The average annual maintenance costs for electric vehicles (EVs) generally range from about $900 to $949, which is typically lower than the maintenance costs for gas-powered cars that average around $1,200 per year. Multiple sources converge on this estimate:
- Consumer Reports found that in 2020, EVs cost roughly $900 annually to maintain compared to $1,200 for gas cars, noting that EVs save about $4,600 over their lifetime due to fewer fluids, fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and less brake wear from regenerative braking.
- EV Connect cites a figure close to $949 per year, referencing an overall lifetime maintenance saving of approximately $4,600 for EV owners versus petrol vehicles. They also mention scheduled maintenance costs as low as $0.06 per mile.
- AAA reports that EVs cost about $949 annually for maintenance and repairs, which is $330 less than gas cars. They emphasize that EVs do not require oil changes, air-filter replacements, or as frequent brake repairs due to regenerative braking.
While EVs have lower routine maintenance costs, some repairs and replacements, notably battery pack replacements, can be expensive (ranging $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the model), though such replacements are rare. Repair costs can sometimes be higher on average for EVs due to specialized components, but overall maintenance remains less frequent and cheaper.
Typical EV maintenance items include:
- Regular tire pressure checks and tire wear monitoring
- Battery coolant level and power inverter checks every ~7,000 miles
- Brake fluid replacement every 5 years
- Flushing corrosive materials (like road salt) every six months
- Professional inspections of electrical, cooling, braking, HVAC, and accessory systems
Summary
| Vehicle Type | Average Annual Maintenance Cost | Notable Maintenance Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Vehicle | ~$900 – $949 | No oil changes, fewer moving parts, regenerative braking reduces brake wear, specialized battery maintenance |
| Gas-Powered Car | ~$1,200 | Oil changes, transmission fluid, spark plugs, fuel filters, more brake wear |
Electric vehicles offer significant savings in maintenance costs primarily due to their simpler mechanical design and fewer routine service requirements, despite potential high-cost repairs being infrequent.
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