that they are in a very safe vehicle. 

Note: Tesla currently has a Five Star Crash Test Rating. All EVs also have high crash test ratings.

So now that you have been given some highlights on EV maintenance, you have a more educated and well rounded idea of what kind of vehicle you might want to buy next time you are in the market.

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