Electric Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance
Trained EV technicians with specialist expertise.Do electric cars need servicing?
An electric vehicle (EV) has fewer moving parts than a conventional car however it is a common misconception that electric vehicles do not require regular servicing and/or maintenance. Key checks to areas such as tyre wear, windscreen wiper replacement along with brake fluid changes will all still be needed.
Due to the high voltage cables and battery output specialist training is required to isolate power and work safely on your vehicle. Here at HiQ our electric specialist technicians have the required skills to keep you and your car on the road.
Go Green
Over a year, just one electric car on the road can save an average 1.5 million grams of CO2. That’s the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona.
Source: EDF Energy
Do electric cars require specialist tyres?
Electric and hybrid vehicles pose a new challenge for tyre manufacturers. High torque and increased weight compared to conventional cars can increase standard tyre wear on electric vehicles by around +30%. With a drastic reduction in noise as a result of removing the traditional combustion engine, tyres must also contribute to lowering the overall cabin noise by reducing rolling resistance. Despite battery technology improving exponentially in recent years, limited battery range also prompts increased demand for tyres with lower rolling resistance to help improve overall vehicle efficiency.
To address these challenges premium manufacturers such as Goodyear have worked closely with a number of the worlds leading electric vehicle manufacturers such as Tesla and Porsche to develop an original equipment specification tyre that balances longevity with outright performance and efficiency. In fact, the technology has been so well received that leading patterns such as the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 are now electric compatible as standard.
There are several benefits to electric vehicles (EVs) versus conventional combustion engine petrol/diesel cars:
- Lower running costs - The electricity required to charge electric vehicles is considerably cheaper (pence per mile) than petrol for the same vehicle. To explore the cost savings why not try this handy fuel cost savings calculator.
- Reduced maintenance – An electric vehicle (EV) has fewer moving parts than a conventional car. This means little servicing and no expensive fuel injection systems, radiators, exhaust systems, starter motors and many other parts that aren’t featured in an EV. Brakes, tyres and suspension are the key areas of maintenance.
- Tax savings – Electric vehicles with a list price below £40,000 are exempt from road tax. For company car drivers with a zero-emission electric vehicle there is no benefit in kind tax which means 0% tax for 2020/21.
- Better for the environment - Electric vehicles emit zero emissions helping to reduce harmful air pollution from exhaust gases.
The electricity required to charge electric vehicles is considerably cheaper (pence per mile) than petrol and diesel alternatives. You can explore the potential savings using this handy Fuel Cost Savings Calculator.
Electric vehicles emit zero emissions helping to reduce harmful air pollution from exhaust gases. Using renewable energy to recharge EVs, can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions even further. Recharging EVs from a solar power system or other renewable energy sources can reduce environmental impact further.
An increasing trend towards eco-friendly production methods and materials for EVs such as recycled plastics reduces the impact on the environment throughout the production supply chain.
Electric motors are also much quieter than standard combustion engines, which means less noise pollution.
Batteries do wear out over time so replacement batteries will eventually be needed. Most car manufacturer warranties cover EV batteries for around 8 years and/or 100,000 miles. This warranty period is longer than most new car ownership with many drivers now opting for short leasing or PCH contracts.
The costs of replacing an electric car battery can run into thousands of pounds if they are no longer covered under the manufacturer’s warranty period. However, most EV manufacturers offer extensive warranty periods to give drivers peace of mind.
Much in the same way as a standard petrol/diesel car your driver display will show an estimated range and most EVs have a navigation system that will show your nearest charger. If drivers continue to drive beyond “- - -“miles the power will eventually enter a limp mode allowing you to position the vehicle more safely before coming to a complete stop in a similar way to many modern petrol/diesel cars. From here drivers will need to request roadside assistance.
- Charging requirements - Recharging batteries for EVs takes considerably longer than refilling a petrol/diesel car. EVs also rely on a healthy network of charging stations and drivers must plan journeys around this network.
- Limited range – EV vehicles are still in their infancy of development and current mileage range can vary between manufacturers.
- List prices - Electric cars remain generally more expensive than their petrol/diesel alternatives. However, government incentives aim to reduce the total cost of ownership by reducing/eliminating some taxes.
- Weight - Batteries make EVs considerably heavier than petrol/diesel cars. This a disadvantage because this weight puts pressure on battery usage and reduces tyre life.
Electric cars do not have combustion engines and instead use a motor. This means that they do not require engine oil, spark plugs, air filters, coolant, or transmission fluid.
The time it takes to charge an EV can be as little as 30 minutes for a ‘fast charge’ however, this can vary between manufacturers and models. Many EV drivers will top up charge rather than charging from empty to full. To check your vehicles charging time check out Pod Pointshandy guides.
An electric car should be serviced at the same intervals as any car however, EVs are considerably cheaper to service because they have fewer parts. Things such as new tyres, windscreen wiper replacement and brake fluid changes will all still be needed.
Your EV should be serviced by a certified technician who is able shut down and isolate high voltage systems safely.
Why choose HiQ?
Choosing HiQ means choosing local expertise you can trust. With over 100 centres across the UK, many of which are run by local teams, we’re proud to be part of your community. Our honest, reliable approach puts you first. We’ll only do the work your car needs, and you’ll always know the cost upfront. Backed by Goodyear, a global leader in tyres, HiQ combines local care with unmatched quality to keep you and your car on the road.
Your local experts
Every HiQ centre is run by a team of experienced professionals who live and work in your local area. They’re the heart of our business, providing fast, friendly, and professional service with a personal touch. When you choose HiQ, you’re supporting local businesses while getting expert care for your car.
Free service reminders
Life is busy, so we like to keep things easy. Our free service reminders ensure you never miss an MOT or car service. We’ll gently nudge you when it’s time to give your car a little TLC. One less thing for you to remember. More time for everything else that matters.
Finance available
Unexpected car costs shouldn’t put the brakes on your plans. Our finance options help you spread the cost of tyres, services, or repairs, so you can keep moving without stretching your budget. Talk to us about flexible payment solutions designed to make life easier.
Trusted by our customers
Don’t just take our word for it. Thousands of happy customers across the UK trust HiQ, thanks to our honesty, reliability, and five-star service. We’ll always deliver exactly what we promise. It’s why so many customers return time and time again.
